The best Glacier Country local attractions.<\/p>\n
Glacier Country New Zealand offers a refreshing atmosphere, native bush, amazing views of glaciers as well as endless opportunities to engage in a wide array of activities and attractions, from the sedate to adrenaline filled adventures. Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier is one of the few glaciers to end among the lush West Coast rainforest only 300 metres above sea level.<\/p>\n
Fox Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, with its terminal face an easy walk from Fox Glacier Village. The village itself is a thriving local community, serving the thousands of tourists visiting the area every day during the high season, as well as the local farming community. There are a wealth of activities and attractions in Glacier Country. Below are some of our favourites.<\/p>\n
The only company in the area to operate guided walks up Fox Glacier is Fox Glacier Guiding. Offering a range of adventures, from a gentle stroll on the glacier, to full day hikes, glacier ice climbing and heli adventures. To find out more, visit\u00a0www.foxguides.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n Ice adventures are also available on the Franz Josef glacier. To find out more visit\u00a0www.franzjosefglacier.com<\/p>\n There are several reputable businesses operating both fixed wing and helicopter scenic flights, providing the best seat in the house. With unparalleled views of the glaciers, Mt Cook and Tasman and the rugged coastline of the West Coast, many of the operators cluster on Main Road in the town. For further information, visit the respective company websites at the Glacier Country tourism website.<\/p>\n The region offers some of the most scenic lakes and rivers in New Zealand, as well as a rugged coastline. There is nothing quite like the unique view of the world that you can only obtain from out on the water. You can experience this yourself at Lake Mapourika with its untouched beauty and view of the Franz Josef Glacier. It is an ideal place to kayak or cruise. Out at the coast you can also explore the Okarito Lagoon by freedom kayak, guided kayak tour or a relaxed kayak cruise. This pristine environment is New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland.\u00a0For more information visit\u00a0www.glaciercountry.co.nz<\/p>\n If you are a bird lover or simply fascinated by rare and beautiful things venture into the night on a personalised tour to listen to and maybe even see the rarest kiwi in the world; the Rowi, otherwise known as the Okarito Brown kiwi.<\/p>\n If you don’t want to venture into the night then view the Rowi by day at their all year round, all weather indoor home at the West Coast Wildlife Centre. During nesting season you can also take a jet boat ride to New Zealand’s only Kotuku (White Heron) nesting site in the Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve.\u00a0 See Nature & Wildlife Tours at\u00a0www.glaciercountry.co.nz<\/p>\n The area is blessed with great walking and hiking tracks, whether you are after a short stroll or an adventure in native forest. The Lake Matheson Walkway circumnavigates New Zealand’s most photographed lake, where the Minnehaha walk provides a perfect example of West Coast’s rainforest as it meanders over bridges, trickling waterways, large ferns and moss covered trees.<\/p>\n For those who want an extended hiking adventure, the Copland Track, which connects the Westland National Park to Aoraki\/Mt Cook National Park. The tracks gets progressively more difficult heading away from Fox Glacier. Make sure you check with the Department of Conservation on track and weather conditions before embarking on these tracks.<\/p>\n Gillespie’s Beach has a fantastic coastal walkway that passes the seal colony at Galway Point, passing through old miners tracks.<\/p>\n\n\t\tScenic Flights\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
\n\t\tCruises and Kayaking (lagoon)\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
\n\t\tHikes and Walks\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
\n\t\tGlacier Hot Pools Franz Josef\n\t<\/h2>\n\t