Westland National Park
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Westland Tai Poutini National Park | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park) | |
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Location: | West Coast, New Zealand |
Coordinates: | |
Area: | 1175 km² |
Established: | 1960 |
Governing body: | Department of Conservation |
Westland Tai Poutini National Park is located in New Zealand's South Island. Established in 1960, the centenary of the European settlement of Westland, it covers 1,175 km², and extends from the highest peaks of the Southern Alps to a wild and remote coastline.
Included in the park are glaciers, scenic lakes and dense temperate rainforest, plus remains of old gold mining towns along the coast.
Westland National Park offers hunting opportunities for Red Deer, Chamois and Tahr. Helicopter access allows hunters access to the rugged mountain areas. The famous Copland Track runs upstream from the Karangarua River bridge. Along with mountain scenery there are hot springs found at Welcome Flat Hut.