Travel Guide of Fox Glacier in New Zealand by Influencers and Travelers

Fox Glacier, called Weheka until the 1940s, is a village on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The village is close to the eponymous Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Fox Glacier

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Lake Matheson

   6 km away

Lake Matheson is a small glacial lake in South Westland, New Zealand, near the township of Fox Glacier. It was a traditional mahinga kai for local Māori.

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2 - Helicopter tours in Fox Glacier

   7 km away

Fox Glacier is located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park and takes its name from Sir William Fox, who visited the Glacier as Prime Minister of New Zealand in 1872. It is one of the few glaciers in the world which exists in such close proximit...

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3 - Franz Josef Glacier

   14 km away

Franz Josef Glacier / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere is a 12 km long temperate maritime glacier in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

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4 - Mount Tasman

   15 km away

Mount Tasman is New Zealand's second highest mountain, rising to a height of 3,497 metres. It is located in the Southern Alps of the South Island, four kilometres to the north of its larger neighbour, Aoraki / Mount Cook.

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5 - Kayaking in Franz Josef Glacier

   13 km away

Walk where dinosaurs once roamed and paddle over meltwater lakes that hold the secrets to the Pacific Ring of Fire on this kayak and hike adventure to Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Travelling over the reflective waters of Lake Mapourika, you...

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6 - Westland Tai Poutini National Park

   16 km away

Westland Tai Poutini National Park is located on the western coast of New Zealand's South Island. Established in 1960, the centenary of the European settlement of Westland District, it covers 1,320 km², and extends from the highest peaks of the Southern Alps to a wild and remote coastline.

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7 - Aoraki / Mount Cook

   17 km away

Aoraki / Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. Its height, as of 2014, is listed as 3,724 metres. It lies in the Southern Alps, the mountain range which runs the length of the South Island.

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8 - Quad biking in Franz Josef Glacier

   12 km away

Tucked underneath the majestic Southern Alps on New Zealand's rugged untamed West Coast sits Franz Josef village, and the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier offering spectacular mountain views & dense rainforest. Adventure QuadExperience the adventu...

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9 - Southern Alps

   17 km away

The Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana is a mountain range extending along much of the length of New Zealand's South Island, reaching its greatest elevations near the range's western side.

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10 - Tasman Glacier

   22 km away

Haupapa / Tasman Glacier is the largest glacier in New Zealand, and one of several large glaciers which flow south and east towards the Mackenzie Basin from the Southern Alps in New Zealand's South Island.

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11 - Skydiving in Franz Josef Glacier

   13 km away

Come and skydive over New Zealand's highest mountains; the Aoraki and Mount Cook! Skydive Franz is located between New Zealand's highest mountains; the Aoraki and Mount Cook and the ocean. Along with the mountains and ocean, the 360° ...

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12 - Lake Mapourika

   22 km away

Lake Mapourika is located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It lies north of Franz Josef Glacier, and the out-flowing Ōkārito River drains it into the Ōkārito Lagoon.

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13 - Hooker Lake

   22 km away

Hooker Lake is a proglacial lake that started to form in the late 1970s by the recent retreat of the Hooker Glacier. It is in the Hooker Valley, in the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand's South Island, just south of Aoraki / Mount Cook.

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14 - Hiking / Trekking in Franz Josef Glacier

   13 km away

Follow the Waiho River Valley towards the point where the Franz Josef Glacier's ice melts and feeds the river; one of the best hiking trips in New Zealand. When spring comes, a part of the Franz Josef Glacier thaws and feeds the mighty Waiho River. T...

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15 - Karangarua

   23 km away

The Karangarua River is located in the west of New Zealand's South Island. It flows northwest from the Southern Alps, entering the Tasman Sea 80 kilometres northeast of Haast. The main tributary of the Karangarua is the Copland River.

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16 - Hooker Glacier

   24 km away

Hooker Glacier is one of several glaciers close to the slopes of Aoraki / Mount Cook in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. It is not as large as its neighbour, the Tasman Glacier, measuring 11 kilometres in length.

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Pictures and Stories of Fox Glacier from Influencers

15 pictures of Fox Glacier from Mario Karner, Ardiss Hutaff, Tyler Lastovich and other travelers

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Why should you visit Fox Glacier ?

Travel to Fox Glacier if you like:

  ❄️ Glacier     ❄️ Glacial landform     ⛰️ Highland     ⛰️ Hill station  

How to visit Fox Glacier ?

Why Traveling There?

Fox Glacier is one of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers, offering a unique opportunity to explore a dynamic glacial environment. The glacier is renowned for its stunning ice caves, crevasses, and tunnels. Its natural beauty is combined with an abundance of wildlife, including seals, dolphins and penguins. This makes Fox Glacier an unforgettable travel experience.

