Fox Glacier Tours and Activities

Fox Glacier featuring a river or creek, mountains and mist or fog
Fox Glacier showing mountains, a cascade and mist or fog
Fox Glacier which includes mist or fog, mountains and a waterfall
Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier showing forests, mist or fog and mountains


Discover the spectacular caves, ice fields and valleys of this enormous glacier on guided hiking, climbing and helicopter excursions.

Gear up for adventures of a lifetime at Fox Glacier. Viewing this huge mass of ice on hiking and helicopter tours is an awe-inspiring visual treat. Fox Glacier is a 2,600-metre (8,500-foot) tall and 13-kilometre (8-mile) long glacier. It cuts through the temperate rainforests of Fox Valley from the tallest peaks of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The glacier forms part of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, a breathtaking expanse of glacial lakes, mountains and rivers.

Gaze in awe at the imposing terminal face that greets you upon arrival at the glacier. See where the ice ends its journey after travelling from the Southern Alps. Listen as ice blocks break free and collapse into Fox River. The glacier’s face is accessible via a leisurely 2-hour walk from the nearby village.

Sign up for a glacier trekking and climbing tour during which you will use specialist equipment such as crampon boots and ice picks. Tours start with an exhilarating helicopter flight, which presents unbeatable views of ice caves, pinnacles and rainforests. Experience the unique thrill of the helicopter landing right on the glacier.

Follow your guide to naturally formed arches and tunnels. Trek to a large snow shelf below Chancellor Dome and admire the views of Gillespies Beach and Mount Tasman. Spot alpine flowers, mountain antelope and mountain parrot. Land on Victoria Flat and then have fun forging your own trail and dropping down into ice holes.

For the ultimate adrenalin rush, take an ice-climbing tour. Work with a trained instructor and use climbing gear to ascend and descend overhanging walls and pinnacles. Alternatively, join an overnight trekking adventure. Spend the night at Chancellor Hut, a historic alpine house built around 1930. Visit alpine gardens and waterfalls, dine right on the glacier and enjoy superb sunsets over the Tasman Sea.

Fox Glacier is just 5 kilometres (3 miles) from its namesake village, on New Zealand’s South Island. The village has numerous tour operators that run excursions to the glacier year-round, subject to weather conditions. Wear suitable cold-weather clothing and remember to bring your camera the glacier is constantly moving and its appearance can change while you are walking on it.

Plan a trip to see Fox Glacier

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Reviews of Fox Glacier

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
60
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
16
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 5%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Parts of trail closed, misleading

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Fox Glacier has been closed since Aug 2019 so we could not do glacier walk. We were however able to get an aerial view from helicopter

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

the road was closed unfortunately

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Access road was closed, but got a great view from the cafe at Lake Matheson

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Is quite a steep climb but well worth it

5/5 - Excellent

Sally

Lovely drive up to th viewing point.

Popular places to visit


Top Fox Glacier Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Sunset Motel

Sunset Motel

3 out of 5
93 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier
Sunset Motel
Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier

Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier

4 out of 5
55 Main Road SH6, Fox Glacier
Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier
Mt Cook View Motel - Fox Glacier

Mt Cook View Motel - Fox Glacier

4 out of 5
209 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier
Mt Cook View Motel - Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier Lodge

Fox Glacier Lodge

4 out of 5
41 Sullivan Road, Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier Lodge
Rainforest Motel

Rainforest Motel

3.5 out of 5
15 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier
Rainforest Motel
The Westhaven Motel

The Westhaven Motel

3 out of 5
29 Main Road, State Highway 6, Fox Glacier
The Westhaven Motel
Lake Matheson Motel

Lake Matheson Motel

4 out of 5
Cnr Cook Flat Road & Pekanga Drive, Fox Glacier
Lake Matheson Motel
Te Weheka Hotel Fox Glacier

