Mount Fox Route
Located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park in the West Coast region
Introduction
Mount Fox Route is just 3 km south of the town of Fox Glacier. The challenging climb to the top is only suitable for experienced and properly equipped trampers.Image gallery
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View of Fox Glacier and Southern Alps from above the bushline Image: Lukas Marek | Creative Commons
![View of Fox Glacier and Southern Alps.]( "View of Fox Glacier and Southern Alps.")
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View from point 1345 on Mt Fox route Image: Lukas Marek | Creative Commons
![View from point 1345 on Mt Fox route.]( "View from point 1345 on Mt Fox route.")
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Breakfast with a view of the alps Image: Lukas Marek | Creative Commons
![Breakfast with a view of the alps.]( "Breakfast with a view of the alps.")
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Descent through the bush and tree ferns Image: Lukas Marek | Creative Commons
![Descent through the bush and tree ferns.]( "Descent through the bush and tree ferns.")
For experienced and well-equipped trampers only. Check with the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting.
This rough route climbs steeply through the bush up a spur to a trig point at 1021 m above sea level. The route then follows blue and orange markers through grassland to 1345 m.
From here your efforts will be well rewarded with fantastic views of the Southern Alps Kā Tiritiri o te Moana and Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe in one direction and across coastal forest and farmland to the coast to the other.
Take care above the bushline as the track can easily be lost if conditions are misty or if the cloud descends.
Start early in the morning to be on the mountain top before cloud rolls in obscuring the view. This is a regular event, particularly in the summer months.
Drive south for approximately 3 km from Fox Glacier Weheka township, until you reach Thirsty Culvert. There is a small parking area on the right hand side of the road while the route starts on the left.
- Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the local DOC office (Fox Glacier Weheka township) or the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip.
- Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly.
- Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date and time to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Contacts
| Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 752 0360 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | westlandnpvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
69 Cron Street Franz Josef Glacier 7856 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 14 Franz Josef Glacier 7856 |
| Full office details | |