The Area
The area around the Fox Glacier township offers visitors a rare opportunity to easily access a dynamic glacial environment in a forested area while within driving and walking distance from the main highway. Many short walks are available with abundant bird life in the ancient rainforest. Glow worms can be seen during night time adventures on tracks adjacent to the town.
Lake Matheson & Gault are two of the most popular walks and Gillespies Beach is well worth the drive.
Location
Fox Glacier/Weheka is on the west coast of the South Island in the area known as South Westland. It is in the middle of Westland National park. It is a 2.5hr journey south of Hokitika and a 4.5hr journey from Queenstown.
Mathesons Escape is a short 2km drive west of the township and on the way to the famous Lake Matheson.
Walks
Lake Matheson Loop
Walk time 30 minutes - 2 hours.
Lake Matheson is nestled in ancient forest and is famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Its excellent reflecting properties are due to the dark brown colour of the water – the result of organic matter leached from the humus of the forest floor.
Dawn and dusk are the best times to enjoy the reflections in the lake.
Lake Matheson was formed when Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe retreated from its last significant advance about 14,000 years ago. During the last major ice age, the glacier spread across the coastal plains towards the sea, dumping huge piles of rock. The glacier ground a depression which later filled with water, forming the lake.
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The species most likely to be seen here is the long-finned eel, which made this an important food gathering site (mahinga kai) for Māori travelling along the coast.
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For more information on this track check out the DOC website.
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Distance from accommodation to Lake Matheson - 3km
Walking time - 37 minutes | Driving time - 4 minutes
Lake Gault Track
Walk distance 8km return via the same track
A gradual climb on a historical tramping track through ancient podocarp forest provides panoramic views of Aoraki /Mount Cook. If you’re lucky, you can enjoy the mountain landscape reflected in Lake Gault.
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For more information on this track check out the DOC website.
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Distance from accommodation to Lake Gault Track - 3.8km
Walking time - 46 minutes | Driving time - 5 minutes
Beaches
Gillespies Beach & Galway Beach Seal Colony
Located 25 kilometres from Fox Glacier, Gillespies Beach is a secluded, yet beautiful beach that offers a glimpse into our gold mining past (as well as the chance of the odd seal encounter). It’s a great way to spend half a day; you’re guaranteed to come back feeling rejuvenated.
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Distance from accommodation to Gillespies Beach - 18.2km
Driving time - 28 minutes
