Fox Glacier: Glaciers, Rainforest and Lakes

Fox Glacier combines glacier experiences with trails through forested landscapes and views of lakes and mountains. The town is located on State Highway 6. From the main road, you can reach the dynamic glacier landscape in its forested surroundings by car and on foot.

Glacier experiences with different focuses

The Fox Glacier Express starts in Fox Glacier Township with a helicopter flight to a remote section of the glacier that cannot be reached on foot. There, you can hike on the glacier. Fox It Up Heli Ice Climbing also takes you by helicopter from Fox Glacier Township to an ice-climbing site in the higher reaches of Fox Glacier. No prior experience is required for this tour; the guides provide comprehensive instruction. You can choose between glacier hiking and ice climbing as distinct experiences. Weather and glacier conditions can affect operations for the Fox Glacier Express.

Trails through the valley, river landscape, and rainforest

Fox Glacier Valley is less than 6 km from Fox Glacier. It offers opportunities for hiking and cycling, with different views of the glacial valley. The Fox Glacier South Side Walkway/Cycleway offers a different landscape: it follows the south bank of the Fox River through ancient podocarp rainforest. The first viewpoint can be reached after about a 40-minute walk. Access to the trail is 2 km south of Fox Glacier Weheka Township. Bicycles must be left at the old car park; continue on foot from there. Do not go beyond the designated viewpoint because of the extreme risk of flooding, and check current trail conditions before your visit.

The short Minnehaha Walk follows a stream through the rainforest near Fox Glacier. It is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers; check local conditions if needed. After dark, glowworms may be visible in the forest. The trail offers a daytime walk as well as the opportunity to experience the forest environment differently later on.

Lakes and mountain views

Lake Matheson, formed by glacial activity, is 6 km from Fox Glacier. On calm, clear days, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and the forested shore may be reflected in its still waters. The Lake Gault Track branches off the Lake Matheson/Te Ara Kairaumati Walk. To get to the starting point, drive from the center of Fox Glacier Weheka Township along Cook Flat Road to the Lake Matheson car park. The historic track climbs through ancient podocarp forest and offers panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. In good weather, the mountain landscape may be reflected in Lake Gault.

The Peak Viewpoint offers a different perspective: it is 9 km from Fox Glacier, toward the coast. From there, panoramic views extend across the névé of Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe and the Southern Alps Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. Lake Matheson and Lake Gault offer possible reflections in suitable conditions; at the viewpoint, the névé and mountains dominate the view.

Gold-mining history and winter rest by the sea

Gillespies Beach is 21 km by road from Fox Glacier and is a historic gold-mining settlement. The short Gillespies Suction Dredge Walk starts at the main car park and passes the remains of a suction dredge used by gold miners in the late 19th century. The coast has another distinctive feature in winter: a seal colony uses Galway Beach as a resting place. The beach can be reached via a tramping track from Gillespies Beach.

Getting there and choosing accommodation as a base

InterCity operates regular bus services to Fox Glacier from Nelson, Queenstown, and destinations along the West Coast. As schedules and availability can change, check the current bus service before your trip. When choosing a hotel, it helps to plan the experiences you want and how to get to them together: helicopter tours depart from Fox Glacier Township, while viewpoints and coastal destinations are outside the town. Compare the location of the specific accommodation you are considering with your plans, and check current conditions for the activities that interest you.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Whataroa, Haast, Ross, Bruce Bay, Kakapotahi, Franz Josef Glacier, Otira, Okarito.

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