Fox Glacier Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Fox Glacier which includes a river or creek
Fox Glacier which includes forest scenes
Fox Glacier which includes mist or fog, mountains and a waterfall
Fox Glacier showing forests and a river or creek
Fox Glacier showing a small town or village, street scenes and mountains

In the foothills of the snowcapped Southern Alps rests a beautiful ice queen.

Fox Glacier is on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. After making her way down from 2,600m-high peaks, this slumbering ice queen spills out into a rainforest, for the perfect finale. Lying low in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, close to the Fox Glacier township, this foxy lady is easily accessible. Don’t be fooled by her peaceful appearance though. If she stirs, walls of melting ice can crush those who tempt her.

Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier

Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier

4 out of 5
55 Main Road SH6 Fox Glacier
The price is AU$137 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
AU$137
2 Dec - 3 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star motel in Fox Glacier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (562 reviews)
I called to advise them of late arrival and they helped make arrangements to check-in after hours. There is a great view of the mountains from the parking area, and it is walking distance to cafes. Furnishings were stylish and modern and looked recently updated. Its goregeous inside. Linens were ...

Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025

Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels

Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels

2 out of 5
Kerrs Road, Fox Glacier
Stay at this motel in Fox Glacier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest and Lake Gault are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (366 reviews)
We had a standard cabin which was fine for one night and was close to the restaurants in town. Washroom facilities were spotless and there are lots of walks to do in the area. Our only complaint was that there was a very loud group in the cabin next to us, drinking until early hours. Due to the close ...

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025

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Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels
Mt Cook View Motel - Fox Glacier

Mt Cook View Motel - Fox Glacier

4 out of 5
209 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier
The price is AU$155 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
AU$155
14 Dec - 15 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star motel in Fox Glacier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest and Lake Matheson ...
9/10 Wonderful! (232 reviews)
This was such a great motel slightly off the main town center of Fox Glacier but along the way to the popular Lake Matheson! The only downside I would list is that there was only one small panel heater in the room which was not sufficient to heat up the entire room. However, the beds had electric ...

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

Mt Cook View Motel - Fox Glacier
See all 55 properties in Fox Glacier
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Church at FOX

The Church at FOX

4 out of 5
5 Main Rd Fox Glacier
Stay at this 4-star holiday home in Fox Glacier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest and Lake Gault ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
Lovely job in renovating this old church. Great kitchen and appliances. The bed needs attention, you felt a bit like you were sleeping in a ditch with our bodies sinking in. Overall great though. Thank you.

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2025

The Church at FOX
Mathesons Escape

Mathesons Escape

Fox Glacier
Stay at this vacation home in Fox Glacier. Popular attractions Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest and Lake Matheson are located nearby.
Mathesons Escape
Punga Grove

Punga Grove

3 out of 5
Cron Street Franz Josef Glacier
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (242 reviews)
I loved this place! Easy and friendly check-in, big comfy space, very clean and comfortable. Staff is excellent, happy and helpful . Parking ideally convenient. Slept super good in comfortable well appointed bed. I'd love to come back.

Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025

Punga Grove
See all properties in Fox Glacier
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest

You can take time to visit Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest during your travels to Fox Glacier. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the stunning glacier views in this quaint area.

Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest

Peak Viewpoint

You can find out about the history of Fox Glacier with a trip to Peak Viewpoint. Wander the lakeside or discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

Peak Viewpoint

Activities

Brand New Ambassador Penguin Encounter

Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass

AU$57
per adult
Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass
Franz Josef glacier valley

Franz Josef Nature Tour

AU$97
per adult
Franz Josef Nature Tour
25 Minute Glacier Explorer: 1 Glacier with Alpine Landing

Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

AU$338
per adult
Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing
Pilot's Choice - 2 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 35mins

Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

AU$426
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

AU$716
per adult
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Snow landing, Mount Tasman behind

Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins - departing Franz Josef)

AU$396
per adult
Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins - departing Franz Josef)
See all activities in Fox Glacier

Reviews of Fox Glacier

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
26
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The best view of Fox Glacier is at these view point just past Lake Matheson

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

What a beautiful part of NZ. A shame there is so many helicopters buzzing around disturbing the peaceful setting.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Check the weather and time your visit for visibility and conditions.

5/5 - Excellent

K

Recommend that you drive toward Fox Glacier Lookout out towards Lake Matheson. You can see the entire face of the glacier and the ice flow; which from a distance looks like a river. Stunningly beautiful. This area of Aotearoa, will not disappoint.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It is certainly worth walking to the Fox Glacier outlook. The walk through forest is very pleasant.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The weather was disappointing - wet most of the time. The Fox Glacier walks we'd planned were unavailable, due to the recent floods. Dining at big Foot and general ambience of the Village were great.

Cities near Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier showing a lake or waterhole, mountains and forest scenes

Westland Tai Poutini National Park

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