Can I hike the Fox Glacier in NZ on my own, or do I have to go with a guide?

To see New Zealand's glaciers up close for free, you can hike up to the terminal face of the glacier. It's a self-guided, fuss-free and affordable way to be as close to the glacier as you can without having to pay for a guide. Of course, for a small fee, you can also have a guided tour.

1. Can you walk on Fox Glacier without helicopter?
2. Is it better to stay at Fox Glacier or Franz Josef?
3. How long is the hike to Fox Glacier?
4. How do I get to Fox Glacier?
5. Can you walk Franz Josef glacier without a guide?
6. Can you walk up to Fox Glacier?
7. Which town is bigger Fox Glacier or Franz Josef?
8. Is Franz Josef Glacier worth visiting?
9. How far is Hokitika from Fox Glacier?
10. Can you drive to Fox Glacier?
11. What is there to do between Fox Glacier and Wanaka?
12. What is Fox Glacier famous for?

Can you walk on Fox Glacier without helicopter?

You cannot get on the glacier unless you do a guided heli-hike. The guided walks around the glacier will allow you to access private viewing points closer to the glaciers.

Is it better to stay at Fox Glacier or Franz Josef?

Franz Josef Glacier Township has more on offer than its quieter neighbour, Fox Glacier. Franz Josef has more options for shops, eating and drinking. You will also find the Glacier Hot Pools at Franz Josef Glacier. This is an incredible West Coast experience where you can soak in hot pools surrounded by native bush.

How long is the hike to Fox Glacier?

A 2.6km (one hour) return walk from the Fox Glacier carpark at the end of the access road.

How do I get to Fox Glacier?

Getting there

Fox Glacier village is on State Highway 6 and is 158km 2 hours by car from Hokitika, 262km 3 hours and 15 minutes by car from Wanaka and 25 minutes by car from Franz Josef Glacier village. Fox Glacier is just five kilometres from the village. Check out the Daily Glacier Access Update before your visit.

Can you walk Franz Josef glacier without a guide?

Yes! You can hike the trail to the base of the glacier without a guide.

Can you walk up to Fox Glacier?

To see New Zealand's glaciers up close for free, you can hike up to the terminal face of the glacier. ... Fox Glacier Guiding Co runs a Terminal Face Walk tour at $65. Don't expect to be on the glacier though. The hike takes you to the very base of the glacier, where ice turns to water at this level.

Which town is bigger Fox Glacier or Franz Josef?

The town of Franz Josef is slightly larger than its neighbour, Fox Glacier, but similar in feel. A 25 minute drive further up the coast, Franz is also home to a glacier of the same name. Also five kilometres from the town centre, the Franz Josef Glacier is easily accessible.

Is Franz Josef Glacier worth visiting?

While Fox Glacier is bigger, we prefer the gorgeous surroundings with intriguing vegetation, waterfalls, and rock formations at Franz Josef, it's still 100% worth to visit Fox Glacier as well. If you don't have the time to drive to Fox Glaicer, book a heli tour which covers both glaciers.

How far is Hokitika from Fox Glacier?

The distance between Hokitika and Fox Glacier is 113 km. The road distance is 156.9 km.

Can you drive to Fox Glacier?

The area around the Fox Glacier township offers visitors a rare opportunity to easily access a dynamic glacial environment in a forested area while within driving and walking distance from the main highway.

What is there to do between Fox Glacier and Wanaka?

Fox Glacier to Wanaka

• Matheson Cafe.
• South Westland Salmon.
• Monro Beach Walk.
• Knights Point Lookout.
• Haast Pass.
• Blue Pools Walk.
• Boundary Creek Campsite, Lake Wanaka.

What is Fox Glacier famous for?

Like nearby Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, with a terminal face as low as 300 m above sea level, close to Fox Glacier village / Weheka. It is a major tourist attraction and about 1000 people daily visit it during high tourist season.