7 Free Things to do in Fox Glacier That You Shouldn't Miss

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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