Foot access to Fox Glacier to be restored next week

Guided walks on the Fox Glacier region which were disrupted by a road washout last weekend are expected to be fully operational again within the week.

Fox Glacier Guiding CEO Rob Jewell said the company was currently operating its heli hike options including heli ice climbing and the spectacular Chalet Lookout walk but hoped to be back in full operation by next Wednesday.

“Our half and full day glacier walks rely on the road so they’re on hold until the temporary access is ready. All other options are available and we should be back in full swing next Wednesday.”

He said it was an amazing time to visit the glacier, with the power of nature even more evident than normal.

“Fox Glacier is the longest of the West Coast glaciers and is a mighty moving river of ice that falls more than 2500 metres on its journey from the Alps to the sea. It’s always spectacular, in all conditions but even more so following a major weather event like last weekends rain storm. The scale of the effect of the rain is just awesome.”

“We just want to let people know that we are still offering fantastic guided walking and will have our full range of trips available very soon.”

Guiding on Fox Glacier came alive in 1928, when the Fox Hotel, under the proprietorship of Mary Kerr, first offered guided trips onto the glacier.

Whilst the company has grown and evolved, it still values its family feel and its long tradition of guiding.

Fox Glacier is New Zealand's largest commercially guided glacier, situated in Glacier Country, on the West Coast of the South Island.

Fox Glacier Guiding offers a full range of guided walking tours and ice adventures to suit all fitness levels on the stunning Fox Glacier, part of the Westland National Park, a World Heritage Area.

Guides are trained through the internationally recognised New Zealand Mountain Guides Association.

ENDS

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