Te Weheka Hotel Fox Glacier

4.5 out of 5
Main Road, State Highway 6, Fox Glacier, South Westland
Te Weheka Hotel Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels

Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels

2 out of 5
Kerrs Road, Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier offers a range of exciting activities for tourists, including exhilarating glacier adventures and guided tours that provide insights into this stunning natural wonder. Walking and hiking trails allow visitors to explore the breathtaking scenery, while nearby holiday parks offer comfortable accommodations. For those seeking adventure, various activities are available to make the most of your visit to this captivating region of Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

Shopping

In Fox Glacier, you can find charming local shops offering unique souvenirs and gifts. For more extensive shopping, if you’re up for a drive, visit the West Coast Shopping Centre in Hokitika, located about 48.3km away, featuring a variety of stores and local artisan goods.

Recreation

At Waiho Hot Tubs, located 16.1km from Fox Glacier, you can indulge in rejuvenating body treatments surrounded by tranquil natural scenery. The soothing hot tubs offer a perfect escape to unwind and relax while enjoying the serene vibes of the West Coast.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views with Air Safaris, a scenic flight located 6.4km from Fox Glacier, showcasing stunning landscapes. For those seeking adventure, hike the 9.7km Roberts Point trail, offering incredible outdoor scenery. Alternatively, explore the Governors Bush Walk Trailhead, situated 25.7km away, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Fox Glacier offers a relaxed nightlife with friendly pubs like The Fox Glacier Inn for a casual drink and local vibe. For a unique experience, enjoy a night walk beneath the stars in the tranquil surroundings of the national park, where nature’s beauty shines after dark.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier offers a stunning array of attractions for every type of traveller, featuring breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. Explore the remarkable Fox Glacier, visit the charming Fox Glacier Village, and take in the impressive sights of the glacier itself. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil lake experience or the thrill of a national park, Fox Glacier and its surroundings are sure to provide an unforgettable holiday on New Zealand's West Coast.

  • Aoraki / Mount Cook: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park offers breathtaking alpine scenery and adventure activities, from hiking to mountaineering. Experience the stunning vistas of New Zealand's highest peak, framed by rugged mountains and glacial valleys.
  • Franz Josef Glacier: This magnificent glacier showcases spectacular ice formations and is easily accessible for guided tours. Witness the incredible beauty of glacial landscapes, surrounded by lush rainforests and towering mountains.
  • Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest: Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this rainforest, where a night walk reveals magical glow worms illuminating the dark. Experience the unique eco-friendly environment, rich in biodiversity and stunning natural beauty.

Best time to go to Fox Glacier

The best time to visit Fox Glacier is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February and February are its hottest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny. July and July are its coolest month on average. At the time of July, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.9°F (7.7°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
January45.9°F (7.7°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
February46.2°F (7.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
February46.2°F (7.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
March43.2°F (6.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March43.2°F (6.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April38.1°F (3.4°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April38.1°F (3.4°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May32.4°F (0.2°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May32.4°F (0.2°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June27.1°F (-2.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
June27.1°F (-2.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
July25.0°F (-3.9°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
July25.0°F (-3.9°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
August26.4°F (-3.1°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
August26.4°F (-3.1°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
September28.9°F (-1.7°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September28.9°F (-1.7°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October32.5°F (0.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October32.5°F (0.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November38.1°F (3.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November38.1°F (3.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Fox Glacier

To save money on your trip to Fox Glacier, consider visiting in May or August to September for lower accommodation rates. Booking about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can help you snag great savings. Saturdays are the cheapest nights to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's filters to find eco-friendly options and sort by price to uncover the best deals. Combining flights and activities in a package can also lead to significant savings on your overall holiday.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Fox Glacier are May and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Fox Glacier about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Fox Glacier is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Fox Glacier is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make the most of Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you're after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a range of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book right now. To find the best deals, simply sort the price options from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make some savings by combining your Fox Glacier accommodation with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package deal.

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