Top Things to do in Fox Glacier
7 Free Things to do in Fox Glacier That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Fox Glacier, New Zealand including Lake Matheson Walk, ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery, Fox Glacier Hiking Trails, Minnehaha Walk, Moraine Walk, Gillespies Beach, Fox Glacier South Side Walk.
Restaurants in Fox Glacier
1. Lake Matheson Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 944 reviews
Lake Matheson is nestled in ancient forest and is famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Its excellent reflecting properties are due to the dark brown colour of the water – the result of organic matter leached from the humus of the forest floor. Dawn and dusk are the best times to enjoy the reflections in the lake. Time: 1 hr 30 min return Getting there: Turn onto Cook Flat Road in the middle of Fox Glacier Weheka township. Travel 5 km along this road then turn right onto the side road to Lake Matheson.
Reviewed By KayM637 - Devonport, New Zealand
Make sure you do this walk on a sunny day, otherwise you will not get the mirrow affect of the Lake for photos. The loop track took us 1 1/2 hrs and has been upgraded and extened since 2005 with board walks and a walk to the island on the lake.
2. ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
ReflectioNZ Gifts and Gallery at Fox Glacier showcases a carefully selected, contemporary range of wares with a New Zealand flavour. This secret gem offers a fantastic selection of products in a modern and relaxing shopping environment at the entrance to the Lake Matheson Walkway. From New Zealand made gifts and artwork to souvenirs, designer merino garments, West Coast greenstone and New Zealand themed jewellery, ReflectioNZ has something for everyone at every budget. Enjoy world-class views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman whilst dining at our contemporary style café next door. One of N.Z.'s greatest scenic icons, Lake Matheson is renowned for its stunning reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. Just five kilometres from Fox Glacier.
Reviewed By DJW20
This shop is out of Fox Glacier next to the carpark for walk to Lake Matheson.It had a huge variety of souvenirs and gifts of good quality, including some lovely silver jewellery.
3. Fox Glacier Hiking Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By Explore33983631731 - North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
We drove through the main township of Fox Glacier towards the glacier access road, where there is a huge car park. We had a camper van and there was ample parking in the car park.There was some toilets at the end of the car park, they were clean and maintained. There are lots of different walks around the area with choice of distances clearly marked. The walk to the main glacier was well maintained considering how many people walk on these tracks on a daily basis. We walked for about 15/20 mins and took photos on the way. We were greeted by the most wonderful sight that im sure we will never see again as the glacier is slowly retracting. But to see such an untamed natural wonder was a memory to cherish. The information stated that due to a lot of rainwater recently the lookout point had been pulled back a bit, due to the water making the paths a little unstable. Certainly well worth going
4. Minnehaha Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
1.2 km easy walking loop track 20 min return. This delightful short walk follows a small stream through the lush rainforest, and loops back to the start point via Te Weheka Walkway/Cycleway. Glow worms may be seen in the forest after dark - take a torch to find your way. Bikes are not permitted on the Minnehaha Walk.
Reviewed By J6301TKdarrenc
A lovely relaxing walk by day amongst the forest; and by night an amazing experience looking at the glow worms scattered along the entire track. We had a full moon and could walk the track safely without any need for lighting. If you don't have the benefit of a full moon and use a torch be sure to cover it so that it dulls the light, otherwise you will miss the glow worms and ruin it for others. A definite must do attraction if you are staying at Fox Glacier.
5. Moraine Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Moraine Walk. Moraines are the debris of rocks and stones left when a glacier retreats. This easy walk takes you over old moraine surfaces and dramatically reveals how quickly plants establish here, and how the age of the bush reflects the various ages of the glacial moraines which it has colonised. The walk begins on a surface several thousand years old and crosses the AD1600 and AD1750 moraines. Getting there Drive south for 2 km from Fox Glacier Weheka township, and turn left immediately after crossing the Fox River Bridge. The Glacier View Road is narrow and unsealed so drive carefully to the car park at the end of this road.
Reviewed By anitao906 - Mannheim, Germany
We had decided to do the South Side Walk along the Fox River, a gravel road - normally shared by cars, bikes and hikers - leading to a car park and view point. It turned out that the road was blocked for vehicles due to some prior flooding damage. No problem for us as we had intended to go on a short hike... It was an easy walk for quite some time until we reached another "road blocked" sign, this time meant for hikers. The suggested detour was via the Moraine Walk, a narrow path winding through the rain forest. As it had been raining for days this track was not so easy any more and when it was too slippery and muddy I sometimes had to hold on to rocks and trees to keep my balance. BUT the scenery was gorgeous. The lush green, the moss, the fallen trees - we had found an enchanted forest. We reached the car park lookout and went on to the next view point to catch a glimpse of Fox Glacier. The view there may not have been the most spectacular one but the Moraine Walk sure was and I'm glad we had to take this "detour".
6. Gillespies Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 197 reviews
There are five walks and a campsite at Gillespie's Beach. Miners Cemetery Walking Track - Time: 5 min return Gillespie's Suction Dredge Walk - Time: 15 min loop Gillespies Bucket Dredge Walk - Time: 30 min return Miners Tunnel Track - Time: 1 hr 40 min return Galway Beach Tramping Track - Time: 3 hr 30 min return Getting there: Gillespies Beach is a 21 km drive from Fox Glacier Weheka township. Head west along Cook Flat Road passing the turn off to Lake Matheson and the Peak Viewpoint along the way. After 8 km turn off to Gillespies Beach Road and follow this for 11 km to the end. Half of the journey is on a narrow, unsealed road – keep left, and keep your speed to a minimum. The road is not suitable for towing vehicles.
Reviewed By mywaypete - Haddam, United States
This beach is located down a long gravel road. Stunning views of the wild Tasman Sea. Way too rough for swimming, but beautiful to take in. There’s a basic toilet facility, and drive up campers seem to enjoy overnights. From the beach, you also get fabulous views of the glaciers and surrounding alps around Mt Cook. If you’ve got time, I highly recommend this excursion.
7. Fox Glacier South Side Walk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 802 reviews
Track length: 6 km return via same track. Suggested duration: 2 hours return along a easy walking track. Getting there Drive south on state highway 6 from the Fox Glacier Weheka township, cross the Fox River Bridge and park on the right hand side of the road heading south. Carefully cross the road on foot to where the track begins. Track Description: The Fox Glacier South Side Walk follows the south bank of the Fox River through ancient podocarp rainforest. The track becomes narrower for a time and crosses ancient glacial moraine surfaces. This section of track reveals how quickly plants establish here, and how the age of the forest reflects the various ages of the glacier moraines which it has colonised. The first viewpoint of the glacier is soon reached, before continuing up valley. The track passes through an old car park and then winds gently downhill through the rainforest to a view point of Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe. Do not go past this point due to extreme flood hazard
Reviewed By Abie2
More impressive than Franz Joseph and you can get closer. It’s just a lovely way to spend a few hours!
