Glacier Country, located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, is home to the iconic Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, which provide a unique backdrop for birdwatching on New Zealand’s South Island.
Unique in the fact that no other glaciers found at this location come so close to the ocean and are surrounded by podocarp rainforest, the intricate ecosystems of this area create ideal habitats for a number of endangered native bird species such as the Okarito brown kiwi, kaka and kakariki.
Nearby Lake Matheson, formed when Fox Glacier retreated from its last significant advance around 14,000 years ago, is a landscape photographer's dream - on a clear day, the lake acts as a mirror, offering breathtaking reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. The lake is also home to many water birds. Further down from Lake Matheson is Gillespies Beach, a remote black sand beach, where a walk to a seal colony can be enjoyed.
Key info
- Ideal for viewing: Okarito brown kiwi, New Zealand kaka, New Zealand fur seal, tūī, kākāriki
- Where: South Island, New Zealand
