Fox Glacier Things to Do

In addition to the touristy (and sometimes expensive) excursions like guided glacier hikes and helicopter rides, there are several free hikes and tramps you may take.

However most of these hikes go unnoticed by the tourists who come and go just as quickly.

Stop by the i-Site, tourist information, and get a free map with directions to all sorts of hikes that range between 20 minutes and flat, all the way up to over night treks.

All the tracks are free, but if you stay over night, the huts do require reservation through the DOC.

Driving towards Fox Glacier Township, you'll catch the magnificant view of the snow-capped mountains. Beyond that lies the lovely Fox Glacier. Jac and I chose this wonderful place to have our lunch. We were truly famished bythe time we arrived at Fox Glacier from Franz Josef Glacier.

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We came to Fox Glacier for the same reason everyone else does; to see the glacier! We had planned to do a helihike. Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not cooperate. They were able to schedule us on a 3.5 hour walking tour instead. The company outfits you with everything possible to make you comfortable. They knew we would be wet, but wanted us to be warm. Hats, jackets, pants, gloves, boots, backpacks are all available.

The walk was very strenuous. 1.5 hour hike to get to the glacier (500+ varying sized steps, and very narrow paths); 1 hour spent on the glacier (more steps); and 1 hour to walk back down (yes, over the same 500 steps). We were exhausted! I'm sure all of the pouring rain, and excess clothing didn't help. On the other hand...how many times do you get to walk on a glacier? Suck it up, and do it!

This is the most famous panorama in New Zealand. You can walk around the lake in 1.5 hours and at the far end you'll have the view of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman reflecting in the lake. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see it. Unfortunately Iwas there on a cloudy day.

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Lake Matheson is a short drive from Fox Glacier township.

There is a car park just outside the Lake Matheson Cafe.

At the entrance of the Lake Matheson is a donation box where donations are collected to fund the maintenance of the walking track and facilities. Please make some donations as there is no entrance fee charged.

There is a swinging bridge that leads to the walking track into the rainforest.

There are clear signboards to point you the directions and how long it will take you to reach the viewing points.

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We hired Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Heliservices New Zealand for our helicopter ride.

We took the Hughes 550c Named VT with our pilot Gozen on 6 Dec 2005.

Some statistics of the helicopter:

Power Plant : One Allison 250 C20
Turbine Engine: 284kw/380hp
Max take off weight: 1160kg/2550lbs
Max speed: 240kph/130knts
Max height: 4500/15000ft

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We hired Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Heliservices New Zealand for our helicopter ride.

We took the route which was only available from Fox Glacier. We explored the Fox Glacier & then fly by the sheer west faces of Mt Cook & Mt Tasman.

$225 for 20 mins with a snowlanding of 10 mins.

It was a great flying experience with them.
We brought the souvenier photo for $20.

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Lake Matheson is an easy drive from Fox Glacier township.

The beautiful Lake Matheson is an icon of the West Coast with its charming reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman which is New Zealand's highest peaks.

The walk to the Secretary Island takes about an hour. This scenic bush track walk follows the lake edge.

You could take the enchanting mirror image at the beginning of the track at the viewing platform.