300 Fox Glacier Valley Walk

300) Fox Glacier Valley Walk - 5th March 2020 - NEW
Return Distance 6.6km, Max Elevation 316m, Climb 123m, Time 2.5hr, Level - Medium - Pops
Co-ordinates: -43.479820, 170.010160
My Blog:
We heli-hiked onto the glacier for a two hour trek early this morning and now, at the end of the day, a walk in as far as you currently can towards the base. At this time of year (March), the sun does not set till 8pm, so you have every opportunity for an evening stroll.
Short Description:
The Fox Glacier Valley Walk follows the south bank of the Fox River through ancient podocarp rainforest. The track heads gently up the valley crossing ancient glacial moraine surfaces, with the forest reflecting the various ages of the glacier moraines which it has colonised and gets you within 4km of the glacier face.
Getting There:
From the township of Fox Glacier, travel south on State Highway 6 and over the Fox River Bridge, before immediately turning left onto Glacier View Road to the car park.
Maps:
Fox Glacier Valley Walk
Route/Trail Notes:
The prepared track (shared with cyclists), heads off up the valley and after 5km, you reach the 'Glacier Viewpoint' lookout. The track then continues to the old car park, before turning left down to the Riverwalk Viewpoint.
Return by the same route, with the option to take the left hand Moraine Loop track back to the car park.
Permits/Costs:
None.
Other References/Comments:

Currently the northern access road and track are closed due to flood damage and dangerous conditions. When open, this walk would take you to within 1.3km of the glacier face.
As with most South Island towns, there are always numerous tracks in and around the area. In this case most notably the Mount Fox Track and Lake Matheson.