The National Park Westland, New Zealand extends
from the rise of glaciers as the Southern Alps,
some 3000 meters high, the temperate rain forests
that extend the duration of remote beaches on
the west coast flanked of the Tasman Sea. With
nearly 60 glaciers spread in all directions,
it is not difficult to imagine why Westland
National Park is such a popular holiday destination.
The legend of the National Park Westland
New Zealand
The origin of glaciers in the Westland National
Park can be attributed to the ice age or the
Maori legend of the avalanche daughter, Hinehukatere.
It is believed that this girl was in love with
the mountains and with a boy named Tawe. Together,
they climb the peaks and revel in the rarified
air. One day, however, tragedy struck and the
boy slipped to his death. The many glaciers
that dot the landscape of Westland National
Park are nothing more than a reservoir of tears
that the avalanche daughter shed on its loss.
Tourist attractions in the National
Park Westland New Zealand
Of the 60 glaciers that dot the highlands of
Westland National Park, two are the most popular-
Fox and Franz Josef. These fast-moving glaciers
(4 m per day) down from the snow in the Southern
Alps create sounds of thunder which moves from
the valleys in the dense temperate rainforest.
The valleys and temperate rainforest along the
West Coast complete all the tourist attractions
offered by visits to New Zealand, courtesy Westland
National Park.
The flora and fauna in the national
park of Westland New Zealand
From the alpine shrubs and wildflowers along
the temperate rainforests of the coast, the
Westland National Park is a desert escape in
New Zealand. At the park, you can identify species
of rare birds in their natural habitat, including
the Kiwi to Okarito, southern crested grebe
and white heron.
Activities in the National Park Westland
New Zealand
Glacier guided walks, bush walks, helicopter
tours, walks that stern you through the great
divide, kayaking on the many lakes and Okarito
Lagoon or bird watching in the Waitangi Roto
Nature Reserve are some of activities that lead
seekers to adventure tourism in Westland National
Park.
Accommodation in Westland National Park
on New Zealand
You can stay at the Alpine provided by the Department
of Conservation, New Zealand. You can also stay
in accommodations available at Fox Glacier and
Franz Josef villages, organized by visits to
New Zealand.
