Fox Glacier To Franz Josef Glacier Drive
Fox Glacier to Franz Josef Glacier Drive
| Fox Glacier to Franz Josef Glacier Drive | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 23 km (14 miles) |
| Driving Time | 25–30 minutes |
| Road Type | Paved, winding, some one-lane bridges |
| Speed Limit | Mostly 100 km/h (62 mph), lower in some areas |
| Weather Conditions | Rainy, misty, occasional fog |
| Wildlife to Watch For | Kea, possums, deer |
| Best Scenic Stops | Lake Matheson, Peak View Lookout, The Three Sisters |
A mere 14-mile drive separates two of the best glaciers on the South Island of New Zealand: Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, and the Fox Glacier to Franz Josef driving time is just 30 minutes!
But what a scenic drive! Through lush rainforest, winding mountain roads and hidden viewpoints!
Why stop at one glacier when you can see two, and view some stunning scenery along the way?
Planning a trip to see the glacier? Visit our Franz Josef Glacier home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!
Best Things to Do in South Island, New Zealand
South Island, New Zealand Activities & Best Tours Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Heli-hike, Glacier + Snow Landing, Mount Cook + Glaciers, Tandem Skydive, Guided Valley Walk Milford Sound Boutique Cruise, Small Group Cruise, Full day Tour + Cruise, Luxury Cruise, Flyover Queenstown Shotover River Jet Boat, Skydive, Lord of the Rings Tour, Zipline, ATV, Wine, Farm Dinner, Gourmet Food Tour
Fox Glacier to Franz Josef Glacier Drive
Though a short drive, you can stop at multiple places along the way to enjoy the natural beauty of the South Island of New Zealand’s West Coast.
Fox Glacier Township
Starting from the alpine village of Fox Glacier township, the tourist base for the stunning Fox Glacier, take State Highway 6 north towards Franz Josef Glacier.
Lake Matheson (3 miles / 5 km from Fox Glacier Township)
Lake Matheson is a jaw-dropping lake famous for its mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, make sure you allow about 1.5-2 hours for the full loop walk.
If you’re pressed for time, you can hit the viewing platform at Reflection Island, and grab some coffee at the Matheson Cafe before continuing the drive.
Peak View Lookout (6 miles / 10 km from Fox Glacier)
Keep a sharp eye out for this hidden viewpoint with awe-inspiring views of the Southern Alps and the two glacier valleys.
The Three Sisters Waterfall & Tatare Tunnels Track
Just before you reach Franz Josef Glacier, you’ll come up on The Three Sisters waterfall, stunning cascades over mossy rock walls, and the Tartare Tunnels Walk, a short hike to historic gold-mining tunnels (bringing a torch would be advisable).
Allow about 30 minutes – 1 hour for the short hikes.
Franz Josef Glacier Township
Franz Josef Glacier township is usually the initial destination for tourists, the base from which to explore the glacier and nearby attractions.
Though small and remote, this quaint alpine village offers restaurants, bars and hotels for visitors.