FOX GLACIER, NEW ZEALAND

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Did you know there are only three glaciers in the entire world that flow into temperate rainforest zones? The first is Perito Moreno in Argentina and the other two are located right here in New Zealand! Both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef are situated in the middle of the Southern Alps with namesake tourist towns located just 30 minutes apart. While you can stay in either, I recommend making Fox Glacier your home base because of its proximity to the region’s most popular attractions.

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Attractions:

  • Lake Matheson: This lake is famous for its amazing reflective photos of Mount Tasman and Mount Cook. If you get lucky and there is no wind, the water acts as a mirror and makes for some incredible photography. The hike around the lake is less than 2 miles and has many viewpoints along the way. This is a must-do!

  • Glacier Helicopter Ride: There are a few different companies offering tours, but I recommend Vantage. They have three tour options ranging from $280-$480 NZD ($202-$347 USD); prices vary depending on length of the helicopter ride and number of stops. All tours are subject to weather conditions and come with a 10-minute snow landing - meaning you get out of the helicopter, walk on the glacier, and take pictures. If you book directly through Vantage’s desk in the Franz Josef Visitor’s Centre, you get free entrance into the Glacier Hot Pools (see below).

  • Gillespies Beach: 30 minutes by car from Fox Glacier, this rocky beach is a great place to camp, catch the sunset, and go for a swim on a sunny day. The road leading to the beach is extremely rocky and windy though; be sure to drive slowly and cautiously!

  • Franz Josef Glacier Trail: This 3.5-mile round-trip hike takes 1.5 hours and gets you to within 450m of the glacier itself. Signs along the way make the effects of climate change very evident.

  • Franz Josef Heli-Hike: $499 NZD ($360 USD) gets you a helicopter ride onto the glacier, 2-hour guided tour, and 90-minute ice-hike. Be sure to dress accordingly!

  • Glow Worms: Once it gets dark, find the Minnehaha Walk and be sure to bring a head lamp to guide your way. This trail, less than five minutes walking from Fox Glacier’s town center, is full of glow worms visible to the naked eye! Very cool!

  • Skydive: Attention adrenaline junkies! Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier offers jumps from 13,000 to 20,000 feet (the highest dive in NZ)! Prices range from $339-$599 NZD ($245-$433 USD).

  • Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools: A ticket to float in the spa’s three main pools costs $29 NZD ($21 USD). If you are looking for privacy, you can also rent one of their two-person pools; 45-minute sessions cost $99 NZD ($71 USD). If you are limited on time, this can be skipped.

  • Other things to do: Copland Track, Tatare Tunnels Walk, West Coast Wildlife Centre, and Moraine Walk.

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Accommodation:

  • Ivorytowers Backpacker Lodge: This spot lacks the “hostel vibe”, but the accommodation is as advertised with a sizable kitchen and common area. It is conveniently located near town, just 2 minutes walking from Fox Glacier Bus Station. If you choose to stay in Franz Josef instead, I would reserve a bed at the YHA.

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Transportation:

Fox Glacier’s main bus station is Fox Glacier Bus Station; all buses below leave from here.

  • Franz Josef is 30 minutes by car from Fox Glacier. The bus ride is 45 minutes and costs $28 NZD ($20 USD).

  • Punakaiki is 3.5 hours by car from Fox Glacier. The bus ride is 6 hours (indirect) and costs $38 NZD ($27 USD).

  • Wanaka is 3.5 hours by car from Fox Glacier. The bus ride is 6 hours and costs $55 NZD ($40 USD).

  • Queenstown is 4.5 hours by car from Fox Glacier. The bus ride is 8 hours and costs $69 NZD ($50 USD).

  • Christchurch is 5.5 hours by car from Fox Glacier. The bus ride is 10 hours (indirect) and costs $214 NZD ($155 USD).

  • Lake Tekapo is 5.5 hours by car from Fox Glacier. The bus ride is 9 hours (indirect) and costs $109 NZD ($79 USD).

  • Mount Cook Village is 5.5 hours by car from Fox Glacier. The bus ride is 13 hours (indirect) and costs $233 NZD ($168 USD).

  • Te Anau is 6.5 hours by car from Fox Glacier. The bus ride is 11 hours (indirect) and costs $113 NZD ($82 USD).

  • The Catlins are 7 hours by car from Fox Glacier. The bus and taxi ride is 20 hours and costs upwards of $225 NZD. The bus ride from Fox Glacier to Invercargill is 19 hours (indirect) and costs $109 NZD ($79 USD). From Invercargill, a taxi to the Catlins is 1 hour and costs $125-$175 NZD ($90-$126 USD).

The closest airport to Fox Glacier is Hokitika Airport (HKK), 160km (100 miles) away. The taxi ride is 2 hours and costs $175-$250 NZD ($126-$181 USD), which is more expensive than renting a car. That said, I do not recommend flying into HKK. Instead, fly into Christchurch or Queenstown and then take a bus to Fox Glacier. It will be cheaper and more efficient.

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Thanks to our helicopter pilot, Dale, and my sister, Jackie, for the sweet photos!