Fox Glacier Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Fox Glacier which includes a river or creek
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

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.

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Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels

Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels

2 out of 5
Kerrs Road Fox Glacier
The price is AU$67 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
AU$67
13 Mar - 14 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday park in Fox Glacier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest and Lake Gault ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (384 reviews)
Great value for money, spacious room and comfortable bed

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels
Sunset Motel

Sunset Motel

3 out of 5
93 Cook Flat Road Fox Glacier
The price is AU$243 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$243
8 Mar - 9 Mar
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! (363 reviews)
Perfect spot if you are staying in the Fox Glacier area. Clean, easy check in, comfy room and staff so welcoming and helpful!

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Sunset Motel
Lake Matheson Motel

Lake Matheson Motel

4 out of 5
Cnr Cook Flat Road & Pekanga Drive Fox Glacier
The price is AU$240 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
AU$240
2 Mar - 3 Mar
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! (431 reviews)
Great spot to stay.

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Lake Matheson Motel
See all 58 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! (261 reviews)
Loft Unit was perfect for our stay, generous in size and clean and tidy. Enjoyed our 1night stay. Super friendly staff and easy walk/ride to restaurants. Parking for all sized vehicles and varanda over front door entry.

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026

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 stunning glacier 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$94
per adult
Franz Josef Nature Tour
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

AU$700
per adult
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Squirrels

Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min

AU$558
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Snow landing, Mount Tasman behind

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

AU$387
per adult
Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins - departing Franz Josef)
Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

AU$94
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

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Shutterstock ID 288251813, Purchase Order: SP-1779, Order Number: SP-1779 Destination campaign with AMEX, Client/Licensee: Expedia.com, Other: Eunice Seo

Westland Tai Poutini National Park

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