How to Get There?

Fox Glacier is located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The nearest airport is Hokitika, which is about two hours' drive away. From there, you can hire a car or catch a bus to Fox Glacier. Alternatively, you could take a scenic train ride from Christchurch to Greymouth, then hire a car or catch a bus for the remaining two-hour journey.

What to Book in Advance?

It's recommended to book guided tours of the glacier in advance, especially during peak season (November to March). These tours can include a heli-hike, where you fly up to the glacier and then hike on the ice. You might also consider booking accommodation in advance, as the area can get quite busy.

What are the Costs?

Costs can vary depending on your activities. A guided heli-hike tour ranges from $400 to $500. Accommodation can vary from budget backpacker hostels at around $30 per night to luxury lodges at $200+. Meals at local restaurants cost around $20-$30 per person.

What are the Best Things to Do?

Aside from exploring the glacier, other popular activities include taking a scenic flight over the Southern Alps, visiting the nearby Lake Matheson - famous for its reflective views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, and hiking in the surrounding rainforest. Wildlife lovers should visit Gillespies Beach, a popular spot for seal and penguin sightings.

Where to Eat?

For a delicious meal, visit The Last Kitchen, known for its locally sourced food and wide selection of New Zealand wines. Another good option is Cook Saddle Cafe & Saloon, offering hearty meals and a friendly atmosphere.

Where to Stay?

For luxury accommodation, check out Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel. This stylish hotel offers spacious rooms and stunning mountain views. For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at Ivory Towers Backpacker Lodge, known for its cozy rooms and great location.

Off the Beaten Path

For an unusual travel experience, consider exploring the Minnehaha Glowworm Walk at night. This short walk takes you through lush rainforest to a grotto illuminated by glowworms. It's a magical experience akin to looking at a starry night sky and adds a touch of whimsy to your Fox Glacier adventure.

Learn More about Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier is a village in the South Island of New Zealand. The village is close to the eponymous Fox Glacier, which is a 8-mile long (13 kilometers) glacier located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The city is quite small with only 300 inhabitants, but the number of tourists every year makes the city very lively. The city has two churches, apart from that there is not much to do there, but you will be seduced by its mountainous setting with the glacier which is drawn just above. ​​There are many hikes available in the area, including the spectacular Franz Josef Walk, which is a moderate one hour and a half hike up the glacier valley. You can walk to the end of the Franz Josef Glacier, or enjoy the view of the Fox Glacier. ​​There are different ways to admire the fox glacier, by taking a walk or even a helicopter ride just above the glacier, for the thrill seekers, you can even do a parachute jump to challenge yourself, and you will be so impressed by the view in front of you, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the region. These activities depend a lot on the weather conditions, so be sure to know if you want to do these activities during your trip. ​​Nearby you can go to Gillespies Beach, a volcanic pebble beach with black sand and very impressive waves, to enjoy the sea air while being in the mountains! ​​You can take a walk around Lake Matheson and admire the reflection of the mountains in the water, and also discover the surrounding forests. To stay, there are hotels and inns in the village, but you can also go to a nearby town that offers more accommodation. The area offers many excursions, whether it is on the glacier, at the beach or in the forest, there are different landscapes to please everyone. The place finally allows us to put an end to the debate of which place is the best between the sea and the mountain because here there are both !

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Fox Glacier

Where can I park near the Fox Glacier ?

There are several parking lots where you can leave your car before starting your hike, there is the Franz Josef Glacier Car Park. 

Which departure time is the best to book my trip for Fox Glacier ?

Temperatures at Fox Glacier vary very little. The area is very humid and temperatures are cold half the year, and more pleasant the other half with the chance of rain and snow. If you are looking for soft temperatures to visit Fox Glacier, the warmest months are January through March. But beware, the busiest months for tourists are March and June-July, so take this into account when booking your tickets.

Do I need to have experience to hike Fox Glacier? Can we visit the glacier all year round?

You don't need any experience to hike Fox Glacier, most of the hikes last a few hours and are of moderate level, but if you prefer you can take a guide who will advise you. The glacier can be visited all year round.

What is there to do in Fox Glacier town?

Fox Glacier town is a small village with very few inhabitants, whose main activity is focused on its mountain environment and glacier-related activities. In the town itself, there is not much to do, except maybe to visit the two churches, but the great interest of the town is its glacier and its numerous hikes.

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  ❄️ Glacial landform spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots     🏞️ Lake spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     ⛰️ Highland spots     ⛰️ Hill spots     ❄️ Glacier spots     ⛰️ Mountain range spots  

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