Fox Glacier Family Tours & Activities

Discover Easy Nature Trails, e-Biking Adventures and Iconic Glacier Landscapes

Fox Glacier family tours & activities provide a perfect mix of outdoor exploration and breathtaking scenery that’s suitable for all ages. Families can enjoy relaxed walks on the Fox Glacier Valley track or the Lake Matheson walk, both offering incredible views of Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and the glacier itself. These well-maintained trails are ideal for young kids and photographers alike, with reflective lake views and glacier backdrops around every bend.

For families after a bit more adventure, the e-Bike and hike tour is a fantastic way to explore the native bush and get closer to the glacier without strenuous hiking. If you're seeking something truly unforgettable, a heli-hike over the glacier provides a thrilling flight followed by a guided walk through spectacular ice formations — a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's surprisingly accessible for older kids and teens.

Guide pointing out forest features during a nature walk in Fox Glacier Valley

Snow-covered summit of Mount Tasman surrounded by rugged peaks on New Zealand’s West Coast

Guided group walking through lush native forest during the Fox Glacier Valley Rainforest Walk

Three people enjoying a tea break with a view of Fox Glacier from the valley floor on a guided eco walk

Person taking a photo of a Lake Matheson sunset reflected on the lake using a smartphone

Sunrise reflection of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on Lake Matheson

View of Okarito Lagoon and surrounding wetlands on the West Coast of New Zealand

Two walkers on a forest trail in Okarito surrounded by native New Zealand rainforest

Okarito Lagoon with a scenic view of the Southern Alps in the background

Snow-covered Southern Alps viewed from Okarito on the West Coast of New Zealand

Paddleboard instructor guiding a group on land beside Lake Mapourika dock

Family driving an off-road quad bike on a rocky riverbed with snow-capped mountains behind them in Franz Josef

View from a red kayak navigating through a narrow channel with flax bushes and reflections in Franz Josef

Two yellow kayaks paddling through a narrow waterway surrounded by dense rainforest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park

Family-Friendly Glacier Tours, Nature Walks and Kayaking Experiences

For those wanting a quieter day out, the Lake Matheson Nature Tour is an excellent option. This guided experience highlights the area's stunning mirrored lake views, well-maintained pathways, and peaceful forest setting. It’s a gentle but rewarding way to connect with nature and learn more about the unique landscape of Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

Other popular activities include kayaking on Lake Matheson or the nearby Okarito Lagoon, where families can paddle through calm waters while spotting native birds and enjoying uninterrupted views of the Southern Alps. Fishing at Lake Matheson also provides a slower-paced activity that kids and parents can enjoy together. With such a variety of experiences on offer, Fox Glacier makes an ideal family destination on New Zealand’s West Coast.