Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Glacier · Fox Glacier, West Coast
Fox Glacier
About a 12 km glacier that descends from the Southern Alps near the village of the same name. Seen from lookouts and from the south bank trail of the Fox River; the ice can only be reached by helicopter.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Fox Glacier
The Fox Glacier (Te Moeka o Tuawe, “Tuawe’s bed”) descends from the Southern Alps toward the coast and, like its neighbour Franz Josef, has retreated significantly: in 2022 it measured about 11.7 km, the shortest length recorded. The Māori name is linked to the same legend of Hine Hukatere and her lover Tuawe, who died in an avalanche.
In March 2019, very heavy rain caused a landslide in the Fox River valley that destroyed a section of the access road and the glacier car park. The road remains closed, and there is no longer a walking route close to the ice. The glacier is now viewed from farther away, via trails and lookouts.
The south bank trail of the river, which starts about 2 km from the village, is a 6.4 km return walk through the valley with views of the glacier. The Te Kopikopiko o te Waka viewpoint, about 9 km west of the village, shows the glacier and the Alps in a panorama, and the Lake Gault track leads to another viewpoint. To step on the ice you must take helicopter flights with a guided walk.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes at a viewpoint to 2 hours on the south bank track; 3 to 4 hours for a guided walk with flight.
Best time
On clear days, in the morning, when clouds are usually higher. Flights depend on weather.
How to get there
The south bank track begins about 2 km south of the village of Fox Glacier. The Te Kopikopiko o te Waka viewpoint is about 9 km west, on the road to Gillespies Beach.
Tip
Do not attempt to reach the ice via the riverbed: the landslide area is unstable. Flights are charged separately and can be cancelled due to weather.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fox Glacier
Can you still visit Fox Glacier?
Yes, from a distance via tracks and lookouts, and up close by helicopter flights. The access road to the valley was destroyed in 2019 and is closed.
What is the best view of Fox Glacier?
The Te Kopikopiko o te Waka viewpoint, about 9 km from the village, and the south bank track of the Fox River, 2 km from the village, which both offer glacier views.
What is the difference between Fox Glacier and Franz Josef?
Both descend from the Southern Alps and are about 23 km apart. At Franz Josef there is still a valley walk to a viewpoint; at Fox the view is from farther away, and both have flights with guided glacier walks.