Places to Visit in Glacier Region

The Glacier Region is in itself a winter wonderland that will awe and amaze kids. Over here, there are several excursion points where children can indulge in with their parents. One of the best things to do with a child here is take a nature walk. The Glacier Region offers many such trek trail that you can follow with children in tow, experiencing the pristine environment and untouched landscape like never before. Some of the most popular trails to follow include the Minnehaha Walk. This one begins 50 metres south of the Fox Glacier Village on State Highway 6 and is an extremely relaxing and scenic experience. According to legends, Minnehaha was a fictional Native American woman whose name roughly translates to Babbling Brook. This walking trail was named after her in recognition of her epic love story with a lieutenant in the United States Army at Fort Sully.

Another fun-filled experience at the Glacier Region is the Lake Wombat Track. This walk takes visitors to the Lake Wombat, formed over 9,000 years ago. The leisurely 1 hour 30 minute trail was named after Wombat Jack, one of the original prospectors in Glacier Country who came looking for gold in the late 1800s. 

Those looking to catch a glimpse of the majestic Kotuku (White Heron), the Kawapaka (Little Black Shag), the Kotuku Ngutu Papa (Royal Spoonbill), and other such birds should visit the White Heron Colony from mid-September to early March. This is New Zealand’s only nesting site for the Kotuku, making the White Heron Colony a nature escapade of significance. Tours are arranged here on mini buses and last about 2 and 1/2 hours. 

Located in the Franz Josef Glacier Village, this is officially the home to the breeding and nurture of the rowi kiwi. For the uninitiated, the rowi kiwi is an extremely rare bird, found only in the Okarito Forest, near Franz Josef Glacier. This tourist attraction is open throughout the year and enables visitors to get up and close to the adorable rowi kiwis bred in captivity.