Fox Glacier South Side Walkway

The basics

This easy walk is suitable for most travelers. You’ll reach the first glacier viewpoint after about 40 minutes of walking. Cyclists must stop here. A second viewpoint is about another 10 minutes’ walk downhill. Most travelers come here independently, as it’s close to Fox Glacier town, easily accessible, and well marked; guided walks are available as well, departing from Fox Glacier and Franz Josef/Waiau.

Things to know before you go

• Conditions are changeable and potentially hazardous in this area. The trail may be closed due to flooding or rock falls.

• There are no restrooms along the walkway, so use the facilities before leaving Fox Glacier town.

• Various trails to lookouts in the area have closed in recent years due to changing safety conditions. Don’t cross any barriers even if it looks like there’s a path beyond.

How to get there

The starting point for the walkway is about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) south of Fox Glacier town. Drive south out of town and cross the Fox River Bridge. The parking lot is a short distance past the bridge. Unless you’re on a guided tour, you’ll need your own vehicle to get around this part of New Zealand, as public transportation is very limited.

When to get there

Westland is a notoriously wet part of New Zealand, but late summer (February) tends to be the driest. Be prepared for rain at any time of year, and to have backup sightseeing plans. Avoid visiting during or just after heavy rain—along with potentially not seeing any views, the Fox River may flood.

Views of Franz Josef Glacier

You used to be able to drive much closer to Fox Glacier than you can now, but flooding, rockfalls, and landslides have meant that you now need to park further away and walk to the views. However, you can still enjoy views of nearby Franz Josef Glacier without walking so far. There are many walking options from the large parking lot there, with the shortest being only about 20 minutes. Longer walks do generally provide better views, though.