A Guide to Thrilling Adventures in Fox Glaciers

Fox Glacier is a glacier located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, and a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its stunning beauty.

The glacier is named after Sir William Fox, who was the Prime Minister of New Zealand in the late 1800s. It is located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, and is part of the larger West Coast glacier region, which includes the nearby Franz Josef Glacier.

It is a dynamic landscape, constantly shifting and changing, with ice formations and crevasses that are constantly moving and evolving.
What attractions are available in Fox Glacier?
There are several activities and attractions available in Fox Glacier. We have listed some of the activities for you:

Heli-Hike tour

One exciting activity that visitors can experience in Fox Glacier is the Heli-Hike tour. This tour combines a scenic helicopter flight over the glacier with a guided hike on the glacier itself.

It allows visitors to access remote areas of the glacier that are not accessible on foot, and provides an unforgettable experience of walking on the pristine blue ice of Fox Glacier.
Heli-Hiking on Fox Glacier is a great way to fully immerse oneself in the stunning natural beauty of the region, and make unforgettable memories.

Kayaking

One of the most popular kayaking spots in the region is Lake Matheson, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can rent kayaks and explore the lake on their own, or join a guided kayaking tour that includes a knowledgeable guide and equipment.

Additionally, some tour companies offer kayaking trips that combine a scenic helicopter flight over the glacier with a guided kayaking experience on the lake.

This allows visitors to see the glacier from a unique perspective and enjoy the natural beauty of the region in a truly unforgettable way.

Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest

One popular spot is the nearby Franz Josef Glacier, where visitors can take a short walk to the Tatare Tunnels to see glow worms lighting up the darkness inside the tunnels.
Another option is to join a guided night tour of the forest or nearby Okarito Lagoon, where visitors can see the glow worms in their natural habitat.

The guided tours provide visitors with informative commentary on the glow worms and their unique behaviors, making it a fascinating and memorable experience.

West Coast Wildlife Center

The West Coast Wildlife Center is a popular wildlife conservation and rehabilitation facility located in Franz Josef, which is about 25 kilometers north of Fox Glacier. The center is dedicated to the protection of the region’s native species, particularly the rare and endangered Kiwi bird.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the center to learn about the Kiwi’s natural habitat, behavior, and breeding patterns.

The center also offers visitors the opportunity to see live Kiwi birds up close in their specialized nocturnal house.
The West Coast Wildlife Center is a must-visit for those interested in wildlife conservation and learning more about New Zealand’s unique native species.

Fox Glacier Valley Walk

The Fox Glacier Valley Walk is a popular walking trail that takes visitors through a stunning landscape of glacier-carved valleys, rainforests, and alpine landscapes. The walk starts at the Fox Glacier car park and follows a well-marked track along the glacier valley.

Along the way, visitors can admire the beautiful scenery, including waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and the glacier in the distance.

The walk is suitable for people of all fitness levels and can be completed in about 1-2 hours. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather.

Helicopter Ride

A helicopter ride in Fox Glacier is an adrenaline-pumping adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. As you soar high above the rugged terrain, you’ll feel the wind rush past you and the helicopter engine roar beneath you. The stunning scenery below will take your breath away as you gaze down on the majestic glacier and surrounding mountain ranges.

You’ll witness the dramatic ice formations, deep crevasses, and icy blue pools, all from a perspective that few people ever get to experience.