NZ · West Coast · 43.47°S 170.02°E

fox glacier

Lake Matheson's mountain reflections and rainforest walks around a glacier village.

Best time
November–April has longer days and milder weather. Heavy rain can come in any month, and winter mornings are cold, with ice on the road.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
Fly to Christchurch with one stop, usually via Singapore or Auckland, about 13–16 hours all in. The drive over Arthur's Pass takes about 5.5–6 hours; from Queenstown it's about 4.5 hours via Haast. New Zealand is 4 hours ahead of KL, 5 during daylight saving (late September to early April).
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NZ · West Coastfox glacier43.47°S 170.02°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Lake Matheson's mountain reflections and rainforest walks around a glacier village.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingFox GlacierNZ, West Coast
KLfox glacier
≈ 8,530 km from KL, as the crow flies
View of Fox Glacier from Te Kopikopiko o te Waka viewpoint - also known as Glacier viewpoint, or Peak view - MC

Photo: Marshelec · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Fox Glacier is a small village about half an hour south of Franz Josef, and the base for Lake Matheson, glacier flights and rainforest walks. On a calm, clear morning, Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Tasman reflect perfectly in the lake.

Makan

  1. Whitebait fritterTiny West Coast fish set in egg, at its best in spring.Map ↗
  2. Café breakfastCoffee and eggs after an early walk at Lake Matheson.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Lake MathesonAn easy forest loop to the famous viewpoints of the mountains reflected in dark water.Map ↗
  2. Fox Glacier South Side WalkwayA rainforest walk up the river valley towards distant views of the glacier.Map ↗
  3. Glacier flightScenic flights and heli-hikes land on the ice when the weather allows.Map ↗
  4. Minnehaha WalkA short forest loop by the village, with glowworms after dark.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Go to Lake Matheson early, when the water is stillest and the cloud hasn't built up.
  • The old road to the glacier's foot washed out years ago; the South Side Walkway is the way in now.
  • Halal food is scarce on the West Coast, so self-cater with supplies from Christchurch or Queenstown.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.