Top Things to do in Fox Glacier
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Top 6 Budget-friendly Things to do in Fox Glacier, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Fox Glacier, New Zealand including Lake Matheson Walk, Fox Glacier Hiking Trails, Copland Track, Minnehaha Walk, Gillespies Beach, Fox Glacier South Side Walk.
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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. 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
3. Copland Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
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).
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. 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.
6. 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!
