Fox Glacier South Westland West Coast Accommodation overlooking Mount Cook, The Southern Alps and close to Lake Matheson.

The village at Fox Glacier is the more "laid back" of the twin Glacier Country townships and is a good base from which to explore. We have a general Store for all your needs and Fox Glacier Motors can help with petrol and any repairs you may need for your car or campervan.

There are many ways for the traveller to experience "Glacier Country", no matter what your fitness level, budget - or weather! Tourists flock to this renowned area annually to reap the rewards of this unique environment, from bravely climbing the face of glaciers, to fishing the plentiful salmon and trout waters, to experiencing the rainforest environment amongst intertwined walking tracks, there is an abundance of activities for all to indulge in. All in one place!

The mighty Fox is the largest and longest of the magnificent West Coast glaciers.It is remarkable in that it ends in temperate rainforest, 250 metres above sea level and a mere twelve kilometres from the sea.

There are more 3,000m (10,000ft) peaks at the head of the Fox Glacier than in any other valley in New Zealand. Nowhere in the world’s temperate zones are glaciers so accessible.

Mount Fox is also featured in our views across the mountain range.From the peak of Mount Fox you can see the Fox River meandering down to the sea, the expansive glacier valley and Mount Cook. This is not for the unfit or faint hearted. The Department of Conservation or DOC can advise you on the weather conditions and also the track conditions.

There is some great Restaurants in Fox Glacier to wine and dine you from pizza's, fish and chips to some beautiful lamb and beef dishes, all just a short walk from Sunset Motels.

Matheson Cafe ph 03 751 0878
Cafe Neve ph 03 751 0110
Cook Saddle Cafe/Saloon ph 03 751 0700
Hobnail Cafe ph 03 751 0005
The Plateau Cafe and Bar ph 03 751 0058
The Mountain Goat Cafe ph 03 751 0839
High Peaks Restaurant ph 03 751 0131

About 40 minutes out of Fox Glacier there is also the Salmon Farm Cafe ph 03 751 0837 where you can buy salmon and see the farm in action.

One of New Zealand's great scenic icons is Lake Matheson, the famous reflection lake, which lies just 6km from Fox Glacier.

On a still, clear day, this tranquil lake provides a picture-perfect reflection of New Zealand's highest peaks, Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman. The surface is a perfect natural mirror.

The view is best at sunrise and sunset. An easy 40 minute walk takes you to the first viewing platform, and a complete circuit of the lake can be completed in one and a half hours.

Historic Gillespie's Beach, a wilderness of crashing surf and distant snow capped mountains, is best known for its seal colony and colourful gold mining history, and is approximately 25 minutes west by car.

We are happy to assist with sightseeing tours offering a range of enthralling guided walking excursions from half a day to 2 days duration to explore the spectacular ice formations. All companies provide professional guides that give full explanations regarding the geological features, flora and fauna of the area.

Helicopter and fixed wing aircraft provide the excitement of exploring a wild and remote part of the glacier offering scenic flights and snow landings amidst New Zealand's highest peaks overlooking the glaciers.

We are able to offer our guests discounted Scenic Helicopter Flights with the local operators.We can also advise on expert guided mountaineering trips, instruction courses, ski tours and special interest trips amongst New Zealand's highest peaks.