Fox Glacier

What is Fox Glacier?

Fox Glacier, known in Māori as Te Moeka o Tuawe, is a significant temperate maritime glacier located within Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the rugged West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Stretching approximately 11.7 kilometers and covering about 32 square kilometers with its tributaries, it ranks as the third-largest glacier in New Zealand. Its remarkable accessibility, with a terminal face descending to as low as 300 meters above sea level near the village of Fox Glacier, has established it as a major draw for tourists.

Geography and Climate

Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier descends a dramatic 2,600 meters from the Southern Alps, carving its path towards the coast and ending remarkably close to a temperate rainforest. The glacier lies within the Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe catchment, an area characterized by extreme relief, rising from sea level to peaks around 3,000 meters within a short distance. The region receives substantial precipitation, with the higher alpine areas receiving over 10 meters annually, a factor that significantly shapes the glacier and its valley. This heavy rainfall, often intensified by atmospheric rivers, can trigger landslides and debris flows, impacting the landscape and glacier dynamics.

Advance and Retreat

Fox Glacier has exhibited dynamic behavior in recent history. After retreating for much of the preceding century, it experienced an advance phase between 1985 and 2009, with its terminal face still advancing in early 2009. However, since then, the glacier has undergone a significant retreat. By 2022, it had retreated beyond its 1984 minimum, reaching its shortest recorded length. This rapid response to climate variability, with an estimated time lag of 3 to 9 years, makes Fox Glacier a crucial indicator of climate change.

Tourism and Accessibility

Historically, Fox Glacier has been a prime destination for tourists, with guided tours and easy access to view its impressive ice face. However, recent extreme weather events have severely impacted accessibility. In March 2019, heavy rains caused extensive flooding and a massive landslide that destroyed sections of the glacier access road and car park. This has led to the indefinite closure of the road, with access to the glacier now primarily facilitated by helicopter. Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to develop alternative tourism projects around the Fox Glacier area.