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New Zealand
> Nelson - Westland > Glacier Country
 This
region from Whataroa to Haast is a treasure trove of rugged
mountains, picturesque lakes with many opportunities to stop and
experience nature, (do pack some insect repellent). The
highway provides access to
Westland National Park.
Okarito a 1/2 hour drive
off the main highway is home to the white heron sanctuary and
extensive estuaries where you can hire canoes and guides for
detailed information.
Lake Mapourika is a pretty lake,
popular for boating and picnics.
Franz Joseph Glacier
village is a bustling
base for recreational activities on the glacier and nearby alps. The
walk to the glacier takes an hour
or so, the walk is over the riverbed, so strong shoes and warm
clothing is advised. Guides are available to take you on
to the ice and if you are not experienced, do not do it
unguided, rescues are expensive...
Self contained
accommodation is available at
The
Glacier View Motel and
Motel Franz Josef
 Further
south is Fox Glacier, not quite as busy as Franz,
but has all amenities and access to the glacier is an easy hour and
a half return walk. Take the drive out to Gillespies Beach, and
get up before dawn for the stunning sunrise views over Lake
Matheson.
Further south through
the Karangarua forest is the Karangarua river. A five hour walk up
river from here will take you to the popular natural hot
springs. There is accommodation in the DOC hut which in peak season
can be crowded. From here there is a climbing route via Copeland Pass to
Mt
Cook Village.)
Bruce Bay is home to
lobster fishermen and activities include fishing, quad bike riding
and beach exploration.
Lakes Paringa and
Moeraki are often a photo stop.
Haast Township is an
outdoor recreation area and home to adventure charter services and a
few farms. Activities include hunting, fishing, walking, helicopter
flights into the alps, guided tours. Haast is an ideal stopover on
the drive from the northern coast to Wanaka and Otago.
Aspiring Court Motel provides comfortable beds and is a base to
explore the area.
From here
the highway crosses the alps to Hawea and all points
east, and one can explore south of here (no road
exits) to Jackson Bay and the Cascade river, as
remote as any where in NZ that you can drive to.
The whole
of Westland has innumerable outdoor recreation
opportunities, walking, fishing, hunting and
facilities for just kicking back and relaxing. Winter
is the of season when many local business people shut
up shop for their own holidays.
For local
information see
Westland National Park
and the visitor Centres at:
Fox Glacier
Department of Conservation
State Highway 6, Fox Glacier
PO Box 9, Fox Glacier
Ph +64 3 751 0807
Fax +64 3 751 0858
Accommodation
- Hotels -
Motels -
Drive Guide
Franz Josef Glacier
Department of Conservation
State Highway 6, Franz Josef Glacier
PO Box 14, Franz Josef Glacier
+64 3 752 0796
+64 3 752 0797
Haast Visitor Centre
Department of Conservation
State Highway 6 and Jackson Bay Road, Haast
PO Box 50, Haast
Ph +64 3 750 0809
Fax +64 3 750 0832
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