New Zealand Glaciers Visit to Fox and Franz Josef

Glaciers… just the name evokes a sense of adventure and wonder. No matter the distance to drive, the winding roads, or the effort required to reach stunning viewpoints, the allure of these icy giants is undeniable. During my travels through New Zealand, I found myself captivated by the magnificent Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, which stand as remarkable testaments to nature's artistry.

However, in a land where every kilometer begs to be photographed, we decided to stretch this segment of our journey over two days. Our first day began at the breathtaking Lake Hawea, a hidden gem that left us in awe. Next, we visited the mesmerizing Blue Pools, known for their striking azure waters, a perfect plunge for the brave-hearted. We capped off the day with a visit to the enchanting Fanfail Falls, where the cascading waters offered a serene backdrop.

On day two, we started in Haast, where we had spent the night parked outside a charming store specializing in sheep and possum products. The town is touted for its charm, but we fondly remember it for the pesky sandflies that left our legs looking like we had chickenpox again, and for the friendly donkey residing by Haast Beach.

From there, we took the coastal road, flanked by wild and unspoiled beaches, making our way to our first glacier, Fox Glacier. The experience was unexpected, as we could admire it from three different perspectives: the first from a distant lookout point, providing an overview of the glacier, the second from the most famous viewing spot, which leads to the glacier's base, and the third from a picnic area further away offering picturesque views.

The second viewpoint, the well-known trail leading to the glacier's base, was a bit disappointing. While it may have been spectacular years ago, the glacier is retreating at an alarming rate of 70 cm per day. It is best to approach with tempered expectations to avoid a sense of despair over its rapid decline.

During our visit, we had the pleasure of reconnecting with our kiwi friends, Florcita and Martín, who have been working in the area for several months. Unfortunately, we forgot to take a photo, but as always, we enjoyed our time together. We also had our first glimpse of Lake Matheson, located just a few kilometers from Fox Village. This lake is famous for its reflective views, particularly from the Reflection Island Lookout. However, we missed out on capturing that perfect shot, perhaps requiring an early morning visit on a clear, windless day.

The last stop on our glacier adventure was Franz Josef Glacier, which required a longer hike but offered less rewarding views. Whether it was the clouds obscuring the landscape or the glacier itself being less visible, it turned out to be equally disappointing.

It’s essential to be fair in our assessment: visiting these glaciers is worthwhile if you are already exploring the stunning west coast road, which is an attraction in itself. However, if visiting them means a significant detour from your route, it may be worth reconsidering.

Helpful Information for Glacier Visits

Helpful Information for Glacier Visits

Where to Stay

On our first night, we stayed in Haast, in the parking lot of a possum and merino wool shop (easy to find). Be sure to ask the owner for permission to park overnight, as there is a restroom available 24/7. However, the town lacks much in terms of amenities. On our second night, we camped at the Lake Mahināpua Campsite, a Department of Conservation site costing $6 per person (free camping spots are scarce in this area). This campsite was beautiful and provided ample facilities.

Visiting Fox Glacier

The first viewpoint is located off a right turn before crossing a large bridge, approximately 4 km before reaching the village (coming from the south). The second, and most famous, viewpoint is just after crossing the bridge; follow the signs for several kilometers to reach the parking area. The hike from there takes around 25 minutes, with a challenging final stretch. The third viewpoint is a picnic area on the way to Lake Matheson; continue straight, and it's about 10 km from the village.

Exploring Franz Josef Glacier

The hike to Franz Josef Glacier takes around 1.5 hours round trip. While the surroundings are beautiful, they may not seem as spectacular if you've already visited Mt. Cook.