Fox Glacier is a striking 13-kilometer-long glacier on New Zealand’s West Coast, flowing from the Southern Alps through luxuriant rainforest to near sea level. One of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world, it moves around 5 meters a week, but it has been retreating in recent decades due to climate change. The glacier is famous for its dramatic ice formations, accessibility, and activities like ice climbing, heli-hiking, and scenic flights. It is a key site for studying glacial dynamics and the impacts of global warming.
Take in stunning crevasses, seracs, and ice caves, offering a unique and mesmerizing view of nature’s artistry.
Fox Glacier, known to the Māori as Te Moeka o Tuawe ("The bed of Tuawe"), is steeped in both natural and cultural history. According to Māori legends, the glacier marks the resting place of Tuawe, the lover of the mountain climber Hine Hukatere. After Tuawe's tragic death in an avalanche, Hine Hukatere's tears flowed down the mountain, and Rangi, the Sky Father, froze them to form the Franz Josef glacier.
In 1857, Māori guides led Europeans Leonard Harper and Edwin Fox to the glacier, making them the first Pākehā to see it. German geologist Julius von Haast later surveyed the glacier in 1865, initially naming it Albert Glacier. In 1872, it was renamed Fox Glacier after Sir William Fox, the then Premier of New Zealand. The glacier's name was formally changed to Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe in 1998 with the passage of the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act, recognizing its cultural significance.
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.
Soar above verdant rainforests and snow-capped peaks on a breathtaking helicopter tour. Marvel at Fox Glacier's intricate ice formations as you land near Victoria Falls. Capture breathtaking photos of this awe-inspiring landscape, showcasing the glacier's majestic power as it carves its way through the terrain.
Embark on a heli-hike adventure over Fox Glacier. Fly above one of New Zealand's largest and fastest-moving glaciers, ending in a lush rainforest. Equipped with gear, explore ice caves and arches with a guide. Traverse icy terrain in a small group before flying back, soaking in spectacular views one last time.
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.
Full-Day Guided Fox Glacier Heli Hike
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Franz Josef Scenic Flight and Glacier Encounter
Guided E-Bike & Hiking Tour of Fox Glacier Valley
From Fox Glacier: Expert Guided Heli-Hike in Fox Glacier
From Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight Tour with Snow Landing
Fox Glacier Heli Ice Climbing Experience