Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier village is in "Glacier Country" on the West Coast (New Zealand) | West Coast of New Zealand|New Zealand's South Island (New Zealand) | South Island. Tucked discreetly into the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, it has a stunning outlook across surrounding farms and offers breathtaking views of New Zealand’s two highest peaks, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. The tiny township was founded from a Gold strike which soon petered out, and it now mostly serves as a base for visitors to its large icy namesake. There's a quiet, intimate village atmosphere compared to the other glacier town, Franz Josef.

Fox Glacier Halal Travel Guide

How is the Landscape of Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier NZ 2 - New Zealand glaciers are unique in all the world in descending through rain forest.

At 13 km long, Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe is the longest New Zealand glacier, falling 2,600 metres (8,000 ft) from its start just below Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman to where it ends in lush temperate rain forest just 250 m above sea level. The rapid descent and accessibility make the West Coast's glaciers unique.

A special combination of climate and shape means that Fox Glacier moves roughly 10 times quicker than other valley glaciers around the world, making its terminal face and ice features look quite different from one year to the next. At Fox Glacier thit is due to the funnel-like shape of the glacial valley and the huge nevé (the snow accumulation area, at the top of the glacier). Fox Glacier’s nevé is 36 km², bigger than the whole of the city of Christchurch!

Climate

The weather in the area is very variable and prone to change, so bring layers. Mornings are generally clear, though clouds start to gather in the afternoon, which may lead to cancelled tours, slippery walks and poor photography conditions. Winter is drier and there might be fresh snow on the glacier, but the roads will be icier.

Travel to Fox Glacier

-43.470|170.004|width=350|height=270}} Drive on State Highway 6. The drive from Franz Josef is about 30 minutes.

From the south, travel from Queenstown (New Zealand) | Queenstown roughly 4.5 hours by car, Wanaka roughly 3 hr by car, Haast roughly 1.5 hr by car.
From the north, travel from Christchurch roughly 5.5 hr by car, Greymouth roughly 2.5 hr by vehicle and Hokitika roughly 2 hr by car.

The following locations offer bus bookings through various bus companies.

Fox Glacier Guiding Building State Highway 6 -43.46524, 170.01739 ☎ +64 3 751-0825 - Atomic Shuttle and Intercity Coachlines Bookings.

Fox Glacier Information Centre Sullivan Road -43.46618, 170.01745 ☎ +64 3 751-0044

Get Around

The village is small and all lodging is within walking distance of the centre. Fox Tours and Shuttles, 0800 369 287, will shuttle people to outlying destinations like Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson and Gillepsies Beach for $12 and up.

What to See

Lake_Matheson_2007-12-06 - A picture postcard view of the Southern Alps from Lake Matheson Gillespie_Beach,_Westland,_New_Zealand - Gillespie Beach's quartz pebbles and black sand

Sunrise at Lake Matheson, sunset at Gillespies Beach and glacier viewing in between makes for a pretty great day.

Lake Matheson | -43.44140, 169.96741 Five minutes' drive from Fox township - Take the 1.5 hr walk around the lake to see the beautiful reflection of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman on its dark waters. The lake was formed during the last Ice Age retreat by Fox Glacier 14,000 years ago. The track is well maintained, and there are board walks and specially made platforms for getting the right angle for your pictures. The best light is at dawn, and it's about 20 minutes to the first lookout (and 20 minutes back if you don't want to walk the whole way) and 40 minutes to a floating pontoon.

Peak View Lookout | -43.45469, 169.95661 - Drive down Cook Flat Road for 10 km west of the township past the Lake Matheson turnoff until it becomes an unsealed road for the best view of the peaks of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. There's a picnic area and a plane table which can be used to identify the different peaks of the Southern Alps.

Gillespies Beach -43.40827, 169.82850 Cook Flat Road and then Gillespies Beach Road - An 11 km drive down a twisting unsealed road through a rimu rainforest leads to a camping area. From here, walk a bit more and you'll find yourself on a black sand/quartz pebble beach on the Tasman Sea. Near the beach entrance is the rusted and overgrown historic Gold dredge, remnants of an old mining settlement. Several kilometers up the beach you can visit a seal colony on Galway Beach, which is a three-hour round-trip walk.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Fox Glacier

Glacier viewing

Fox Glacier, NZ - Fox Glacier, close-up Fox glacier - The terminal face of the Fox Glacier

A walk to see Fox Glacier is a rather ethereal experience, as it passes through a valley carved by the moving ice. There are several signposts that signal when and where the terminal face of the glacier used to be.

Unguided walk Fox Glacier Access Road -43.49553, 170.04284 8 kilometers from the town centre to the glacier vehicle park, turn left before Fox River bridge It's roughly a 1- to 2-hour round-trip trek to the glacier. The track can be cumbersome in places, requiring balance to scramble down slick rocks and across small streams, but still easy enough for inexperienced trampers. Unlike Franz Josef and the glacier will not be in sight for some parts of the walk, but you can get much closer to it. Do not proceed past the barriers at the terminal face of the glacier, as the area is extremely dangerous. Two tourists were killed by falling ice after they crossed the barriers in 2009. If you want to step onto the ice, take a guided walk.

Fox Glacier Guiding foxguides.co.nz -43.46510, 170.01719 ☎ +64 3 751-0825 0800 111 600 $69-700 The most experienced New Zealand glacier guiding company, offering guided trips onto the glacier. There's the Fox Trot: half-day walk, Flying Fox: heli-hike, Nimble Fox: all-day walk, Fox Trail: Terminal Face walk, Fox It Up: ice-climbing adventure, Chancellor Dome day and overnight heli-treks. The heli-hikes have limited spaces, so booking beforehand could guarantee a spot.

Scenic flights

Several helicopter services operate out of Fox Glacier township and offer breathtaking flights over the glacier and the Southern Alps, weather permitting. It's a marvellous aerial view that demonstrates the vastness of the slow moving frozen river, with an option to make a snow landing on the nevé. An early morning flight could get you to the top of Fox Glacier, just as the sun rises over Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Fox & Franz Josef Heliservices scenic-flights.co.nz -43.46511, 170.01734 Fox Glacier Guiding Building ☎ +64 3 752-0793 0800 800 793 $195-375 Flights last for 20-40 minutes, from a simple fly-around and glacier landings, to an extended flight for a closer look at Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Tasman and a loop towards Franz Josef Glacier.

Skydive Fox Glacier - 0800 751 0080 $225-500 depending on height and options Take a tandem jump. Thit is probably the best place in New Zealand to skydive thanks to its amazing scenery.

Tramping

Walks on pebble-covered beaches, around lakes and through a glacial valley — and that's without heading into Fox Glacier's backcountry and less well-trodden trails. Check with the local DOC office on SH6 for maps and information.

Copland Track - Welcome Flat - -43.5749, 169.8100 - 6- to 8-hr tramp one way to the Welcome Flat hot pools. Transport available with Intercity and Atomic Shuttles.

Chalet Lookout Walk - -43.4953, 170.0321 Track starts at the vehicle park at the end of Glacier View Road - 1 hour 15 minutes round-trip with a stream crossing to find a beautiful lookout point over the glacier.

Minnehaha Walk - -43.4689, 170.0171 50 m south of Fox Glacier Village on SH 6 - A 20-min round trip through the rainforest on the outskirts of town. Take a torch at night to see glow worms in the tree trunks and along the banks of the stream.

Moraine Walk - Located along Glacier View Road -43.4844, 170.0240 - Tramp over moraine surface into native bush for a 40-min round trip.

Mount Fox Track | -43.4864, 169.9973 Start from the parking area on State Highway 6 just south of town - 8-hr round trip on a steep marked route through to alpine grasslands that afford views of the mountains, glacier, and the coastline.

Swing Bridge Walk - River Walk - -43.4886, 170.0299 track starts at the vehicle park at the end of Glacier View Road and ends at a picnic spot half way up the Glacier Access road - Walk down to the valley before crossing a historic swing bridge that spans Fox River. 40-min return.

