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Fox Glacier is a haven for families seeking adventure and connection with nature. Among the many highlights are the incredible family-friendly walks that cater to all ages and abilities. These scenic tracks lead to breathtaking viewpoints and weave through ancient rainforest. As you wander these trails, take a moment to soak in the beauty around you—listen to the birdsong, spot colorful fungi, and keep an eye out for hidden treasures like insects or mossy forest floors that seem straight out of a fairytale.

Fox Glacier South Side Walkway, West Coast, NZ

 

Fox Glacier South side Walkway / Cycleway

Duration: 2 hours

Distance: 6.4km return via same track

 

This scenic walkway leads to the closest viewpoint of Fox Glacier. The track meanders along the south bank of the Fox River, winding through ancient podocarp rainforest and crossing glacial moraine surfaces. About 40 minutes in, you’ll reach the first glacier viewpoint. From there, continue up to the old car park, where the track gently descends through lush rainforest for another 10 minutes to a closer glacier viewpoint.

On your journey, keep an eye out for a warm spring beside the track—a gem that children will love. If walking ensure you take the optional moraine walk. This route is a magical detour through vibrant, moss-covered forest, often described as walking through a “green palace.”

If cycling, you can ride as far as the old car park (about 1 hour return), where bikes must be left before continuing on foot.

 

Family Friendly Walks, Fox Glacier, West Coast, NZ

Photo Credit: Liuliu Photography

Minehaha Walk

Duration: 20 minutes

Distance: 1.2km loop track

 

The delightful short walk that is near Fox Glacier village is perfect for young children. The track follows a stream through the rainforest and is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. Glow worms can be seen after dark so take a torch and go exploring at night.

 

Lake Matheson Fox Glacier

Lake Matheson

Duration: 1hr 30min

Distance: 2.6km loop track

 

This walk is one of the most popular short walks in New Zealand and for good reason! Lake Matheson is famous for the beautiful mirror reflections of Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman. The waters of Lake Matheson are dark brown, creating the ideal reflective surface on a calm day. You will cross the Clearwater suspension bridge and walk through ancient native forest to the Jetty Viewpoint. The jetty provides a stunning mountain view and magnificent reflections. This first section of the walk up to Jetty Viewpoint is 40 minutes return and is suitable for assisted wheelchairs.

After walking to Jetty Viewpoint you can continue on further around the lake. You will find another magnificent mountain reflection shrouded in native foliage at the View of Views at the top end of the lake and again at Reflection Island. From here the trail ascends a small hill with a convenient park bench up the top before heading back down towards the neighboring farm and carpark.

Long finned native eels thrive in the dark waters of Lake Matheson so look out for these at the viewpoints. If you want to catch the reflection dawn or dusk is best. However the view is stunning and one the whole family will enjoy no matter what the mood of the lake is.

 

Reflections of Southern Alps in Lake Gault, Fox Glacier, West Coast, New Zealand

Lake Gault Track

Duration: 3 hour return

Distance: 8km return via same track

 

This walk is great for older children or those with energy to burn! The track begins on the track to Lake Matheson, you follow Lake Matheson in an anti-clockwise direction before branching off to Lake Gault. The track gradually climbs through ancient podocarp forest with several small stream crossings. As the track flattens out you will catch a glimpse of Lake Gault through the vegetation. Continue on to the lookout point where there is a clearing with a seat. Sit and enjoy a snack and the incredible views of the Southern Alps including Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. On a still day these peaks are reflected on the surface of the lake.

 

The last four walks on our list are at Gillespies Beach a scenic 21km drive from Fox Glacier Village

 

Suction Dredge Gillespies Beach

Gillespies Suction Dredge Walk

Duration: 15 min

Distance: 400 metres

 

The Gillespies Suction Dredge Walk is a short loop track starting from the main Gillespies Beach car park. Wander past historical remains of the suction dredge used by the miners in the late 19th century. Interpretation panels take you back to when Gillespies Beach was a bustling gold mining town.

 

Gillespies Walks Fox Glacier

Gillespies Bucket Dredge Walk

Duration: 30 min

Distance: 1.6km

 

Follow the Miners Tunnel Track from the main Gillespies Beach car park and camping area through gorse-covered dredge tailings to the remains of an old 1930s gold dredge. On a clear day the mountain tops will peak above the gorse. From here you can continue to the Miners Tunnel or Galway Beach or, return the way you came or via the beach.

 

Miners Tunnel Track

Duration: 1 hr 40 min

Distance: 3.6km

 

This track continues on past the bucket dredge out onto the beach. Walk north along the beach until you reach Gillespies Lagoon. The lagoon is crossed by a bridge 5 minutes inland. Enjoy spectacular views from here on a fine day.

From the lagoon the track follows the line of a gold miners’ pack track, climbing up an old glacier moraine before entering a tunnel built to provide an all-tide access route for miners. The track emerges to a viewing point above the beach – there is no access to the beach from this point.

 

Seals Gillespies Beach

Galway Beach Tramping Track

Duration: 3 hr 30 minute

Distance: 6.8km

 

Follow the Miners Tunnel Track from Gillespies Beach car park and campsite. Turn off at the Galway Beach sign, just before the miners tunnel. The track weaves through rimu forest and leads to a remote beach. The seal colony at Galway Beach is a haul-out (resting) colony for seals in the winter.

Take care not to disturb the seals and never get between the seals and the sea. Do not try and walk through the colony to Gillespies Lagoon – you must return to the car park via the track.

 

Explore these tracks with your family and create unforgettable memories in Fox Glacier. Find more information on these walks here and for family-friendly activities in Glacier Country, click here.

Before you go please remember to:

  • Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Visitor Centre before starting your trip.
  • Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly.
  • Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.