Spend a full day trekking from the icy expanses of Fox Glacier to the tranquil waters of Lake Matheson. Glacier Valley Eco Tours offers expert guidance, stunning vistas, and gear to keep you comfortable on this unforgettable West Coast journey.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a good level of fitness, able to handle continuous walking on uneven terrain for several hours.
Wildlife
History
The Fox Glacier was named after Sir William Fox, an early New Zealand premier, and has been a critical source for Māori cultural stories and survival.
Conservation
The area is protected under local conservation law with strict rules to minimize human impact on fragile glacial and forest ecosystems.
Glacier Valley Eco Tours
Spend a full day trekking from the icy expanses of Fox Glacier to the tranquil waters of Lake Matheson. Glacier Valley Eco Tours offers expert guidance, stunning vistas, and gear to keep you comfortable on this unforgettable West Coast journey.
Glacier Valley Eco Tours is a Franz Josef–based eco-tour operator offering guided experiences across the West Coast's most iconic natural sites. The company operates tours that showcase Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson and the Okarito Lagoon, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about glacier landscapes, native forests and coastal wetlands.
Guides deliver informative, safety-focused commentary and supply essential gear and complimentary hot drinks on several tours. Glacier Valley Eco Tours arranges convenient pick-up for many departures and structures itineraries to highlight scenic viewpoints, wildlife, and cultural context.
Tour options include half-day and full-day outings, combo itineraries that connect multiple sites in a single day, and specialized eco-boat and walk packages at Okarito Lagoon. The operator emphasizes low-impact travel and supports local conservation efforts through guided interpretation and responsible route choices.
Visitors can expect professionally guided walks, opportunities for photography, and practical inclusions such as warm beverages and necessary protective equipment on selected tours. Glacier Valley Eco Tours serves travelers seeking immersive nature experiences near Franz Josef Glacier and neighbouring attractions, delivering clear information, reliable logistics, and guided access to some of New Zealand’s most striking glacial and wetland landscapes.
Location
Franz Josef
Base of Franz Josef Glacier
Tours Offered
9
Glacier and nature experiences
Tour Durations
5–12 hours
Half-day to full-day options
Included Amenities
Hot drinks & gear
Complimentary on many tours
Reserve a guided glacier or nature tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours — limited spots on full-day and combo tours.
Prepare for variable weather
West Coast weather can shift rapidly; bring layers and waterproof gear to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Use walking poles
Poles help navigate uneven and sometimes slippery terrain, especially near the glacier moraine and forest trails.
Start early for best light
Morning light enhances glacier colors and lake reflections, making for ideal photo conditions and cooler hiking temperatures.
Bring a camera with zoom
A zoom lens lets you capture distant peaks and wildlife without disturbing the fragile environment.
Waterproof jacket and pants
Protects against frequent rain and wet conditions common in the glacier valley climate.
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Sturdy hiking boots
Provides ankle support and traction on rocky, slippery surfaces encountered on glacier and forest trails.
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Layered clothing
Allows adaptation to quickly changing temperatures and physical exertion during the hike.
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Camera with zoom lens
Captures detailed shots of distant peaks, wildlife, and the lake’s reflective surface.
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