9 Outdoor Activities in Fox Glacier That You Shouldn't Miss

Getting up on Fox Glacier is unforgettable, but there’s so much more to explore here too. Enjoy this amazing country on horseback, take in the incredible vistas, wind along the bush-clad Fox River or grab an e-bike and cycle through this remote wilderness on well-formed tracks. The air is different here, so fresh and clean. You’ll feel in touch with nature and a million miles from everyday life. These are authentic kiwi experiences. Arrive, stay and play in Fox Glacier. We look forward to sharing it with you.

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.

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.

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.

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

It is our passion to be up in the air enjoying every minute of the stunning views! That feeling and that view is what we would love to share with you, and we promise to give you a once in a lifetime experience. You’ll remember this tour for being the best thing you did on your trip!