What to do and see in Fox Glacier, South Island: The Best Nature & Parks

June 17, 2021 Stefan Strunk

Discover the best top things to do in Fox Glacier, New Zealand including Fox Glacier Hiking Trails, Copland Track, Minnehaha Walk, Moraine Walk, Mount Fox Route, Gillespies Beach, Fox Glacier South Side Walk.
Restaurants in Fox Glacier

1. Fox Glacier Hiking Trails

Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand http://www.glaciercountry.co.nz/dailyupdate.pdf
Excellent
50%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 396 reviews

Fox Glacier Hiking Trails

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

2. Copland Track

Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/westland-tai-poutini-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/copland-track-to-welcome-flat-hut/
Excellent
62%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Copland Track

You must have a booking to before you start this track. failure to do so could result in a fine and no where to sleep for the night. Always check the latest weather updates before starting this track. Getting there Access is off SH 6, 26 km south of Fox Glacier. The turn-off to the car park is well signposted on the northern side of the Karangarua River bridge. Drive approximately150 m down the gravel road to the car park. Buses pass the road end each morning and afternoon and will drop off and pick up pre-booked passengers.

Reviewed By Talsita

One of the best hikes I've been doing and Highly recommended. The track can be challenging for those who aren't really fit, its worth it absolutely and the pools at the end are amazing! I highly recommend visit the pools early in the morning as well. We've been welcomed so nicely by Peter Davis and he gave a 'hut talk' and shared the history of the place which added a lot to the general experience for us and we've loved it! the hut has a very nice view from the dorms and there are heaps of sand-flies so I would recommend stay in the hut which will minimise that. If you can, its worth staying 2 nights and going to Dougles hut (3h hike - a bit more advanced than Copland track).

3. Minnehaha Walk

State Highway 6, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/westland-tai-poutini-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/minnehaha-walk/
Excellent
64%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

Minnehaha Walk

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.

4. Moraine Walk

Glacier View Road Fox Glacier Area, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/c1b240bc95714771ba583d6f7670dace.aspx
Excellent
73%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 11 reviews

Moraine Walk

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".

5. Mount Fox Route

Haast Highway Starts 3k from Fox Glacier township, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/westland-tai-poutini-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/mount-fox-route/
Excellent
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 8 reviews

Mount Fox Route

For experienced and well-equipped trampers only. This rough route climbs steeply through the bush up a spur to a trig point at 1021 m above sea level. The route then follows blue and orange markers through grassland to 1345 m. From here your efforts will be well rewarded with fantastic views of the Southern Alps Kā Tiritiri o te Moana and Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe in one direction and across coastal forest and farmland to the coast to the other. Take care above the bushline as the track can easily be lost if conditions are misty or if the cloud descends. Start early in the morning to be on the mountain top before cloud rolls in obscuring the view. This is a regular event, particularly in the summer months. Getting there Drive south for approximately 3 km from Fox Glacier Weheka township, until you reach Thirsty Culvert. There is a small parking area on the right hand side of the road while the route starts on the left.

Reviewed By SophiaWilloughby - Farnham, United Kingdom

We did this route not really knowing what to expect, other than it might be quite hard. We are both pretty fit but this was a challenge! You basically climb the tract to the top using all fours some of the time but when you get to the top it is so so worth it! The views were incredible! You have to do this on a clear day and start no later than 9/10am. I was slightly nervous about getting down purely based on what we were climbing was steep, but it was actually a lot easier to get down then I thought! We completed it in about 7 hours which included photo stops and about half an hour for lunch at the top! If you are in fox and want a challenge/workout then I highly recommend it!! You

6. Gillespies Beach

Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/gillespies-beach/
Excellent
46%
Good
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Satisfactory
17%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 197 reviews

Gillespies Beach

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

State Highway 6 Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/westland-tai-poutini-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/fox-glacier-south-side-walk/
Excellent
41%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 802 reviews

Fox Glacier South Side Walk

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!

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