Fox Glacier is situated on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, within the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. Emerald rainforests surround the temperate maritime glacier which is close to Lake Matheson, known for its stunning reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
Address: 44 Main Road, State Highway 6, Fox Glacier 7859, New Zealand | Find On Map
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Timings: Scenic helicopter tours (8:30am to 5pm and 9am to 5pm), guided heli-hikes (8:50am & 11:50am), guided e-bike and hiking (8:30am & 1pm)
Open on: Opens daily
Please note that Fox Glacier heli hikes and helicopter tours may sometimes be canceled due to bad weather conditions.
Detailed best time to visit Fox Glacier
Summers between December to February, warmer temperatures lead to dramatic ice formations and waterfalls, but hiking can be challenging due to increased melting, making it ideal for experienced hikers. Winter between June to August offers more stable conditions, allowing for safer exploration of ice caves and tunnels, with fewer crowds and clearer skies, ideal for scenic flights. Spring between September to November, and autumn between March to May provide a balance of moderate weather and accessibility, making them excellent for heli-hiking and guided heli-tours.
Start your adventure in the charming Fox Glacier Village on an E-bike, guided through ancient podocarp rainforest. Swap your bike for hiking boots to ascend the Mills Creek track, passing Cone Rock and New Zealand's largest active landslip. Reach a spectacular viewpoint of Fox Glacier's terminal face while learning intriguing facts from your guide.
Fox Glacier is one of the world’s most accessible glacier, with a moderate elevation, making it easy for beginner and intermediate climbers to hike through. Its terminal face is 300m above sea level.
Fox Glacier is the longer of the two glacier, but with a less steep incline making it a great pick for inexperienced climbers. Franz Josef is shorter than the Fox Glacier but has a slightly more challenging incline, which makes it easier for intermediate or expert climbers. Both glaciers are safe for beginners as you will be accompanied by a tour guide, so feel free to take you pick or visit them both!
At Fox Glacier, you can enjoy various activities, including heli-hiking, scenic helicopter flights, guided glacier walks, and ice climbing. Additionally, there are opportunities for photography and exploring nearby attractions, such as Lake Matheson, known for its mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains.
Yes, the Fox Glacier heli hike is designed for people of all experience levels, including beginners. Experienced guides lead the tours, providing safety instructions and necessary equipment such as crampons and walking poles. The hike is adjusted to match the group's fitness and experience, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure.
There are several free activities to enjoy around Fox Glacier, such as hiking the easy trail to Lake Matheson, visiting the Fox Glacier Viewpoint for stunning views of the glacier, and exploring the Minnehaha Walk, a gentle rainforest trail offering the chance to see glow worms after dark.
Safety is a priority at Fox Glacier, and all visitors must follow the guidelines set by their tour guides. Weather conditions can affect access to the glacier, and tours may be canceled or rescheduled for safety reasons. It’s important to dress appropriately for changing weather and icy conditions.
Yes, Fox Glacier is accessible by car via State Highway 6. The drive from Franz Josef Glacier takes about 30 minutes. The roads are well-maintained, but caution is advised, especially in winter when conditions can be icy. There are several scenic stops along the way.
To capture the best photos of Fox Glacier, consider taking a scenic helicopter flight for aerial views. On the ground, sunrise and sunset provide excellent lighting conditions. Lake Matheson is a popular spot for reflection shots of glaciers and surrounding mountains. Take an early morning tour for clear skies, which provide a stunning backdrop for your photos.
Yes, guided hiking tours are available that tell you about the unique flora and fauna of the region. These tours offer insights into the ancient podocarp rainforests, native bird species, and the ecological significance of the area.
Yes, you can view Fox Glacier from the ground by hiking to the Fox Glacier Viewpoint. While this provides a distant view, the experience of being on the glacier itself requires a guided tour or helicopter hike.