Fox Glacier – Things to do on a rainy day
If your trip is delayed there are a number of activities unique to the Fox Valley to keep you busy
Explore the Fox Glacier Valley from the lush rainforest floor to the Wild West Coast coastline at Gillespe’s Beach
All you need to enjoy your time is good shoes, waterproof clothing and a sense of adventure!
Lake Matheson Walk
A ‘must do’ at Fox Glacier is a visit to Lake Matheson, a five minute drive west of the township. This famous reflective lake is a photographers dream, as its crystal waters create a mirror image of New Zealand’s highest peaks, Aoraki (Mt Cook) and Mt Tasman. The track encircles the lake, through native rainforest, and it takes approximately one hour to walk the entire lake circuit.
FOX GLACIER E-BIKE AND HIKE
Explore the untamed natural wilderness of the Fox Glacier valley. Your experienced guide will take you on a journey of discovery to enjoy the rainforest, hike a secret track and grab a stunning photo of the Fox Glacier.
Glacier View lookout
With panoramic views of The Southern Alps and a great vantage for Fox Glacier, Te Kopikopiko o te Waka is a Tohu Whenua site that tells the Ngai Tahu story of creation.
Minnehaha Walk
This delightful short walk follows a stream through the rainforest – it’s a great introduction to the forest for children with the added bonus of glow worms at night. 1.2km loop. 20 min
Te Weka Cycle/Walkway
DRIVE TO GILLESPIES BEACH
A further 20 minutes drive on from Lake Matheson brings you to the historic gold mining settlement of Gillespies Beach. There are several walks to enjoy here, the most popular being a four hour return trip to a colony of fur seals.
Southside Glacier View Cycle/Walkway
The walkway/cycleway follows the south bank of the Fox River through ancient podocarp rainforest. The walkway/cycleway is 2km long, 6.4km return, follows the Fox River, is easy to intermediate for walking (2hr).
Lake Gault Walk
A gradual climb on a historical tramping track through ancient podocarp forest provides panoramic views of Aoraki /Mount Cook. This area is part of a pest control programme proudly managed by Fox Glacier Guiding to help protect the endangered rowi kiwi.
