Westland Tai Poutini National Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Westland Tai Poutini National Park
IUCN Category II (National Park)
Franz Josef Glacier in 2011
Westland Tai Poutini National Park Location in New Zealand
Location	West Coast, New Zealand
Area	1,319.8 km2 (509.6 sq mi)
Established	1960
Governing body	Department of Conservation

Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a super cool place found on the western coast of New Zealand's South Island. It became a national park in 1960 and covers a huge area of about 1,320 square kilometers. This park stretches from the very tall peaks of the Southern Alps all the way to a wild and beautiful coastline. It's right next to the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

About Westland Tai Poutini National Park

This amazing park is home to many different natural wonders. You can find huge glaciers, beautiful lakes, and thick temperate rainforests here. There are also old towns along the coast where people used to dig for gold.

Famous Glaciers

Two of the most popular spots in Westland Tai Poutini National Park are the Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. These are huge rivers of ice that slowly move down from the mountains. Many people visit them to see their incredible size and beauty.

Fun Things to Do

The park offers exciting activities for visitors. If you like hiking, the popular Copland Track is a great choice. It follows the Karangarua River upstream. Along this track, you can see amazing mountain views. There are also warm hot springs at Welcome Flat Hut, which are perfect for relaxing after a hike.

Some people also come to the park to hunt for animals like red deer, chamois, and tahr. Helicopters can take hunters to the rough, mountainous parts of the park.

Park Expansion

In 2010, the Westland Tai Poutini National Park grew even bigger. Over 4,400 hectares were added to its size. Most of these new areas are located to the east of Okarito Lagoon. This expansion helps protect even more of New Zealand's special nature.