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.
