Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier on the West Coast of the South Island is one of the world’s most accessible glaciers. Like its twin, Franz Josef, the glacier descends from the Southern Alps down into temperate rainforest just 300 metres above sea level. Fox is the slightly longer glacier, at about 13 kilometres long.

Named after Sir William Fox (NZ Prime Minister from 1869 to 1872), Fox Glacier describes both the glacier and the nearby village.

Things to do in Fox Glacier

To see Fox Glacier, you can walk to the terminal face, arrange an ice-hiking adventure or book a sightseeing flight. On the glacier you’ll see impressive icefalls (frozen waterfalls), ice caves and arches as well as breathtaking alpine scenery.

Fox Glacier township is located 6 kilometres from the glacier and offers a good choice of accommodation, cafes and restaurants. There are also glowworm caves just a short walk from the town centre.

Close to the township is beautiful Lake Matheson, one of the most photographed lakes in New Zealand. On a clear day it reflects perfect images of Mount Cook. There’s a walking track around the lake which takes about an hour to complete.

Getting to Fox Glacier

There are daily buses to Fox Glacier. You can catch the InterCity bus from Greymouth or the Newmans day tour coach from Queenstown.