Queenstown - Christchurch - Queenstown

Day 2: Fox Glacier to Greymouth

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Fox Glacier - Franz Josef 0.25 hr  23/14 Franz Josef - Hokitika 1.75 hrs  133/83 Hokitika - Greymouth 0.5 hr  40/25   Totals for Day 2.5 hrs  196/123

Fox Glacier - Franz Josef - Hokitika - Greymouth

The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are unique relics of the last ice age. Mighty rivers of solid white, tumbling down ice-hewn rock valleys, they are classically beautiful in the glacial sense. Nowhere else in the world have glaciers advanced so close to the sea at this latitude. While in the area, you can choose from a wide range of adventure activities.

The terminal face of Fox Glacier is just 5 kilometres from the township that serves it. The road to the walking track crosses ancient moraine from earlier advances and retreats. Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier was named after an early New Zealand Prime Minister, William Fox.

After a short drive north, you’ll arrive at Franz Josef Glacier. First explored in 1865, the glacier has been moving forward at a rate of about 1 metre a day since 1985. Previously it was in retreat. You can walk to the terminal of the glacier in about 10 minutes. Franz Josef township has a good range of accommodation and eating establishments.

Scenic Highlights

Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Release your inner explorer in a pristine national park that offers a wide selection of tempting terrain.

Lake Matheson
Take a short walk to Lake Matheson and capture the perfect photograph of snow-capped Mount Cook reflected in the dark waters.

Okarito lagoon - wading bird paradise
Take a kayak or a guided tour to explore New Zealand's largest unmodified estuarine lagoon - home to more than 70 bird species, including the beautiful kotuku (white heron).

West Coast glaciers
Witness the puzzle of huge valleys of ice that extend well below the snowline, almost to the sea. Here the ice age is still underway.

Activities

West Coast
Caving (2)

Tour and Sightseeing

West Coast
Caving (1), Climbing (1)

Fox Glacier - Franz Josef - Hokitika - Greymouth

Hokitika was first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the west coast. It still has the feel of a ‘frontier town’, and there are some lovely old buildings to admire. Greenstone (NZ jade) is the town’s treasure these days – watch it being carved. You might also want to investigate the museum and do the historical walk.

The road to the glaciers is rural, but with a wild streak. The farmland is trying to turn back into forest, and the beauty of the rivers is raw and primeval. At Ross there’s a goldfield walkway to explore, or enjoy a picnic by the shores of Lake Ianthe. A visit to the White Heron colony near Whataroa is a rare experience.

First explored in 1865, the Franz Josef Glacier has been moving forward at a rate of about 1 metre a day since 1985. Previously it was in retreat. You can walk to the terminal of the glacier in about 10 minutes. Franz Josef township has a good range of accommodation and eating establishments.

Scenic Highlights

Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Release your inner explorer in a pristine national park that offers a wide selection of tempting terrain.

Okarito lagoon - wading bird paradise
Take a kayak or a guided tour to explore New Zealand's largest unmodified estuarine lagoon - home to more than 70 bird species, including the beautiful kotuku (white heron).

Activities

West Coast
Arts & Crafts (3), Heritage Attractions (3), Walking/Trekking (3)

Tour and Sightseeing

West Coast
Heritage Attractions (1), Walking/Trekking (4)

Fox Glacier - Franz Josef - Hokitika - Greymouth

Hokitika was first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the west coast. It still has the feel of a ‘frontier town’, and there are some lovely old buildings to admire. Greenstone (NZ jade) is the town’s treasure these days – you can see it being polished and sculpted. You might also want to pan for gold, investigate the museum and do the historical walk.

The road between Hokitika and Greymouth provides great views of the wild west coast. Detour to the beach and breathe the salt spray air. Driftwood is the ornamentation of choice for west coast beaches – every shape, size and colour. Shantytown, just south of Greymouth, is a reconstructed 1880s gold rush town – great family entertainment.

Greymouth has a long gold mining history. It’s the largest town on the west coast and is known for its awesome seascapes. The local brewery runs tours or you can catch up with west coast history at the museum. White water rafting, sea kayaking and gold panning are other things to do.

Scenic Highlights

Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes
Gaze in wonder at nature's artistry as columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of pancakes.

Activities

West Coast
Arts & Crafts (3), Caving (2), Museums (2)

Tour and Sightseeing

West Coast
Caving (1)