Fox Glacier South Side Walkway/Cycleway: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

The walkway/cycleway follows the south bank of the Fox River through ancient podocarp rainforest.

This DOC directory entry covers Fox Glacier South Side Walkway/Cycleway in West Coast, within Fox Glacier area / Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 6.4 km return via same track
• Walking time: 2 hr
• DOC grade: Easy

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The Fox Glacier South Side Walkway/Cycleway follows the south bank of the Fox River through ancient podocarp rainforest. The track heads gently up the valley crossing ancient glacial moraine surfaces, with the forest reflecting the various ages of the glacier moraines which it has colonised.

The first viewpoint of the glacier is reached after approximately 40 minutes walk, before the track continues to reach an old car park. This is as far as you can cycle – all bikes must be left here before continuing on foot.

The track winds gently downhill through the rainforest for approximately 10 minutes to a view point of Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe. Do not go past this point due to extreme flood hazard.

Getting there

Drive south for 2 km from the Fox Glacier Weheka township, cross the Fox River Bridge and park in the car park on the left hand side of the road heading south.

Know before you go

What to expect

• Access: The track can be closed due to rock falls or flooded rivers. Glacier viewpoints are hundreds of metres from the face of the glacier. View daily glacier access update on Glacier Country website.

• Change in elevation: +/- 100 m

Hazards

• Rapidly changing weather: This walk is in an alpine region.

• River surges: Glacial rivers can be dammed by ice falls and the dam could burst creating a huge surge of water and ice which floods the valley.

• Flooding: Downpours can create flooding within minutes – follow the marked track, obey all signs and never cross barriers.

Amenities

• Toilets are available in Fox Glacier Weheka township.

Be prepared

Ensure you take:

• layered warm and waterproof clothing

• sturdy footwear.

No drones

Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited.

Drone use on conservation land

History and culture

The glacier holds added significance for local Māori as it is the moeka (final resting place) of their ancestor Tuawe.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.