fox glacier hiking trails

Brian_Aus_12

We rode our hired bikes up to the carpark and then walked to the Glacier. It was raining on and off, so the view wasn't fantastic but still worth seeing. The glacier has a shrunk a lot due to warming and it's quite a way off but you can still see the face of it. We were going to check the other lookout (on the other side of the river) but it was raining too heavily then. I think it has a view from above rather than below, which should be better. It's not tough for us but I think the main track could be a lot better maintained, given the large number of people using it, many with unsuitable footwear.

OzS

Its very pretty to start with and the views are interesting. The current path to the overview is quite a slog uphill to view the (remnants of) the glacier.

fionaqc

Said 3 hour return to car park. I stopped for lots of photos and it still only took less than 2. Well maintained paths suitable for any fitness level leave from Fox Glacier village. The walking is by no means challenging, but the rainforest is beautiful. Stop at the historic suspension bridge and do go to the glacier viewing point. Unfortunately, the path to the hut and glacier was closed due to the river being flooded. I booked a helicopter hike to get up to the glacier but that was canceled due to fog and clouds. There is nothing else to do without a car in Fox Glacier, so stay at Franz Joseph if you can. Looked way better as a village.

oldgeezer_8

Having visited Fox glacier after Franz Josef we found it a little disappointing and quite a tough trek up to viewing the point. Both amazing though!

N957WWpeterm

More rigorous than advertised, but worth the hike. The glacier itself is a bit shrunken and disappointing.

JJKiwiKid

You should visit this disappearing glacier soon don't hire a tour guide walk to the top your self visit soon it's a good place

ChefCliveM

So you have seen glaciers on TV and Film but to walk the 4k up to the face is just a life changing experience. With the planet warming, for whatever reason, the ice caps, which include our glaciers, are retreating and dumping their melt water into the sea, raising the sea level. This stunning piece of natural architecture is breathtaking to look at. If you are near, GO THERE.

536JeffB

Took a guided tour to the glacier. This meant some informative chat from the guide and an access point not available to lone walkers. Walk was not too strenuous and it was an interesting way to spend an hour or two.

FamilyTraveller1012

We walked the free public access trail up to the glacier, no any of the paid tours; only about 20 minutes drive from Fox Glacier town, easy to get to.. For us it was fine; the walk took about 40 minutes there / 30 back (all down hill on the way back); only moderately steep (our 7 year old handled if fine) and occasional bits of 'adventure' (eg: stepping stones over a stream); enough for city kids to feel advernturous, not so much that parents got worried! Glacier itself is about 200m away from the viewing area, so you're not actually close to it, but still good to see, and the signposts of where the glacier used to flow to over the past 100 years are a sobering reminder that global warming is real and impacting us.

Steve3688

Hurry to the Fox Glacier while it is still available as it is disappearing. No longer can hikers walk tot he glacier but now requires a more costly helicopter ride. But it is well worth it. The guides are well-trained and safety is foremost. This is one of those trips of a lifetime.

923tashar

We arrived in town earlier than expected and they allowed us to move up our tour with no issues.Our guide Lewis was great and provided lots of information to the group as well as New Zealand information in general.Great tour overall. Be sure to bring extra socks (I fell in the water because I am a klutz), water, and maybe a snack. Layers are important as you will get warm from hiking and cold when you're in or on the ice.

AndrewD689

Amazing 3 hour trip. The weather was not looking promising but we reported in to the office at 8.50am. The receptionist let us all know that the trip would go ahead as long as the weather held and the pilot was happy to fly. We kitted up and were bussed the short trip to the helipad. Final briefing done and we took off in 4 loads, short waiting times. Our guide was Jake and he clearly knew his geology, glaciology and weather and guided us safely and competently allowing for all levels of fitness. Had a full 3 hours on the ice despite the rain.The only down side is that climate change means the glacier is shrinking dramatically.The company kit you out with waterproofs, boots, gloves and hats but you do need plenty of warm clothing.I would thoroughly recommend a trip.

memee08

I agree with some of the previous reviewers that Fox was worth the steep walk as you could see so much more than at Franz Josef Glacier. The roundtrip from the carpark took us a bit over the hour, but we had children with us. If you have time, drive over to the carpark on the parallel road and walk through the forest for some great views too.

JJH

This was awesome to see. Both glaciers are worth seeing, this one you get closer... Major climb/walk to get to, worth it. Bring good shoes, its loose gravel, very steep. See it while you can, melting away every day! :(

Paulbudde

I did the walking trail to the glacier, we did this also 15 yrs ago and we can see the difference that in itself was an experience.The dynamic nature of the place is simply awesome, not just the glacier but also the river bed and the mountains on both side of the valley with the numerous waterfalls.