Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier is one of New Zealand's most accessible and awe-inspiring glaciers, descending from the Southern Alps almost to sea level. This 13-kilometre-long river of ice offers a rare chance to walk on ancient ice, surrounded by temperate rainforest and dramatic alpine scenery. The small township of Fox Glacier serves as the base for guided glacier walks, heli-hikes, and scenic flights, while the nearby Lake Matheson provides mirror-perfect reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.

Highlights & What to See

• Guided Glacier Walks: Join a guided hike onto the terminal face of Fox Glacier, where you can explore ice caves, crevasses, and pinnacles with crampons and ice axes.
• Heli-Hike: Take a helicopter flight onto the upper nevé for a more remote and pristine ice experience, with panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding peaks.
• Lake Matheson: Walk the easy loop track around this mirror lake at dawn or dusk for classic reflection shots of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
• Scenic Flights: Book a fixed-wing or helicopter flight over the glacier and the Southern Alps, offering breathtaking views of the icefall and alpine peaks.
• Fox Glacier Township: Explore the small village with its cafes, shops, and the Glacier Viewing Gallery, which provides insights into the area's glacial history.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend one full day to experience a glacier walk or heli-hike and explore Lake Matheson. If you're short on time, a half-day can cover a scenic flight and a quick walk to the glacier viewpoint. For a more relaxed pace, stay overnight to catch sunrise at Lake Matheson and enjoy a longer glacier tour the next day.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier: Just 23 kilometres north, this sister glacier offers similar experiences with a different character and the famous Franz Josef Hot Pools.
• Okarito Lagoon: A serene coastal lagoon south of Franz Josef, perfect for kayaking and birdwatching, including the rare white heron.
• Gillespies Beach: A wild black-sand beach near Fox Glacier, ideal for a coastal walk and seal spotting.
• Haast Pass: A scenic drive south through rainforest and waterfalls, connecting to the West Coast's wild beauty.

Please check official sources for current details.