WELCOME TO THE FOX GLACIER COMMUNITY
Get a taste of what is is like to live on the coast! Find out everything you need to know and connect with local people.
The annual Fox Glacier Spring Market is happening soon! Register your stall or come along for a great day out!
NEW COMERS
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ABOUT FOX GLACIER
South Westland, New Zealand
Fox Glacier is a wonderful place to live, work and play, whether you’re here for a short time or a lifetime.
Our friendly community consists of approximately 300 people year-round, with many seasonal workers joining us in the summer season. During this time our population can swell to about 500.
Fox Glacier is a delightfully vibrant and spirited village that has been built on a foundation of generational rural family values.
Fox Glacier is an attractive place to live, no matter your stage in life and is desirable for families to raise children as part of a wholesome community environment where the saying "it takes a village to raise a child!" still rings true.
Fox Glacier offers the advantages of a rural lifestyle and expansive adventure backyard where recreation opportunities are almost limitless, all while, embracing a thriving tourism industry that brings with it modern amenities and vibey cafe culture.
Photo Credit (left): Bare Kiwi.
HISTORY
The original settlers of Fox Glacier made their way into the valley from Gillespie’s Beach when the black sands there could no longer yield profitable gold leads. Before grazing could be established, the river flats had to be cleared of dense rainforest. Now the valley’s vibrant green pastures support some of New Zealand’s best beef stock.
Tourism began in the late 1920’s when Fox Glacier Hostel was built by the Sullivan family to accommodate people who wanted to experience the incredible Fox Glacier and enjoy the awe inspiring scenery this area has to offer, including the beautiful Lake Matheson, the breathtaking views of Mt Cook, Mt Tasman of the Southern Alps and the isolated wilderness of Gillespie’s Beach. By the mid 1980’s, tourism had grown to be the town’s biggest employer. There are now over 200 jobs in the tourism industry, approximately 20 accommodation providers, 9 eating establishments and 4 public bars. There are 6 activity based businesses, 2 gift shops, a general store and a garage, a DOC centre and a primary school.
