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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -43.47754, 170.01666. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 5 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 1 hr 20 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Fox Glacier area / 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 Fox Glacier township to a viewpoint of the largest active landslide in New Zealand.
This DOC directory entry covers Te Weheka Walkway/Cycleway in West Coast, within Fox Glacier area / 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: 5 km return via same track
- Walking time: 1 hr 20 min
- 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 Weheka
Pick up the track on the left hand side of SH6 south of the Bella Vista Motel. The track enters the forest and follows SH6 for 400 m before turning east and heading into the Fox Glacier Valley.
Along this first section of track the Minnehaha Track leaves and then re-joins Te Weheka Walkway / Cycleway. Take care at the intersections with the Minnehaha Track – cyclists watch for walkers crossing!
As the track heads up valley it climbs steadily but easily before ending at a view of the largest active landslide in New Zealand.
There is no glacier view from this track.
Mountain biking
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Getting there
Te Weheka starts from SH6 just south of the Bella Vista Motel on the main road of Fox Glacier township.
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.
