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.

Sunset Motel

Sunset Motel

3 out of 5
93 Cook Flat Road Fox Glacier
The price is AU$196 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$196
25 Jan - 26 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Fox Glacier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (351 reviews)
The room was clean and a good size with a seating area to the rear and a view of the mountains.

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025

Sunset Motel
Lake Matheson Motel

Lake Matheson Motel

4 out of 5
Cnr Cook Flat Road & Pekanga Drive Fox Glacier
The price is AU$209 per night from 17 Jan to 18 Jan
AU$209
17 Jan - 18 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Fox Glacier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (423 reviews)
Nice space, great location, clean, good price. Would recommend a handle on the door to open easier. Unit 16 refrigerator is freezing only.

Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025

Lake Matheson Motel
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$207 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
AU$207
29 Jan - 30 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Fox Glacier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest and Lake Matheson are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (249 reviews)
We stayed in the standard 1 bedroom apartment and it's super spacious, there're one double and one single in the bedroom, and another double and single in the living area so can accommodate 6 people. All beds with electric blankets and there's a heater as well. All the facilities in the room is top ...

Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025

Mt Cook View Motel - Fox Glacier
See all 56 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 holiday home in Fox Glacier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest and Lake Gault are located ...
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 West Coast
Stay at this holiday 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 aparthotel in Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (250 reviews)
The host was unbelievably helpful and friendly and along with the beautiful property was a pleasure to stay.

Reviewed on 30 Dec 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 mountain 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$56
per adult
Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass
Franz Josef glacier valley

Franz Josef Nature Tour

AU$95
per adult
Franz Josef Nature Tour
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

AU$707
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$392
per adult
Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins - departing Franz Josef)
Squirrels

Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min

AU$564
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

AU$95
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk
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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia