Fox Glacier Nature Walk: Guided Tour through Scenic Rainforest and Glacier Views

Embark on a guided nature walk through the stunning Fox Glacier Valley, surrounded by lush rainforest and breathtaking glacier views. Learn about glaciation, geology, and flora and fauna from experienced guides. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Fox Glacier South Side Walk - View the Fox Neve and surrounding mountains while walking through lush historic rainforest. Stop for a cup of tea break and a chat with your guide, with a view.
    Please note we cannot get near or see the terminal face of the glacier due to safety reasons (NZ’s largest active landslide is currently stopping us!). Learn…
What's Included
  • Umbrellas
  • Local guide
  • Walking poles
  • Afternoon tea
  • Baby Backpack/carrier
  • Snacks
  • Tea and coffee
  • Wet weather gear
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Water
Additional Information

This scenic trail meanders through the lush, historic glaciated rainforest of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, where you’ll encounter magnificent rata and rimu trees, vibrant mosses, and breathtaking views of the upper Fox Glacier, the Fox Neve and Mt Tasman—one of New Zealand’s tallest peaks. Along the way, our knowledgeable guides will share…

Location
20 Main Road
Main Road
Glacier Valley Eco Tours, in The Helicopter Line building Franz Josef (next to Glacier Motors) check in is 15 mins prior to the departure time
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(74 Ratings)
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Stephen
Feb 24, 2025
Fox Glacier views and more - Excellent informative walk through ancient woodland with our guide Jake. Walked along the river bed. Stopped for a hot drink and cookie. Went on tracks you can only access with a guide. Lovely afternoon great views of the Fox Glacier. Highly recommended but there are one or two steep inclines so wouldn’t recommend it to those unsteady on their feet.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jaycot
Feb 17, 2025
Fox glacier afternoon tour - Jake our guide was very energetic ( perhaps at times a little too much so ) and chatty, and had excellent local knowledge . The walk through the rainforest and glacier views were beautiful. A small and friendly group of people made the afternoon most enjoyable. It had been 38 years since my last visit and seeing how much the glacier has receded was very interesting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sallypaveley
Feb 16, 2025
A great way to experience the temperate rainforest and see Fox Glacier. - Our guide Tyler was friendly and knowledgable, the small group made the trip feel intimate and relaxed. The nature walk pace was easy and mostly on a shady track surrounded by the beautiful trees and tree ferns of the rainforest with plenty of stops to observe and learn. I saw more of the glacier than I had expected and loved going down into the river bed. A very memorable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dianaip6048cd
Feb 11, 2025
The views are spectacular and our guide Petra is very good and knowledgeable. Most of all she showed us secret walks and - The views are spectacular and our guide Petra is very good and knowledgeable. Most of all she showed us secret walks and we saw the glacier from as close as possible. Overall I would highly recommend her!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pjcdublin
Jan 31, 2025
Up the glacial valley on foot - If you don’t want to spend $$ on a helicopter trip, this is the perfect way to discover the glacier scenery and the bush. The walk would suit most ages and interests and the views were stunning.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Philippah410
Jan 15, 2025
Great glacier nature tour - Cliff was our guide. He was a fantastic guide. His depth of knowledge was impressive & he had a great sense of humour & kept us all entertained. The walk was fascinating & well worth doing & would recommend it to anyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H5152pvrobertd
Jan 12, 2025
Excellent walking tour - Since I was staying in Franz Josef and wanted to visit Fox Glacier as well, I took a guided nature walk to Fox Glacier. I was picked up at my hotel, brought to the office, and fitted with a pair of hiking boots. Then our two guides took the three of us on the tour to Fox Glacier township. The road from Fox Glacier township to the glacier was closed in 2019 due to a flood which destroyed the road. On the other side of the Fox River, the Glacier View Road has been converted into a walkway/cycleway. There were three of us on the tour and two guides. The guides parked the van and we set out on a 6 km./4 mile hike through the rainforest to a spot where we could see the glacier. The Fox River is crossed by a single lane bridge on the main road. You can see the walkway/cycleway on the former Glacier View Road in my second photo. Notice how green everything is. This area gets 5 metres/200 inches of rain per year. We took a detour to walk on the part of the old road that got washed away by the 2019 flood. Later we stopped for afternoon tea and then headed back to the car park. The guides were knowledgeable and looked after the three of us well. This was a great way to see Fox Glacier when you are staying in Franz Josef.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L5693uqstephenw
Jan 9, 2025
Excellent way to get close to Fox Glacier - Had a lovely nature walk up close to Fox Glacier through some lovely temperate rainforest. Special shout out to our guide Tyler for his sterling efforts! Well organised.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mary_t
Feb 4, 2025
Fair - Beautiful walk…snacks for trip were non existent….only chocolate chip cookies! Crackers and cheese would be nice! No water offered! Hot chocolate on a hot day? Disappointed ! Thought we’d get closer to the glacier!
Review provided by Viator
Diana_b
Jan 31, 2025
Thank you Cliff - Good tour with excellent guide Cliff. Knowledgeable and really looked after his group. Enjoyed the view of the Fox glacier.
Review provided by Viator
From $63
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).