Nestled on New Zealand’s stunning West Coast, Fox Glacier is a bucket-list destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike. From one spot you can literally spy the sea, mountains, rain forests AND glaciers. Wrestling with all the elements, it’s like Avatar eat your heart out (the last airbender not the blue people). From jaw-dropping landscapes to gluten-free culinary delights, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
Where to Stay: Top 10 Holiday Park
For a convenient and budget-friendly stay, the Top 10 Holiday Park at Fox Glacier is a great choice. It offers a range of amenities for campers and travelers alike:
- Facilities: Communal areas with indoor seating, table tennis, a TV lounge, and laundry facilities make it easy to relax and recharge. Showers and toilets are clean and equipped with hot water and a hairdryer.
- Unique Experiences: They have some hot pools but one thing not to miss is the glow worms! Head to the area behind the dumpster section after dark for a magical encounter with these tiny, glowing creatures.
For other options, you could also check out Fox Glacier Lodge, which also had powered camping sites. If you’re not looking for a camping site then there a number of hotels and motels in town!
What to Do: Fox Glacier Highlights
Okay so you’re staying at the foot of the mountain and the views are nothing short of stunning. Though expensive, if there’s one activity you shouldn’t miss, it’s the heli-hike on Fox Glacier. This adventure combines a short but thrilling helicopter ride with an unforgettable hike on the glacier itself. You can find more info about it here.
The guides are fantastic and can share their ever deepening knowledge of this beautiful landscape with you. Did you know that this glacier moves EVERY SINGLE DAY? As in the whole damn thing moves downwards every. single. day. No two days on the glacier are the same as it’s ever evolving.
The best part about it is that practically all the gear is provided. So for my fellow campers out their with not many clothes options, the heli-hike is still an option for you.
- Gear Provided: Socks, waterproof shoes, waterproof trousers, waterproof jackets, gloves, hats, and even backpacks are included, so it’s perfect for travelers.
- Comfort Tip: While leggings and a jumper are sufficient underneath the waterproof gear for sunny days, it might be worth bringing gloves for when the sun dips behind the clouds.
- Experience Highlights:
- Marvel at the unique landscape where rainforest, ice, mountains, and sea converge.
- Drink fresh glacier water, make slushies with “secret juice drops” from your guide, or even (bravely) shower in the ice-cold water! – clothes on obvs.
- Explore crevices, igloos, and carved ice steps while taking plenty of photos.
- Witness natural phenomena like rockfalls, if you’re lucky, which occur when water seeps into mountain cracks, freezes, and later melts, dislodging rocks.
The guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, ensuring a safe and truly memorable experience.
2. Hike
As with almost everywhere along a New Zealand road trip, there are multiple of wonderful walks or hikes that you can do from this spot! You can no longer walk the whole way up to fox glacier due to the rockfalls, but that shouldn’t stop you from squeezing at least one in if you’re in the area.
We done the very scenic Minnehaha 20 minute walk, it’s a well laid out walk through a rain forest that starts right in the town so super easy to squeeze in. From the same entrance, you can also cycle the 8.2km return Te Weheka route.
Or there’s the option of driving a little and doing the 4km Lake Matheson walk, which leads to a great lake that mirrors the glacier. We sadly decided not to do this walk as it was very cloudy the evening we were there!
Where to Eat Gluten-Free in Fox Glacier
Finding safe and delicious gluten-free food is a breeze at Fox Glacier. Most of the restaurants here seemed to be able to cater in some way from coeliacs. But here are the spots I went to:
1. Local Grocery Store
A small shop in town closes early (7 PM), but it’s a hidden gem for gluten-free staples if you fancy cooking while you’re there. Some things I found there include gluten free pasta, bread, and pancake mix and even frozen gluten-free ice cream cones!
2. Saloon Restaurant
If you don’t fancy cooking, and want to try a hearty gluten-free meal, the Cook Saddle Cafe & Saloon Restaurant is a must-visit. Firstly, we were a bit cold and wet from the rain on our walk down here and it was so cosy with a proper fire. A fire was always a staple in my families’ houses in Ireland and even in my own growing up in London. They’re so nostalgic and just the perfect thing for a reward after your glacier hike or just to warm you up from the rain.
But secondly, and most importantly, they had great gluten free options, including:
- Separate Fryer: Gluten-free fries are safely prepared.
- Mains: Lamb and steak are the primary options, but the kitchen is accommodating to changes.
- Desserts: Gluten-free options include a brownie sundae and the standout banana pie. The banana pie was an absolute highlight – my first ever, and it didn’t disappoint!
3. Café Nevé
This cozy café is a perfect stop for breakfast or lunch, as it closes at 4pm, and caters well to gluten-free and vegan diets:
- Cakes and Treats: Delightful options like gluten-free brownies, caramel bars, coconut slices, and Snickers-inspired treats. The carrot cupcake wasn’t advised as coeliac-safe due to shared preparation with the vegan mud cake, but the other items are perfect.
- Gluten-Free Pizza: They offer coeliac-safe preparation upon request. While I didn’t try it, it’s great to know they accommodate coeliac needs.
Final Thoughts
Fox Glacier is a magical destination that offers something for everyone – stunning landscapes, unique adventures, and fantastic gluten-free food options. Whether you’re gazing at the sea from the glacier, enjoying a slice of banana pie, or exploring glow-worms at your campsite, this experience is sure to leave lasting memories.
Planning a trip? Pack your sense of adventure and your appetite – Fox Glacier is waiting to amaze you!
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