Fox Glacier/Te Moeka o Tuawe is the name of both the glacier and the nearby village and like its bigger neighbouring town Franz Josef, is also world renowned for its untamed natural beauty.
Tucked into the forested foothills of the Southern Alps and surrounded by lush green farmland, the cosy township of Fox Glacier is hugely popular for glacier hikes and scenic flights.
There are plenty of options for activities close to the village including a number of ways to experience the glacier, quiet walks, glow worm spotting, beachcombing, or serious adrenaline pumping adventures.
Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier is longer and faster moving than the Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Its terminal face is just five kilometres from the village.
Near Fox Glacier is beautiful Lake Matheson – one of New Zealand’s most photographed lakes. Famous for its mirror-like reflections on a clear day of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman/Rarakiroa, New Zealand’s highest peaks. A delightful bush track walk follows the lake edge.
Also nearby is Gillespies Beach where up to 1500 seals congregate during winter below Waikowhai Bluff, with smaller numbers to be seen in summer. There are a number of walks at Gillespies Beach ranging from short, easy walks to a more strenuous tramping track.
Getting there
Fox Glacier village is on State Highway 6 and is 158km 2 hours by car from Hokitika, 262km 3 hours and 15 minutes by car from Wanaka and 25 minutes by car from Franz Josef Glacier village.
Fox Glacier is just five kilometres from the village. Check out the Daily Glacier Access Update before your visit.