The Ultimate Fox Glacier Itinerary
Things To Do
Whether you’re on a campervan trip around New Zealand’s South Island, or just checking out the highlights, Fox Glacier is a must visit destination. Located on the beautiful West Coast, it’s a real showcase of Aotearoa’s untouched natural beauty. Here’s a handy Fox Glacier Itinerary to help you get the most out of your adventure.
Day 1
Arrive At Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier is located 2 hours drive south of Hokitika, or 2.5 hours from Greymouth, the closest major towns. If you’re making your way up the island, we are 3.5 hours drive from Wanaka, or 4.5 hours drive from Queenstown. If you’re making your way over from Christchurch, it is a 5.5 hour drive through the beautiful Arthurs Pass.
Wherever you’re coming from, we recommend taking things slow, enjoying the drive, and appreciating the stunning South Island scenery.
Check In Or Park Up
Once you arrive, check in to your accommodation or camp site. Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park is the perfect place to base yourself while staying in Glacier Country. In fact, Tripadvisor has ranked us the #1 Specialty Lodging in the area.
We have plenty of comfortable accommodation options, and all-weather powered camping sites available, so we can cater for any traveller, budget, or group size. You’ll also love our spectacular alpine views, visible from just about anywhere in the park! Our fantastic facilities are designed to make your stay more comfortable, including a Hot Tub, Playground, Games Room, Shared Facilities, and more.
Visit Lake Matheson
Now that you’re settled in, it’s time for some exploring! A great introduction to Fox Glacier is the stunning Lake Matheson, world famous for its mirrorlike reflections of the Southern Alps.
The carpark is just 5 minutes from our holiday park, and the walk to the viewpoint is 40 minutes return. The track is flat and easy going, weaving through lush native forest. If you have a bit more time, you can do the full loop track around the lake, which takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Generally, the best conditions are in the evening or early in the morning, as this is when the lake tends to be the most still. If you don’t get the best conditions this time, you can always come back again during your stay.
Enjoy Dinner Out
There are several fantastic restaurants and eateries in Fox Glacier where you can enjoy a delicious dinner out. Options include Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar, Cook Saddle Café & Saloon, or White Pub Café & Bar.
Whether you’re after classic pub food or exquisite fine dining, there’s something for you. Be sure to ask our team for personalised recommendations, as our local knowledge is extensive!
Make Friends With Glow Worms
After dark, make your way back to the park. There’s still time for one last adventure before the day is out! Our glow worm walk is a fun night time activity for all ages. Wrap up warm and keep an eye out for the stunning glow worm grottos that become visible alongside the rainforest track. Allow 20 or 30 minutes for this.
Day 2
Experience Fox Glacier
Today is the day for the adventure of a lifetime! The best way to experience Fox Glacier is to get up close and personal with a guided tour. The most popular tour is the Heli Hike. You’ll be flown in by helicopter over spectacular scenery and onto the glacier itself.
Then, equipped with all the right gear, you’ll explore the ever-changing glacial features, including ice caves, arches, tunnels, and other formations. Your guide will ensure you get the best possible experience on the glacier, before flying back to base. You’re bound to create unforgettable memories exploring one of nature’s most awe-inspiring locations.
The Extreme Fox Heli Hike gives you up to 7 hours on the ice, and departs at 8:15am. If you’re not up for the full day experience, the Flying Fox Heli Hike gives you up to 3 hours on the ice, departing 8:50am or 11:50am.
Relax At The Park
Whew, what a day! After all that adventuring, it’s time to relax at our park. A soak in our Hot Tub is a great way to rest those tired muscles! Make sure to book your slot at reception, just $15 for 30 minutes.
We also have a Games Room available, so you can show off your skills at pool or table tennis. If you feel like blobbing in front of the telly, there is a TV in the Games Room, as well as in most of our units.
Enjoy Dinner In
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at the park with a drink or two. You can cook up a storm in our shared kitchens or in your unit. We also have free gas BBQs that all guests can make use of! If you need groceries, you can pick them up from the Fox Glacier General Store located just 2 minutes from the park.
Our shared Dining Area is the social hub of the park, and great for meeting other likeminded travellers and sharing stories from the day’s adventures. If you’re visiting in the colder months, our Dining Area also has a wood burner to help keep you warm and cosy.
Day 3
Breakfast At Matheson Café
One of the best spots for breakfast at Fox Glacier is Matheson Café, open every day from 8:30am. You may have noticed it near the entrance to the Lake Matheson trail. If you’d like to experience Lake Matheson in the morning, why not come a bit early for another beautiful nature walk? It’s a good opportunity to get that perfect shot of the mirror reflections if you haven’t already.
The café offers all sorts of delicious options for breakfast, and the views out of the floor-to-ceiling windows are top notch. If you’re not in a hurry, why not hang around for a lazy brunch? Just sit back and take in the incredible location.
Rainforest Walk
Take an easy 30 minute walk through some unique glacial rainforest. This walk passes through striking transitions between young and old rainforest. Having been naturally bulldozed by the glacier over hundreds of years, it’s a forest unlike any other.
You can also pick up our Out Foxing guidebooks from reception, which will tell you all about the rainforest tree species you’ll come across.
Visit Gillespies Beach
Today’s next adventure is Gillespies Beach, one of the best kept secrets in Glacier Country. A quiet half hour drive will bring you to a rugged stretch of coastline with barely anyone in sight.
The coastline is backed by mountains, turning it into a stunning all round scene. This is actually a great place to watch the sunset, not only with the sun sinking into the ocean, but also with the mountains behind turning to gold.
Continue On Your Travels
What an action packed few days! Of course, your Fox Glacier adventure doesn’t need to end there if you don’t want it to. There are still plenty of amazing things to see and do in our amazing corner of New Zealand. Other activities include tandem skydiving, scenic flights, quadbike tours, kayaking, wildlife sanctuaries, and more. If you’d like to stay for longer, just have a chat to our friendly team. Our local knowledge and Out Foxing guidebooks will help you to get the most out of your stay.
Need to be moving on? We understand! So much to see and so little time… Best get back on the road and continue on your journey around our beautiful country. Thank you for choosing to visit Fox Glacier, we know you’ll never forget it!
