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Before you go
Your trip to Fox Glacier.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Fox Glacier – West Coast Destination West Coast and the Glaciers
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Hokitika (HKK) Hokitika · 171 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
It lies on State Highway 6, 23 km from Franz Josef and about a 4-hour drive from Wānaka via Haast Pass. Long‑distance buses stop in the village. The nearest airports with regular flights are Hokitika and Queenstown.
How many days
One day: Lake Matheson early morning, the glacier viewpoints and Gillespies Beach in the afternoon. With Franz Josef included, two days cover both glaciers.
When to go
December to March, with long days. For reflections on Lake Matheson, calm, clear mornings at any time of year. It rains heavily year round.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes, for Lake Matheson, the viewpoints and Gillespies Beach, which are outside the village. Flights depart from the village.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Fox Glacier
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Morning
Lake Matheson
Leave early for Lake Matheson, about 5 km away, and walk to the Reflection Island viewpoints before the wind spoils the mountain reflection.
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Afternoon
Fox Glacier viewpoints
Do the walk along the Fox River south bank track, which starts 2 km from the village, or go to the Te Kopikopiko o te Waka viewpoint, 9 km away, with views of the glacier and the Alps.
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Late afternoon
Gillespies Beach
Drive about 20 km on an unsealed road to Gillespies Beach, a dark‑sand shore with remnants of the old gold mining.
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Evening
Fox Glacier village
Return to the village for dinner. The centre is small with few restaurants; check opening hours.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Can you get close to Fox Glacier on foot?
The old valley road and trail were destroyed by landslides in 2019 and are closed. Today the glacier is viewed from a distance via tracks such as the river’s south bank, or up close on helicopter flights.
What is the best time to see the reflection on Lake Matheson?
Early morning, with clear skies and no wind. With clouds or breeze, the reflection of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman disappears.
What to do in Fox Glacier?
Walk at Lake Matheson, view the glacier from the lookouts, take a scenic flight and go to Gillespies Beach.
Fox Glacier or Franz Josef: where to stay?
Franz Josef has more accommodation and services. Fox Glacier is closer to Lake Matheson, good for those who want to arrive early for the reflection.