The famous Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe is a longer and faster moving glacier than neighbouring Franz Josef. The terminal face of Fox Glacier is only five kilometres from the village and the Fox Glacier walk is an easy, family friendly adventure.
However, choice of walks to Fox Glacier can cause some confusion with expectations of how close up visitors can get.
There are two main options for walking in the Fox Glacier Region:
- South Side Walk
- Fox Glacier Valley Walk
On our visit to Fox Glacier, we did the South Side Walk (6.4 km) to the Glacier Viewpoints. The shorter Fox Glacier Valley Walk (2.6km) was closed.
The Fox Glacier South Side Walk follows the south bank of the Fox River through the ancient podocarp rainforest to two separate lookout viewpoints for the glacier.
Quick facts about the Fox Glacier Walk
- Distance: 6.4 km return via the same track
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Main township: Fox Glacier
- Cost: Free. There is not charge to walk the track.
- Track difficulty: Easy; walking track
- Pram/wheelchair access: No
- Toilets: There are toilets in Fox Glacier township. At the time we visited (May 2020) the toilets at the old carpark halfway along the track, were closed.
- Mobile coverage: No
- Location: State Highway 6 Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Fox Glacier
Walking the track
The Fox Glacier walk is a great easy, family-friendly day walk. Historically, the track to Fox Glacier was on the northern side of the Fox River and took hikers within a few hundred metres of the glacier face.
However, due to big landslides and the changing rate of melt and shape of Fox Glacier this track is closed indefinitely. Today the walk starts on the Southern Side of Fox River, and is called the Fox Glacier South Side walk.
The South Side track itself is split into two main sections. The first, from the carpark to a Glacier Viewpoint. And the second section, from there to a closer River Viewpoint.
Part 1: From the carpark to Glacier Viewpoint
The walk from the South Side carpark to the Glacier Viewpoint is an easy walk through rainforest type vegetation and native bush bordering the trail.
The trail is a gentle walk uphill the majority of the way. The last 200m up to the Glacier Viewpoint is slightly steeper, though not really anything of challenge or to note in particular.
The track itself is mostly a wide gravel track enclosed by native bush on both sides. There is little in the way of obstacles, and the path is clear and wide.
It takes about an hour from the carpark to the first Glacier Viewpoint. From here, the track continues to reach an old car park.
Lookout on your way
We didn’t know about it in advance, but were excited to discover a natural Warm Spring part way along the first section of the track. The spring is well signposted so you won’t miss it.
Part 2: From Glacier Viewpoint to the River Viewpoint
From the old carpark, you can carry on a further 900 metres down towards the final River Viewpoint of Fox Glacier. The track is narrower here and bike access is prohibited.
Follow the path downhill in the direction of the glacier, until you arrive at the final River Viewpoint. Take care at this point as the track ends abruptly above the old glacial river bed down below.
Note: From here the glacier is still approximately 400 metres away. And unfortunately, it is not possible get any closer on foot. It is not recommended to go past this point due to extreme flood hazard.
The return walk
The return walk is slightly faster than the initial walk to the viewpoint. The track from the old carpark (start of Part 2 of track) back towards the start is majority downhill.
Our verdict
I really enjoyed this Fox Glacier walk and would recommend it. Albeit, the biggest downside it obviously the distance that the track ends at is still a long way away from the glacier. However, we had read this was the case and so had adjusted our expectations accordingly.
The Fox Glacier walk itself is beautiful. And moreover, the atmosphere of being in such an ancient area of glacial history feels surreal.
Know before you go
- Like Franz Josef and other glacier areas, the Fox Glacier area can be hazardous with ice and rockfall or warnings of flooding. Be aware of and respect your surroundings.
- Check for weather updates: All or part of the track can be closed due to weather effects or maintenance. Check the daily glacier access update on Glacier Country website here.
- Dress appropriately. Weather can change rapidly so ensure you take warm and waterproof clothing.
- Carry water and snacks. There are no shops near the track (the closest refreshments are in Fox Glacier village).
- Use sun protection and insect repellent for your comfort.
Getting there
From the Fox Glacier Weheke township, drive south for 2km and cross the Fox River Bridge. Park in the car park on the left hand side of the road (if heading south).
Fox Glacier Town
The smaller township size of Fox Glacier offers a more intimate glacier-country village experience than its larger neighbour, Franz Josef. However, there is everything you need for a nights stay.
Interestingly the most popular walk in the Fox Glacier region is not actually the Fox Glacier Valley walk. Rather, the area is renowned internationally for the stunning reflections of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman in Lake Matheson. Read more about that here.
Accommodation options in Fox Glacier
If travelling the West Coast by campervan, there are several options for campsites in Fox Glacier, Franz Josef and Haast including:
FOX GLACIER: Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park
Location: Kerr Road, Fox Glacier 7886
Cost: Powered site from $48 per night
Facilities: All the Top 10 Holiday Park facilities and great location to explore Fox Glacier as a day trip.
FRANZ JOSEF: Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park
Location: 2902 Franz Josef Highway, Franz Josef Glacier
Cost: Powered sites from $48 p/n.
Facilities: Amazing facilities. Great base for exploring Franz Josef. Big playground and jumping pillow. Friendly staff.
HAAST: Haast River Motels/Holiday Park
Location: 52 Haast Pass Highway, State Highway 6
Cost: From $44 NZD p/n
Facilities: Communal kitchen and dining area. Toilets and hot showers. Note: NO pots, plates or utensils supplied. Free Wifi (500 mb per device). And don’t forget to visit Jackson Bay while staying in Haast. We saw dolphins in the bay!
If visiting by car, there are many other options for accommodation in Fox Glacier listed here on the Glacier Guiding website.
And you can read about the three best family friendly walks at Franz Josef, here.
Get the best views of Fox Glacier
There is a great lookout spot to view Fox Glacier from the roadside close to the township.
From the main road (State Hwy 6) at Fox Glacier town, turn right into Cook Flat Road. Drive for 9km and turn right into Gillespies Beach Road.
And from there, you will see a pullover parking area with a great vantage point view looking back towards Fox Glacier in the distance.
More about travel planning for New Zealand and beyond…
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Let me know if you visit Fox Glacier and what your thoughts are on the track, and the majestic glacier itself!