By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -43.49231, 169.99742. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 7.4 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 8 hr
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Westland Tai Poutini National Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Mount Fox Route is just 3 km south of the town of Fox Glacier. The challenging climb to the top is only suitable for experienced and properly equipped trampers.
This DOC directory entry covers Mount Fox Route in West Coast, within 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: 7.4 km return via same track
- Walking time: 8 hr
- DOC grade: Expert
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
For experienced and well-equipped trampers only. Check with the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting.
This rough route climbs steeply through the bush up a spur to a trig point at 1021 m above sea level. The route then follows blue and orange markers through grassland to 1345 m.
From here your efforts will be well rewarded with fantastic views of the Southern Alps Kā Tiritiri o te Moana and Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe in one direction and across coastal forest and farmland to the coast to the other.
Take care above the bushline as the track can easily be lost if conditions are misty or if the cloud descends.
Start early in the morning to be on the mountain top before cloud rolls in obscuring the view. This is a regular event, particularly in the summer months.
Getting there
Drive south for approximately 3 km from Fox Glacier Weheka township, until you reach Thirsty Culvert. There is a small parking area on the right hand side of the road while the route starts on the left.
Know before you go
Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts on Metservice or at the local DOC office (Fox Glacier Weheka township) or the Westland Tai PoutiniNational Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip.
Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change fast.
Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.
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.
