Fox is a region located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, characterized by a unique blend of glacial landscapes, temperate rainforests, and alpine vistas. The area features the Fox Glacier, which descends from the Southern Alps into lush forest, alongside the Fox River and glacial moraine surfaces. This diverse terrain provides varied opportunities for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, and touring cycling.
The Fox region offers numerous routes for outdoor…
26
Routes
4.9
(25)
Average rating
124
People visited

3.70km
01:01
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1.90km
00:32
20m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(7)
9
hikers
4.18km
01:28
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
hikers
10.1km
03:20
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
runners
10.1km
01:16
180m
180m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
runners
11.1km
01:23
180m
180m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
8.04km
01:03
200m
200m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
4.34km
00:35
140m
130m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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9
riders
49.7km
02:27
700m
700m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

10
riders
60.4km
02:50
670m
670m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
3
riders
23.3km
01:14
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
3
riders
20.7km
01:04
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(7)
8
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
14.9km
01:17
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
31.3km
02:46
590m
590m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Fox region offers a variety of outdoor activities including Hiking, Jogging, Road cycling, and Touring cycling. These activities take place amidst glacial landscapes, temperate rainforests, and alpine vistas. Visitors have rated routes in Fox with an average of 4.81 out of 5 stars.
The Fox Glacier region is known for its unique blend of a temperate maritime glacier descending into a lush rainforest, part of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. It features the Fox Glacier, the Southern Alps, and Lake Matheson. This area is recognized for its outstanding natural value and UNESCO World Heritage status.
Yes, the Fox region offers a variety of trails suitable for different fitness levels, including easier options. The Minnehaha Walk is a short loop through lush forest. For more options, consult the Easy hikes around Fox guide.
Popular hiking trails in Fox include the Fox Glacier South Side Walkway, which offers views of the glacier through ancient rainforest. The Minnehaha Walk is a short, accessible loop known for glow worms at night. For a comprehensive list, explore the Hiking around Fox guide.
Yes, the Fox region provides opportunities for both road cycling and touring cycling. The Fox Glacier South Side Walkway/Cycleway offers easy cycling along the Fox River. The Te Weheka Cycleway is another dedicated trail from Fox Glacier township. Find more details in the Road Cycling Routes around Fox and Cycling around Fox guides.
Key natural attractions in Fox include the Fox Glacier, an 11.7-kilometer (7.3-mile) long glacier descending into rainforest. Lake Matheson, known for its reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, is also a significant highlight. The Minnehaha Walk offers an experience with glow worms in the ancient podocarp rainforest.
General access to most public walking tracks in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, which includes the Fox Glacier area, does not require permits. However, guided glacier walks or heli-hikes onto the ice itself are typically operated by commercial companies and include their own access arrangements. It is advisable to check with local operators for specific requirements for guided experiences.
The Fox region offers several family-friendly activities, particularly easy walks. The Minnehaha Walk is a short, accessible loop suitable for families. The Fox Glacier South Side Walkway also has sections that are manageable for various ages. The Easy hikes around Fox guide can provide suitable options.
Routes in the Fox region have received an average rating of 4.81 out of 5 stars from komoot users. This rating is based on feedback from more than 200 visitors who have shared their experiences. The region offers a diverse range of routes for various outdoor sports.
Komoot offers several guides for the Fox region to help plan outdoor adventures. These include Hiking around Fox, Easy hikes around Fox, Running Trails around Fox, Road Cycling Routes around Fox, and Cycling around Fox.
The Fox Glacier township serves as a base for accessing many local trails. While specific public transport directly to every trailhead may be limited, the Te Weheka Cycleway connects the township to the glacier carparks. Visitors often use personal vehicles or shuttle services provided by tour operators to reach trailheads.
Regulations regarding dogs on trails vary within Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Generally, dogs are not permitted on most Department of Conservation (DOC) tracks to protect native wildlife. It is advisable to check specific trail regulations or contact the Department of Conservation for current guidelines before bringing a dog.
Hiking trails in Fox vary significantly in length and duration. Short loops like the Minnehaha Walk can be completed in under 30 minutes. Longer trails, such as sections of the Fox Glacier South Side Walkway, can extend for several hours. More challenging routes to viewpoints may require a full day.

