Wanaka to Fox Glacier
West Coast Self Drive Travel Guide.
Travel Facts
Distance: 262km (163 miles)
Approximately: 5 hours 25 minutes
Road Conditions: State Highway 6
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Wanaka - Haast Pass - Haast - Bruce Bay - Fox Glacier
From Wanaka follow State Highway 6 east to Albert Town and Lake Hawea. The drive from Lake Hawea village to Haast Pass rises above the Lakes as we follow the western shore of Lake Hawea passing between the peaks to follow the north eastern shore of Lake Wanaka and on into the Makarora River Valley.
Makarora is the last stop for fuel before heading to the Pass, if needed top the tank here.
The journey narrows as the road follows the River Valley on its climb up to Haast Pass, at 563 metres this is the lowest of the three passes into the West Coast. From here the forest is dominated by Silver Beech that quickly gives way to Kamahi as we move west of the Pass.
Wanaka - Haast Pass - Haast - Bruce Bay - Fox Glacier
Having crossed the Pass we follow the Haast River from its headwaters to where it meets the Landsborough before turning sharply west.
This is a region of towering peaks and steep forest clad slopes. At the Gates of Haast, a narrow and breathtaking gorge, gigantic boulders line the river bed, choking the river's passage.
A little fiurther on is the short walk to Thunder Falls before crossing the Haast River just before Pleasant Flat. On a good day the Landsborough Wilderness Area offers spectacular scenic views up the Landsborough and Clarke valleys to the peaks of the Hooker Moutnain range.
Just beyond Pleasant Flat the Haast meets the Landsborough where both river and road take that sharp turn mentioned previously. From here it is approximately 42kms to the Coast just beyond the settlement of Haast.
Wanaka - Haast Pass - Haast - Bruce Bay - Fox Glacier
At Haast township if needed you can top the fuel tank. The next opportunity is at Fox Glacier township about 120kms north.
Haast is a small township but well serviced with a small supermarket, cafés and fuel. The Visitor Centre has good information about the World Hertiage Area, and the walks in the region.
Leaving Hasst township behind the journey continues in a westerly direction to the longest single lane bridge in New Zealand. Between the river crossing and Knights Point the road mostly follows the rugged coast line passing through forested coastal plains and sand dune ridges.
Wanaka - Haast Pass - Haast- Bruce Bay - Fox Glacier
Littered with drift wood from the surrounding forests, and flanked by Rimu Forest and rows of Flax is another photo opportunity along the way.
From here the road again heads inland to Jacobs Creek before crossing the costal flats formed by the Karangarua and Cook Rivers before reaching Fox Glacier.
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Although not as developed as Franz Josef, just 25 mintues north, Fox Glacier is a unique experience and seeing one is not seeing both.
Both Franz and Fox Glaciers are living moving rivers of ice, both extend to very low levels, approaching to close to the terminal face of either is dangerous, and neither should be ventured onto without a guide, at that point all similarity ends.
The experience of Fox is not the same as Franz, but as both are so close if you have the time visit both, we are sure you will be pleased you did.
Welcome to Fox Glacier - enjoy your stay.
This Guide last Updated: April 2011
Driving Distance and Times
The distances and times within the Travel Guides are based on travel at an average of 80 to 90kmph in good weather and light to medium traffic, allowing for a break of 10 minutes from driving in each full hour.
Allow extra time for:
Sight seeing, Heavier traffic conditions, Inclement weather and any other needs you have.
There are many factors beyond the authors and our control that can and will impact upon the true distance travelled and time taken to complete any journey.
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