Another accessible Glacier - Fox Glacier

West Coast, Fox Glaciers is another world's most accessible glaciers in Southern New Zealand. Day trip to Fox Glacier. Just a day and you can finish your itinerary in this tiny town Day activity walking towards Lake Matheson from town centre or rent a bicycle to speed up the journey. Getting there - Turn onto Cook Flat Road in the middle of Fox Glacier Weheka township. Travel 5 km along this road then turn right onto the side road to Lake Matheson. 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. Shorter option: Car park to Jetty Viewpoint Time: 45 min return car park to jetty Distance: 2.4 km return car park to jetty The first section of the walk, to the Jetty Viewpoint, is suitable for assisted wheelchairs. After crossing the Clearwater suspension bridge, the walk to the Jetty Viewpoint takes you past tall kahikatea and rimu as well as a rich profusion of smaller plant varieties. The jetty provides a magnificent mountain view reflected in the dark waters. Longer option: Lake circuit Time: 1 hr 30 min return Distance: 4.4 km return After walking to the Jetty Viewpoint, continue further around the lake. You will find a similarly magnificent mountain reflection shrouded in native foliage at the View of Views at the top end of the lake, and again at Reflection Island. Tips - Stay in Franz Josef where the accommodation is a lot cheaper than that in Fox Glacier. The grocery at Franz Josef is better supplied than that in Fox Glacier and there are more restaurants and cafes and activities compared to the latter.