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Key facts
- Distance
- 8.7 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 2 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere / Westland Tai Poutini National Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Walk or cycle through bush from Franz Josef township to the Franz Josef Glacier car park.
This DOC directory entry covers Te Ara a Waiau Walkway/Cycleway in West Coast, within Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere / Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 8.7 km return via same track
- Walking time: 2 hr
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Cyclist on Te Ara a Waiau Walkway/Cycleway
Pick up the track on the right hand side of the road outside the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre, before crossing and then going under the Waiho River bridge.
The track then runs along the left hand edge of the Glacier Access Road for approximately 1.7 km on a sealed lane marked for walkers and cyclists. Keep off the road lanes.
Approaching the Rata Grove, a gravel track heads into the forest on the left hand side of the road for a short time, before re-emerging from the forest and crossing the Glacier Valley Access Road. Take care to give way to all traffic and cross carefully.
Once across the road the track winds its way easily up the valley through lush rainforest with abundant birdlife. The track crosses the Lake Wombat Walk just minutes from the road crossing – take care at this intersection also, cyclists watch for walkers crossing! Views of the mountains and upper valley are possible at times as you head up the valley.
Cyclists must leave their bikes at the bike rack at the end of Te Ara a Waiau – there is no bike access on any other tracks in the area.
Mountain biking
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Getting there
Te Ara a Waiau starts from SH6 just outside the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre.
Car parking fees
DOC charges fees for car parking at Franz Josef Glacier.
The fees are $2.50 per half hour or $20 a day. If you arrive and leave within 10 minutes, parking is free. If you plan to stay for longer than 10 minutes you must pay on arrival.
Payment machines that accept debit and credit cards are highly visible at each site. Cash payments are not accepted.
Locals and other car park users can purchase an annual permit. Permits cannot be purchased at the payment machines and need to be purchased online.
How to pay fees or buy an annual permit.
Know before you go
Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip.
Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly.
Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
