The Ultimate Fox Glacier Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier sits about 2 hours south of Hokitika, or 2.5 hours from Greymouth — the closest major towns. Coming from the south, it's roughly 3.5 hours from Wānaka, or 4.5 hours from Queenstown. From Christchurch, allow around 5.5 hours through the stunning Arthur's Pass. However you're arriving, take it slow. The drive itself is some of the best scenery the South Island has to offer.

Check in or park up

Once you've arrived, check in to your accommodation or campsite at Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park — the perfect base for exploring Glacier Country. We've got a range of comfortable accommodation and powered camping sites to suit any traveller, budget or group size, plus alpine views from just about anywhere in the park. Settle in and make use of our facilities, including a private hot tub, playground, games room and shared kitchen and dining areas.

Visit Lake Matheson

Once you're settled, it's time to explore. A great first stop is the stunning Lake Matheson, world-famous for its mirror-like reflections of the Southern Alps. The car park is just 5 minutes from the holiday park via Cook Flat Road, and the walk to the viewpoint takes about 40 minutes return along flat, easy track through native forest. If you've got more time, the full loop around the lake takes closer to 1 hour 40 minutes. For the stillest water and the best reflections, aim for early morning or evening — and if conditions aren't perfect the first time, you can always come back later in your stay.

Enjoy dinner out

Fox Glacier village has a handful of great spots for dinner, including Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar, Cook Saddle Café & Saloon, and White Pub Café & Bar. Ask our team for a personal recommendation; our local knowledge runs deep.

Make friends with glow worms

After dark, head back to the park for one more adventure before bed. Our glow worm walk is a fun, easy activity for all ages. Rug up, keep your eyes peeled, and look for the glow worm grottos lighting up the rainforest track. Allow 20 to 30 minutes.

Day 2

Experience Fox Glacier

Today's the big one. The best way to experience Fox Glacier up close is with a guided tour, and the Heli Hike is the most popular choice. You'll be flown in by helicopter over spectacular scenery and straight onto the ice, then guided through the glacier's ever-changing features: ice caves, arches, tunnels and more, with all the gear supplied. The Extreme Fox Heli Hike gives you up to 7 hours on the ice, departing 8:15am. For something shorter, the Flying Fox Heli Hike offers up to 3 hours on the ice, departing 8:50am or 11:50am.

Relax at the park

After a big day of adventure, it's time to unwind. Book a soak in our private hot tub, or play some games in our games room. 

Enjoy dinner in

Settle in for a relaxed night at the park with a drink and a home-cooked meal. Cook up a storm in the shared kitchen or your own unit, and make use of our free gas BBQs. Need groceries? The Fox Glacier General Store is just 2 minutes away. Our shared dining area is the social hub of the park, a great place to swap stories with other travellers. In the colder months, the wood burner keeps things warm and cosy.

Day 3

Breakfast at Matheson Café

One of the best breakfast spots in Fox Glacier is Matheson Café, open daily from 8:30am, right by the entrance to the Lake Matheson track. Fancy another crack at those mirror reflections? Head over a little earlier for another walk before you eat. The café serves up a great range of breakfast options, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing some of the best views in town — worth lingering over a lazy brunch if you're not in a rush.

Rainforest walk

Take an easy 30-minute walk through Fox Glacier's unique glacial rainforest, where centuries of glacial movement have carved out striking transitions between young and old forest — a landscape unlike anywhere else. Pick up an Out Foxing guidebook from reception to learn more about the tree species along the way.

Visit Gillespies Beach

Next up, Gillespies Beach — one of Glacier Country's best-kept secrets. A quiet half-hour drive along Cook Flat Road and Gillespies Beach Road brings you to a rugged, near-empty stretch of coastline backed by mountains. It's also one of the best spots around for sunset, with the sun sinking into the ocean and the peaks behind turning gold.

Continue on your travels

That's a few big days done, but your Fox Glacier adventure doesn't have to stop there. There's plenty more to see in this corner of New Zealand, from tandem skydiving and scenic flights to quad bike tours, kayaking and wildlife sanctuaries. Keen to stay longer? Just have a chat with our team — our local knowledge and Out Foxing guidebooks will help you make the most of it.

If it's time to move on, we understand — there's so much of New Zealand left to see. Thanks for choosing Fox Glacier TOP 10 as your base for exploring Glacier Country. We know you won't forget it.