Westland Tai Poutini National Park was founded in 1960 and is a large park rather than a single site, so a family visit is best planned around one starting point. The park’s visitor centre in Franz Josef is that point: it has public toilets and Wi-Fi, free parking on Cron Street and at the Glacier Base car park, and staff who know which tracks are open that day. From there, the Franz Josef Glacier walk has its own car park. The trade-off is that nature sets the schedule: the glacier walk and its access road can be closed because of flooding, rockfall or landslides, so a fixed plan for the glacier may have to change on the day. Ask at the visitor centre before you drive up.
Family FAQ
Is there parking at Westland Tai Poutini National Park?
The Franz Josef Glacier car park costs $2.50 per half hour or $20 a day; it is free if you leave within 10 minutes.
How much does Westland Tai Poutini National Park cost?
Welcome Flat Hut (a 7-hour tramp in) costs $30 adults, $15 ages 5-17, under-5s free per night from 1 May to 30 September; higher rates apply the rest of the year and booking is required.
