Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier is a stunning 13-kilometer-long glacier descending from the Southern Alps into temperate rainforest near the Tasman Sea. Unlike many glaciers worldwide, Fox Glacier is easily accessible and has a terminal face just 250 meters above sea level, making it one of the most accessible glaciers on the planet. The tiny township of Fox Glacier serves as the base for guided walks, heli-hikes, and scenic flights that offer unforgettable perspectives of this dynamic ice river.

Highlights & What to See

• Guided Glacier Walks & Heli-Hikes – Walk on the ice with a guide, exploring crevasses, ice caves, and blue pinnacles. The heli-hike includes a short flight to the upper glacier for more dramatic scenery.
• Scenic Flights – Take a fixed-wing plane or helicopter flight over Fox Glacier and neighboring Franz Josef Glacier for panoramic views of the nevé and alpine peaks.
• Lake Matheson – A short drive from town, this mirror-like lake offers classic reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman at sunrise and sunset. The easy 2.6km loop walk is a must.
• Fox Glacier Viewpoint & Access Track – Drive to the car park and walk 20 minutes to the terminal face viewpoint (track conditions vary; check locally).
• Gillespies Beach – A wild black-sand beach 10km from town, with a short walk to a seal colony and historic gold-mining relics.

Suggested Time to Spend

Spend at least two full days in Fox Glacier to allow for weather-dependent activities. One day for a heli-hike or guided walk, and another for Lake Matheson at dawn and a scenic flight. If you're short on time, a half-day visit can include the glacier viewpoint and Lake Matheson loop, but you'll miss the best experiences.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier – Just 23km north, offering similar glacier experiences with a larger town and hot pools.
• Okarito Lagoon – A coastal wetland 30km north, famous for kayaking, birdlife (including white herons), and the Okarito Trig walking track.
• Haast Pass & Wanaka – Drive south over the spectacular Haast Pass to Wanaka (2.5 hours), passing waterfalls, blue pools, and rainforest.
• West Coast Glaciers Scenic Drive – The road between Fox Glacier and Franz Josef is lined with viewpoints and short walks through ancient podocarp forest.

Please check official sources for current details.