Fox Glacier Nature Walk: Guided Tour through Scenic Rainforest and Glacier Views
4.8
46 Ratings
Franz Josef / Waiau
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: 1 day learn more
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 about glaciology, geology, geothermology (inc a tiny hot pool/spring), native flora & fauna, native moss

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
Additional Information

A guided walk lasting roughly 3 hours, inclusive of breaks, takes place in the Fox Glacier Valley. The package includes transportation from Franz Josef and Fox Glacier towns, an afternoon tea, wet weather clothing, umbrellas, and support sticks for walking.

The route passes through a green and vibrant historic glacier-carved rainforest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, showcasing enormous rata, rimu trees, moss, and vistas of the upper Fox Glacier (not the terminal face), Fox neve, and Mt Tasman, one of the tallest mountains in New Zealand.

Your knowledgeable guide will provide details about glaciation, geothermology (including a geothermal spring for a quick hand dip), geology, and the local flora and fauna.

The tour’s intensity is beginner-friendly, and cater to individuals of varying age groups and walking capabilities.

Kindly note that this tour doesn’t approach or offer views of the glacier’s terminal face due to safety concerns. This is an eco-tour - if you wish to see the glacier’s terminal face up-close, consider our Franz Josef Eco Tour.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Location
Glacier Valley Eco Tours
If you are in Franz Josef - we are located across the street from the main Intercity bus stop, and next to Full of Beans Cafe.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(46 Ratings)
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Laura_g
Mar 25, 2024
Great tour guide - Jerome was an excellent tour guide. We really enjoyed our day wandering through the beautiful trails and even through the rock bed. We loved seeing Fox glacier and Jerome made it a very special day.
Review provided by Viator
38trevori
Mar 12, 2024
A unexpected stunning walk through the wilderness of Fox Glacier - All terrains and habitats were covered under the expert guiding of Jerome. He's wide knowledge enabled us to fully appreciate the fragile nature of this endangered environment. The clouds lifted and we were able to see the length of the Fox Glacier and Douglas Peak above.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
557terencet
Mar 6, 2024
Great experience - The walk was great and views of the glacier worth the trip. Jerome's knowledge was very good and was a significant factor for the great walk, recommend this to everyone. Terry Turner, Hobart
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U8704bvjennyb
Feb 23, 2024
Walk through time - This was a lovely experience - a 5km walk through different terrains and Jerome our guide was extremely knowledgable about the forests and the glaziers.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mira_g
Feb 10, 2024
Stunning - Jerome was a wonderful guide and made the hike informative and enjoyable. We were lucky enough to be taken on a ‘secret’ route off the main track. Gorgeous scenery. Sadly the glacier is receding and the view of it is from afar but still worth the effort.
Review provided by Viator
On_holiday_yipee
Feb 8, 2024
Interesting, informative & beautiful - Interesting & informative, as well as a beautiful walk with exquisite scenery. Jerome, our guide, was excellent, having an extensive knowledge of the natural environment, as well as patient with our many questions! Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hilaryb891
Jan 19, 2024
Why go on a guided tour - Many people ask why go on a guided tour when you can walk it yourself. The answer is that the guide actually shows you many things that you would not notice. He was a foraging expert so we tasted things as we went. He took us safely off trail on the rocky river bed. It was so worth it - and I met two other lovely families.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Goplaces682828
Jan 14, 2024
Breathtaking Views and Beautiful Experience - Absolutely spectacular experience. Our guide, Jerome was wonderful and very knowledgeable of the landscapes and flora and fauna around. We also got to wade through the river and got to walk on the river bed. All n’ all, I highly recommend this walk. It’s always great to see a place when you know the story behind it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alex_e
Jan 6, 2024
Beautiful forest walk - Beautiful relaxing 7 km walk, not steep and in a magic rainforest. You may not see a lot if glacier, only from distance- but see a lot of other beautiful things. Tayna is a wonderful guide, strongly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Venture56239778262
Jan 23, 2024
I would not recommend anyone to make any bookings through them. - We had the worst experience with Eco Valley tours. In a country know for its friendliness and courtesy, we rather had an unpleasant meet with the two people managing it at the time. The situation occurred because we were few minutes late (we understand that is not right in the first place, but some situations are beyond anyone’s control) but instead of trying to help us and provide us with a quick solution (which was easily available), the managers kept arguing with us and telling us that there was nothing they can do. They treated us with no respect and regard. Not only did they not explain us what could have been done, they were rude in their demeanour and conduct. I would not recommend anyone to make any bookings through them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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