Westland Tai Poutini National Park
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New Zealand Tourism » Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Westland Tai Poutini National Park is located on the western coast of New
Zealand's South Island. Established in 1960, the centenary of the European
settlement of Westland District, it covers 1,320 km², and extends from the
highest peaks of the Southern Alps to a wild and remote coastline.
It borders the Aoraki/Mount Cook
National Park along the Main Divide. Included in the park are glaciers,
scenic lakes, and dense temperate rainforest, as well as remains of old gold
mining towns along the coast.
Franz Josef Glacier and
Fox Glacier are two popular tourist attractions
within Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The park offers hunting opportunities
for red deer, chamois, and tahr, while helicopters allow hunters to access the
rugged, mountainous areas.
The popular Copland Track runs upstream from the Karangarua River bridge. Along
with the mountain scenery visible from the track, there are hot springs at
Welcome Flat Hut.
In 2010, over 4,400 ha were added to the Westland Tai Poutini National Park,
consisting of a number of areas scattered throughout the park, the majority
being to the east of Okarito Lagoon.
Getting There
This tourist attraction is well serviced by public transport including taxis,
buses and shuttle.
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