Shopping in Fox Glacier

The general store is on State Highway 6 between Cafe Neve and the Glacier Country Hotel, and there is a fuel station on the same primary street.

Fox Glacier Guiding Gift Shop foxguides.co.nz 44 Main Road, Fox Glacier -43.46515, 170.01679 ☎ +64 3 751-0825 - In the Fox Glacier Guiding Building on the Main Road, offers a range of gifts and souvenirs.

ReflectioNZ Gifts and Gallery lakematheson.com/ Lake Matheson -43.44770, 169.97008 5 min drive from Fox Glacier ☎ +64 3 751-0753 Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30AM Showcases carefully selected, contemporary merchandise with a New Zealand flavour: e.g., jewellery, designer merino garments, greenstone & souvenirs, New Zealand artwork & photos. Overseas shipping available. Friendly, efficient service.

Halal Food & Restaurants in Fox Glacier

There's a fairly small selection of restaurants in Fox Glacier, with a few lodgings like the Fox Glacier Inn, Glacier Country Hotel and High Peaks Hotel offering in-house food. If your budget is really tight, it might be worth picking up general supplies before coming into the glacier towns.

Cafe Neve State Highway 6 -43.46605, 170.01830 ☎ +64 3 751-0110 - One of the cheaper eateries in Fox Glacier. Has Pizzas as daily specials.

Cook Saddle Cafe and Saloon State Highway 6 -43.46371, 170.01875 ☎ +64 3 751-0700 - Decorated as a rustic cabin with old antiques and paraphernalia, and even a fireplace. Serves both lunch and dinner indoors or out. Family friendly and full of local history.

Fox Glacier Guiding Cafe State Highway 6 -43.46490, 170.01686 Located in the Fox Glacier Guiding Building ☎ +64 3 751-0005 Opening Hours: 7:30AM Monday - 4PM A convenient stop before early morning guided hikes. Serves breakfast and lunch daily. Offer a range of homemade deli style food.

The Last Kitchen Sullivan Road -43.46704, 170.01780 ☎ +64 3 751-0058 - A pricier option, but the food is pretty good. Quite busy for dinner.

Further away from the village:

Lake Matheson Cafe lakematheson.com/ Lake Matheson Road -43.44684, 169.97003 5 min drive from Fox Glacier at Lake Matheson walkway ☎ +64 3 751-0878 Opening Hours: Nov–Mar: daily 7:30AM Monday - late; Apr–Oct 8AM Monday - 4PM Coffee, and during the busy season, breakfast; dinner is on blackboard menus and change to suit seasonal ingredients. Deli style sandwiches, cakes, pies, cookies and salads with all products made on site. Great views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.

South Westland Salmon Farm salmonfarm.co.nz/ -43.71063, 169.49492 an hour from Fox Glacier/Haast ☎ +64 3 751-0837 Opening Hours: 8AM Monday - 4PM daily Fresh and smoked salmon in a variety of dishes like sashimi and Pasta. Not really value-for-money, but it's the only stop to eat for the two-hour journey between Fox Glacier and Haast. Check out the salmon ponds at the side.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Fox Glacier, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Fox Glacier. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Fox Glacier and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Fox Glacier. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Fox Glacier. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Fox Glacier: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Fox Glacier.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Fox Glacier: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Fox Glacier, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Fox Glacier.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Fox Glacier, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Fox Glacier, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Fox Glacier and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Fox Glacier, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Fox Glacier, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Fox Glacier without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Fox Glacier is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Fox Glacier.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Fox Glacier is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Fox Glacier, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Fox Glacier Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Fox Glacier

eHalal Group Fox Glacier is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Fox Glacier. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Fox Glacier.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Fox Glacier ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Fox Glacier. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Fox Glacier, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Backpackers

Fox Glacier Holiday Park - Kerr Road -43.4633, 170.0084 ☎ +64 3 751 0821 0800 154 366 +64 3 751-0813$13-99 14-room lodge, campsites, powered campervan sites, and bunkhouse cabins are available.

