Fox Glacier in short
Fox Glacier (Te Moeka o Tuawe) lies in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, like its neighbour Franz Josef Glacier. The village is the base for the glacier, for Lake Matheson and for the southern part of the coast. Franz Josef Glacier is about 25 to 30 minutes north by car.
Two things are worth knowing before you plan. The public walk shows the glacier from a distance, and the ice itself is reached only with a guided heli-hike or a flight with a snow landing. Both facts come from the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the operators, and both can change with conditions.
The South Side Walkway
The public way to see the Fox Glacier.
Distance and time
DOC lists the Fox Glacier South Side Walkway and Cycleway at 6.4 km return, about 2 hours on foot and about 1 hour by mountain bike (grade 2). Dogs are not allowed.
The first view
You see the glacier for the first time after about 40 minutes. The track then continues to the old car park, where cyclists leave their bikes. From there it is about 10 minutes on foot downhill to a further lookout. Do not go beyond it, as there is an extreme flood risk.
Where it starts
The car park is on State Highway 6, south of the Fox River bridge. This is a walking and cycling track. It does not allow you to drive to the old end car park.
Why it is on the south side
A storm on 26 March 2019 destroyed the northern access road. DOC then built the South Side track as a safe walking and cycling route. That history explains the layout, and it does not mean the village or the highway is closed today.
On 20 October 2026 at 08:45 DOC reported the South Side open and in good condition, with the lookout 2,600 m from the glacier front. The distance changes, so treat it as a daily value. Expect a view of the glacier valley, not a walk to the ice. The Franz Josef track is described on the glacier walk page.
Our picks: from Fox Glacier
Three tours that start in Fox Glacier township: a heli-hike, a snow landing and a flight towards Mount Cook.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Fox Glacier hike with two helicopter flights
Two helicopter flights, a guide, ground transport, boots, crampons, poles and rain gear. Hotel transfer, food and drinks are not included.
Check availability βFox Glacier and Mount Cook flight with a snow landing
A 35-minute flight with a pilot, commentary and a snow landing of about ten minutes. No exclusions are listed.
Check availability β
Scenic flight from Fox Glacier with a snow landing
A 25-minute flight from Fox Glacier township with a snow landing and pilot commentary. Food and drinks are not included.
Check availability βFox Glacier tours and flights
Heli-hikes, snow landings and scenic flights from Fox Glacier and Franz Josef, with live prices and availability.
The Fox Glacier heli-hike
Flying Fox is the guided option on the ice.
| Detail | Flying Fox heli-hike |
|---|---|
| Total time | Up to 4 hours |
| On the ice | Up to 3 hours |
| Departures | 08:50 and 11:50 all year, more on demand |
| Check-in | 20 minutes before departure |
| Minimum age | 9 years, ages 9 to 16 with an adult |
| Weight limit | 116 kg |
| Group size | At least 3 people, single guests can be combined |
| Price | The 2026 list ended on 30 September, so check the current rate |
The operator provides boots, socks, crampons, a rain jacket and overtrousers, and you need no previous experience. Hand luggage is limited to 3 kg. Caves or specific arches cannot be guaranteed. The weather decision comes about 10 minutes before departure. If the operator cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a rebooking, depending on availability. Book the first day of your stay and keep a spare day. The Franz Josef version of this trip is explained on the heli-hike page.
The village and getting around
What to expect in Fox Glacier.
Base for the guides
The Fox Glacier guiding office is at 44 Main Road on State Highway 6. The operator says many places to stay are within walking distance of it. Accommodation types include hotels, motels, B&B and homestays, backpacker lodges and campervan sites.
Fuel
A regional directory lists Fox Glacier Motors at 52 Main Road with 24-hour fuel. Do not rely on that for a late arrival with a nearly empty tank. There is no fuel in ΕkΔrito.
To Franz Josef and Lake Matheson
Published figures for Fox to Franz Josef differ: 21 km and 30 minutes from one operator, 24 km and 24 minutes from a regional guide. Plan on 25 to 30 minutes. Lake Matheson is about 5 minutes from Fox by car. A local shuttle lists a Fox and Lake Matheson combination at NZ$75 per person return, for at least 2 people, with an undated timetable.
Rules in the park
Do not feed wildlife, especially kea. On conservation land a drone needs a permit.
Sleeping in the village or in Franz Josef is covered in where to stay. Combined flights from Franz Josef can include a view of Aoraki/Mount Cook, and the mountain has its own guide in the Mount Cook guide.
Fox Glacier: frequently asked questions
Can you walk up to Fox Glacier?
Not to the ice. The South Side lookout was 2,600 m from the glacier front on 20 October 2026. Ice walks need a guided heli-hike.
How long is the Fox Glacier walk?
The South Side Walkway is 6.4 km return and takes about 2 hours on foot, with the first glacier view after about 40 minutes.
Is Fox Glacier better than Franz Josef?
They offer the same kinds of visit: a village, a valley lookout and a guided heli-hike. Fox is the closer base for Lake Matheson.
How far is Fox Glacier from Franz Josef?
About 21 to 24 km and 25 to 30 minutes by car, depending on the source and the start point.
Can I bring my dog on the South Side Walkway?
No. Dogs are not allowed on the walkway.