Outbound Collective logo
  • New Zealand
  • Fox Glacier
  • Fox Glacier, New Zealand

    Top Spots in and near Fox Glacier

    • Fox Glacier, New Zealand

      Heli Ice Climb on Fox Glacier

      2.5 mi / 980 ft gain
      Fox Glacier is one of the most remote, yet awesome places to visit on New Zealand's wild west coast of the South Island.  The weather here is extreme; it changes daily and the heavy rainfall paves the way for incredible green landscapes and native birds. The glacier rises above the township and i...
      Read more
    • Westland National Park, New Zealand

      Hike to the Summit of Mount Fox above Fox Glacier

      5 mi / 3430 ft gain
      The trail starts 3 km south of Fox Glacier Township. Take the Haast Highway until Thirsty Culvert, which has a small parking lot on the right side of the road. Start early in the morning to miss the almost daily afternoon fog. The trail climbs relentlessly through a lush rain forest. The route is...
      Read more
    • Westland National Park, New Zealand

      Hike to the Fox Glacier

      1.6 mi / 246.1 ft gain
      From the carpark follow the well marked trail to the toe of the Fox Glacier. Do not stray from the trail as unstable ice and moraine can be very dangerous. Looking for a longer adventure? You can hike to the summit of Mt. Fox above Fox Glacier. 
      Read more
    • Fox Glacier, New Zealand

      Explore Lake Matheson

      4.5
      2.7 mi / 98.4 ft gain
      The Basics: Just a few kilometers outside the town of Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson provides stunning vistas in a mere 4.4 km return walk alongside a river, through dense foliage, and by expansive fields. Your adventure begins at a large carpark, complete with restrooms and a full-service cafe. This...
      Read more
    • Westland National Park, New Zealand

      Hike to Franz Josef Glacier

      4.0
      From the carpark take a quick walk through a green, forested area before making your way into the valley. Here you will get your first view of the glacier. At this point the trail gets a bit rocky but is still very doable. The trail continues mostly flat for the next 35 minutes. You will pass ...
      Read more
    • Westland National Park, New Zealand

      Hike to Robert's Point (Franz Josef Glacier)

      5.0
      7.6 mi / 1640.4 ft gain
      This trail is one of my favorite in New Zeanand. It wasn't so much 'built' as it was 'discovered'. The trail follows natural erosion and clean exposed flows of glacier carved granite walkways.You will enjoy thick, green rainforest, the reflective water of Pete's Pond, and a few long swinging brid...
      Read more
    • Westland National Park, New Zealand

      Explore Peter's Pool

      From the carpark for Franz Josef Glacier, Peter's Pool is signposted to the left near the toilets. The walk takes you through a fern and beech forest, eventually dropping you in front of the gorgeous and reflective Peter's Pool. Snap a few photos and then return the way you came or continue along...
      Read more
    • Westland National Park, New Zealand

      Camp on Alex Knob

      4.0
      11 mi / 3800 ft gain
      From Highway 6 on the New Zealand South Island's west coast, take the Glacier Access Road for 2km to where the signposted Alex Knob track begins. There will be a obvious parking lot on the right.The trail begins at the parking lot breaks off to the left from the Lake Wombat trail about a half-mil...
      Read more
    • Westland National Park, New Zealand

      Watch the Sunset from the Waiho River Bridge

      The Waiho River is a glacial fed river from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The main road to get there is Highway 6, which becomes a long single-lane bridge when it crosses the river. If you find yourself staying in the small town of Franz Josef over night then you should make the short walk...
      Read more
    • Karangarua, New Zealand

      Backpack to the Welcome Flat Hut

      5.0
      11.2 mi / 1378 ft gain
      The Welcome Flat Hut is more of a local destination than a tourist one. Franz Josef and Fox Glacier both see heaps of visitors on any given day, mainly for small-scale adventures. But, if you're looking to get away from some of the crowds and experience the Westland area at a slightly more intens...
      Read more
    • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

      Climb to Mueller Hut

      5.0
      6.4 mi / 3000 ft gain
      This trek begins in the gateway town of Mount Cook Village, which is a must-visit destination in its own right, and serves as the jumping off point for most Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park ventures. Drive to the White Horse Hill Campground (follow the signs for the Hooker Valley) and park in the ...
      Read more
    • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

      Hike to Hooker Lake

      5.0
      10 mi
      Once in Mount Cook Village follow the signs to the White Horse Hill Campground where you'll find the start of the Hooker Valley Track. Alternatively, you can camp in the campground and begin the hike before sunrise for the best experience. The sign says that the one-way hiking time is 1 hour and ...
      Read more
    • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

      Hike to Sealy Tarns

      From the car park follow the trail as it begins fairly flat on a gravel trail. After five minutes or so you will see a sign that points you, left, towards the Sealy Tarns track. After following this trail for around 10 more minutes, as it goes slowly uphill, you will come to the base of the steps...
      Read more
    • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

      Climb Mt. Ollivier

      5.0
      7 mi / 3436 ft gain
      Start on the track from the White Horse Hill campground. Follow the track up almost 2,000 steps until you reach Sealy Tarns. From here the track continues steeply up the mountain until you reach the ridge. Continue over the ridge until reaching the hut. From here continue up the ridge to the summ...
      Read more
    • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

      Catch the Sunrise at Kea Point

      4.0
      Wake before the sun rises and make the short half hour hike from the White Horse Hill Campground to Kea Point. This easy to follow trail leads to a beautiful overlook with views of Mt. Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps. You won't be disappointed as you watch the sun rise behind Mt. Cook and ...
      Read more
    • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

      Hike to Muller Hut

      6.2 mi / 5905.5 ft gain
      One of the most spectacular hikes in New Zealand next to New Zealand's highest mountain - Mount Cook (aka Aoraki).5.2km one way, it is a tough ascent. The first part of the track ascends to Sealy tarns. This involves climbing zig zag stairs where you will be rewarded with a spectacular view over ...
      Read more

    Top Activities

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Fox Glacier

    Exploring Mount Cook, the Cloud-Piercer

    Exploring Mount Cook, the Cloud-Piercer

    Nikos Taskos

    On the Search for Rock Wren in the Lord River Valley

    On the Search for Rock Wren in the Lord River Valley

    Crystal Brindle