Ivory Towers Backpacker Lodge - Sullivan Road -43.46596, 170.01874 ☎ +64 3 751-0838 $10 - 90. Lowest prices offered to BBH members In the winter, rooms are freezing cold; they do not have adequate heaters.

Homestays

Fox Glacier Homestay | -43.4622, 170.0089 ☎ +64 3 751-0817 $70-120 0.5 km from the village, this homestay offers three bedrooms and a continental breakfast.

Roaring Billy Lodge | -43.46332, 170.01981 ☎ +64 3 751-0815 2 minutes from the town centre, this homestay offers two bedrooms with shared bathroom and a special cooked breakfast. Your host Billy is a seasoned bushman and offers educational walks in the evenings.

Ropatinis B & B | -43.4625, 170.0060 ☎ +64 3 751-0779 3 minutes drive from town's centre, thit is a lovely homestay with inviting hosts. The gardens and views are beautiful. There is a choice of en suite units or rooms inside the main house (with and without en suite). Breakfast is provided, dinner by arrangement.

Hotels

Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Boutique Hotel - State Highway 6 -43.46398, 170.01971 ☎ +64 3 751-0730 0800 313 414 +64 3 751 0731 21 rooms with beautiful en suites and balconies. Guest lounge, internet, library, lift, undercover parking. Breakfasts included.

Fox Glacier Lodge - Sullivan Road -43.46631, 170.01836 ☎ +64 3 751-0888 $120-250 8 en suite rooms. Some rooms with kitchens, double spa baths & gas fire places. Bed & Breakfast Lodge rooms include continental selection breakfast. Also Fox Glacier Campervan Park: 24 powered campervan sites. Showers, toilets, kitchen & coin operated laundry. Fresh drinking water & dump station. Free BBQ in sheltered BBQ area & picnic tables for guest use. 1-min stroll to all cafes/shops, etc.

High Peaks Hotel - 163 Cook Flat Road - Lake Matheson Road -43.4606, 169.9966 ☎ +64 3 751 0131 0800 273 767 +64 3 751-0706$120-190 54 rooms with bathrooms.

Scenic Circle Glacier Country Hotel - State Highway 6 GPS -43.46576, 170.01772 ☎ +64 3 751 0847 0800 696 963 +64 3 751 0822 51 rooms.

Motels

Fox Glacier Inn - 39 Sullivan Road GPS -43.46607, 170.01843 ☎ +64 3 751-0022 +64 3 751 0024 16 en suite rooms, 12 basic share rooms.

Lake Matheson Motel - Corner Cook Flat Road & Pekanga Drive -43.46402, 170.01255 ☎ +64 3 751-0830
Lake Paringa Heritage Lodge | GPS -43.72188, 169.41188 Located 68km south of town ☎ +64 3 751-0894 $95-115 Motel, backpackers and van sites near Lake Paringa.

Rainforest Motel | Cook Flat Road - Lake Matheson Road GPS -43.46435, 170.01556 ☎ +64 3 751 0140
Sunset Motel - Cook Flat Road GPS -43.4620, 170.0038 ☎ +64 3 751-0062 0800 751 006 +64 3 751-0063$95-195 25 motel units opened in November 2003.

The Westhaven - State Highway 6 -43.46426, 170.01854 ☎ +64 3 751-0084 0800 369 452 +63 3 751 0094$175-195 Queen and King motel units.

Motor Park

Fox Glacier Campervan Park | -43.4673, 170.0182 (see under "Inns and Lodges" above).

Internet & Phones

Some of the motels and hotels will offer free Wi-fi, though some will also require payment.

Stay Safe

Nurse's Clinic - ☎ +64 3 751-0836 - There is a nurse's clinic on the north edge of town open daily. Doctor available on Thursdays only.

News & References

Travel Next

North on State Highway 6 to nearby Franz Josef, which is the larger of the two West Coast glacier townships, with more lodging, restaurants as well as the brand new Glacier Hot Pools
South to Haast