Hike to the Summit of Mount Fox above Fox Glacier

The trail starts 3 km south of Fox Glacier Township. Take the Haast Highway until Thirsty Culvert, which has a small parking lot on the right side of the road. Start early in the morning to miss the almost daily afternoon fog. The trail climbs relentlessly through a lush rain forest. The route is poorly maintained, so it is important to be vigilant. There are parts of this hike where you are climbing vertically on tree roots and wet rocks. After leaving the forest, you will find yourself in a grassy alpine area where you should see a trig point. The route then follows blue and orange trail markers to the summit. Take extreme care in this area if the fog rolls in as it very easy to get off trail. This hike is known as one of the toughest and best day hikes on the South Island.

At the summit, you will be rewarded with a fantastic views of the Southern Alps and Fox Glacier as well as coastal farm land in the opposing direction.

If you are lucky, you might see a Kea, which is the world's only Alpine Parrot. These birds are very charismatic and will actually hang around if you take a break near them.