Contact us

Tracks & walks

List these tracks by category:

See also:

Places to visit in the Franz Josef area

Visiting the Franz Josef Glacier safely

Glacier Region Walks booklet

Franz Josef area

Alex Knob Track

It’s a 4-hour climb to the top of Alex Knob. The track zigzags up to Rata Lookout for a view of the Franz Josef Glacier. From there follow the marked track to the summit.
Category: Tramping track
Completion Time: 8 hr return

Callery-Waiho Walk

Follow the Callery-Waiho Walk as it climbs to a high terrace before descending to the Callery River. The track then continues on to the Roberts Point Track.
Category:  Walking track
Completion Time:  2 hr 30 min
Alert:  Partial track closure because of flood damage.

Canavan's Knob Walk

Canavans Knob Walk is now open after extensive upgrading.
Category: Short walk
Completion Time: 40 min return

Douglas Walk

The Douglas Walk is an easy one-hour forest walk that passes by the Peters Pool viewpoint and crosses several moraines before descending to the bridge across Dolly Creek on the way back to the road.
Category: Walking track
Completion Time: 1 hr return

Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk

The 40-minute walk to the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier follows a rocky path over riverbed. Only experienced and prepared visitors should attempt climbing on the glacier.
Category: Walking track
Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min return

Harihari Coastal Walkway

Harihari Coastal Walkway is one of the most scenic walkways on the West Coast, with spectacular views of forest, rivers, mountains and coastline.
Category: Walking track
Completion Time: 2 hr 45 min

Lake Wombat Track

The Lake Wombat Track leads you through a lush rimu forest to the idyllic Lake Wombat.
Category: Walking track
Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min

Okarito walking tracks

North of the Franz Josef Township sits the coastal settlement of Okarito and the Okarito Lagoon. The lagoon is home to more than 76 species of native birds including the kōtuku/white heron and royal spoonbills.
Category: Walking track

Pakihi Walk

Pakihi Walk climbs through kamahi and rimu forest to a platform lookout. It’s a 30-minute return trip.
Category: Short walk
Completion Time: 30 min

Peters Pool Walk

The spectacular view at Peters Pool includes Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, and the Fritz Range, including Mt Moltke and Mt Roon.
Category: Easy access walk
Completion Time: 25 min

Roberts Point Track

The Roberts Point Track requires a good level of fitness. After walking one hour you will reach Hendes Hut. From there the track continues to climb on to Roberts Point where the glacier views are spectacular.
Category: Tramping track
Completion Time: 9 hr

Sentinel Rock Walk

Just a short distance south of the Franz Josef Township you will come to the Glacier and Sentinel Rock walks. The Sentinel Rock Lookout offers impressive views of the glacier, the valley and Waiho River.
Category: Short walk
Completion Time: 20 min

Tatare Tunnels Walk

The 80-minute return Tatare Tunnels Walk follows an old 4WD road to a junction with the Callery/Waiho Walk. From there follow the track to the old water tunnels.
Category: Walking track
Completion Time: 1 hr 20 min return

Terrace Walk

Follow the Terrace Walk as it winds through forest and goes by remnants of past goldmining operations.
Category: Short walk
Completion Time: 30 min

Waitangitaona Wetland Walk

The Waitangitaona Wetland Walk is an easy walk through a regenerating kahikatea forest and flax wetland to a viewing platform with spectacular views of the Southern Alps, Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
Category: Easy access walk
Completion Time: 20 min

Find out more

Easy access walks - North Island

Easy access walks - South Island

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Track category definitions

Plan and prepare for your trip

The Great Walks

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety information

Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.

Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre
Phone:	+64 3 752 0796
Address:	13 State Highway 6 Franz Josef Glacier 7856
Email:
Full office details

Tools

Print this page Email this page Access keys Send an e-card Site map