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FOX GLACIER (Te Moeka o Tuawe)
Approaching the terminal face of the Fox Glacier along Glacier View Road has a surreal, otherworldly dimension. Before you even get out of the car, you’ll feel its weight upon your shoulder. This primeval lunar landscape, with its sheer towering rock faces and massive heaped moraine piles, dwarfs its human visitors, who crawl like ants around boulders that the ice has pushed aside like so many pebbles. This awesome glacier’s nevé covers 36 square kms, and at 13km is the West Coast’s longest, terminating a mere 250 metres above sea level. Since 1985, the glacier has been advancing by about one metre per week, but that does not diminish the roar of the melted ice as it bursts from the snow cave on the glacier’s terminal face to dash unerringly to the Tasman Sea. Fox Glacier Village is smaller than its neighbour Franz Josef, with less of the tourist hype, and more of the West Coast feel, though tours to the glaciers still depart regularly from here. It’s a great place to stop off before tackling the Haast Pass, one of the most beautiful passes in the South Island. For those overnighting in Fox Village, take a stroll down the bush path at the south end of town, which leads to a grotto of glow-worm studded ferns, whose long graceful fronds sparkle in the darkness. More about the West Coast
Fox Glacier Accommodation "Our Pick"
The Westhaven Motel
Offers 23 spacious queen, king and deluxe king units in the village.
State Highway 6 -- Phone: +64 3 751 0084
Website
Te Weheka Inn -- Tariff: from $360
Purpose built B&B Hotel, modern spacious rooms with balconies.
Main Road --
Phone: +64 3 751 0730
More...
Misty Peaks -- Tariff: $195 - $375
B&B accommodation with Mt Cook views, 4 super-king guest rooms, dinner available, 10 min. walk to village.
130 Cook Flat Road -- Phone: +64 3 751 0849
More...
Fox Glacier Restaurants & Cafes "Our Pick"
Matheson Cafe
Cafe/deli food. Website
Lake Matheson Road -- Phone: 03 751 0878
Plateau Cafe & Bar
Cafe menu.
State Highway 6 -- Phone: +64 3 751 0058
Activities in Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
Accommodation and Where to Eat in Franz Josef Glacier
West Coast Region - Fox Glacier
ACCOMMODATION SPECIALS & GUEST REVIEWS
Walking tracks cross the glacial moraine at Fox Glacier
West Coast weather forecast on metservice.com
Fox Glacier Village
The Fox River flows from an ice cave in the Glacier's terminal face