Overview

This is one of our most popular trip! It's a great eco-adventure and full of variety and interest. Walkers are kitted out with sturdy leather boots and other equipment, before boarding one of our historic buses for the short drive through the rainforest and into the glacial valley. This valley was carved out by the ice during past ice ages and shows dramatic evidence of the power of the ice.

Your guide leads you on a walk beside the river bed to our secret track which zig-zags slowly uphill for thirty minutes through ferns and regenerating temperate rainforest. From high on the track you enjoy fantastic views of the glacier and its upper and lower icefalls.

From its high point, the track winds down to the edge of the ice. At this point you are outfitted with instep crampons specially designed for these ice conditions, and you follow the ice steps cut by the guides. The route takes you onto the ice amongst crevasses and ice ridges and leads you onto the middle of the glacier for spectacular views of the icefall and lower glacier.

At least one hour is spent on the ice and, depending on glacial conditions, you will return to the bus using either the same secret track or a different track that follows the edge of the ice.

Your guide will be with you for the duration of the trip and will enjoy passing on fascinating details of the natural history of this landscape.

Access to the ice varies as the glacier changes and alternative routes may sometimes be used.

Locations

Hokitika (West Coast - South Island)

Greymouth (West Coast - South Island)

Fox Glacier approximately 2 hours drive South of Hokitika, 5 hours drive North of Queenstown and 6 hours drive West of Christchurch. We do not provide pick ups, however Fox Glacier is a small town and all local accommodation is located within walking distance of our building.

Exact meeting point and supplier's details are provided immediately after booking.

Numbers

As our groups are kept small (12 people per guide), these trips fill up quickly and booking in advance is advised.

Session Time

Tour duration is around 4 hours. We run tours all year round.

Guidelines & Restrictions

A good level of fitness and agility is required. We suggest you wear 3 - 4 layers of warm upper body clothing, sunglasses and sun protection. Jeans are not recommended on wet days as they become very cold and uncomfortable to wear.

A day pack is useful and a drink and snacks are good to have. Your own boots and raincoats may be suitable. For winter trips bring a warm hat and gloves. Minimum age for this tour is 7. Child rate applies to children under the age of 16 years.

Extra Info

Included in this package is ground transport, boots and socks, crampons, raincoat, waterproof over trousers and alpenstock.

Contact Us

Got a question? Check out our Online Help area or Ask the Activity Supplier directly through an email service that will allow the activity supplier to receive an email and get back to you as soon as possible. To protect your privacy we ask that you do not provide the activity supplier with your contact details or ask for their contact details.