Local Services
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to local services in our stunning corner of New Zealand's South Island. Discover educational, medical, emergency, and conservation services. Indulge in a variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Explore trade and hospitality options. Find information on rubbish and recycling, communication, postal services, and the local petrol station. Embrace our close-knit community as you navigate the wealth of services that make Fox Glacier thrive.
Education
Fox Glacier School, is a U1 Decile 10 primary school nestled in the heart of scenic South Westland. Our dedicated community and experienced teachers work together to provide an excellent education for students from year one to year eight.
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During a recent visit from the Education Review Office, our school received high praise, with one reviewer stating, "This is how a small school is supposed to run." We take great pride in offering wonderful learning experiences and a local curriculum that fosters interaction with the wider community and instills a sense of environmental responsibility.
Our school features two main classrooms surrounded by mature trees and gardens. Students enjoy a covered and heated swimming pool, an asphalt court for sports, a large grassed playing field, and an expansive outdoor adventure playground. We also have an orchard and edible garden area, a joint project with the school, playgroup, and community, which supports our Health curriculum.
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Adjacent to the school, we have a well-resourced, purpose-built playgroup where preschool children and their families can engage in fun and educational activities. This seamless transition into the school contributes to the special family atmosphere we cherish.
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Through frequent collaboration with neighboring schools in Haast, Franz Josef, Hari Hari, and Whataroa, our students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational, sporting, social, and cultural events. We also maintain regular communication and virtual interactions with our buddy school, Aoraki Mt Cook, and embark on an annual week-long camp to explore different parts of New Zealand.
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Most of our students continue their secondary education at a boarding school on the East Coast, with a secondary school also available in Hari Hari. The school benefits from a dedicated and committed Board of Trustees, ensuring strong governance, access to modern resources and devices, and passionate staff members.
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At Fox Glacier School, we strive to nurture well-rounded citizens who embody our core values: respect, integrity, excellence, curiosity, and community.
Fox Glacier Playgroup meets on a weekly basis at the purpose-built facilities located on the Fox Glacier School grounds. Regular outings and activities are organised. Visiting families are welcome to the Playgroup and we ask for a $5 donation to help cover our costs. To enroll or for further information please email foxglacierplaygroup@gmail.com
Medical
Fox Glacier Medical Center
In an EMERGENCY DIAL 111 and ask for an ambulance.
The Medical Centre is located at the northern end of town.
To make an appointment with any South Westland Practice, call 0800 794 325 or 0800SWHealth.
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Our virtual receptionist service is available Monday to Friday 08.30-18.00hrs. All calls will be answered in turn, so please stay on the line.
Outside of these hours, and at weekends, your call will be answered by a Registered Nurse, who will be able to give clinical advice or put your call through the RNS on call if appropriate.
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Payment is always required at the time of appointment. Charges do apply for after-hours consultations.
Please speak to Jackie Cadigan – the Practice Manager based at the Franz Josef Clinic.
Phone: 0800 SW Health / 0800 794 325
Emergency Services
In an EMERGENCY DIAL 111 and ask for an ambulance.
Fire
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Fox Glacier Fire Station is located on Cook Flat Road. Fire training is every second Wednesday of the month at the Fire Station. New volunteers are always welcome.
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Contact John Sullivan, Ph: 03 7510 828
Police
The nearest police station is located on the main road in Franz Josef across the road from the Blue Ice Cafe.
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Police take a tough stance on drunk driving and public disorder.
The police station is currently manned by one officer but is not open 24/7. They are usually on call when not on duty and will immediately respond to life/property threats as they happen. If it is an emergency where there is a risk of damage to property or injury to any person, a dangerous driving complaint, a search and rescue event, or the offenders are still there, ring 111, not the station phone.
For all other cases, leave a message on our phone. We live in a relatively crime-free area compared with other centers in New Zealand. Help us keep it that way.
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Police Station: 03 7520 044
If you are unsure, call 111.
St John Ambulance
The ambulance is located at the Fox Glacier Emergency Centre behind the fire station on Cook Flat Road. New volunteers are always welcome and if you are interested in joining, working with a dedicated team, learning new skills, and giving something valuable back to the community, click the link before for more information.
LandSAR South Westland
SAR operates out of Fox Glacier Emergency Centre behind the fire station on Cook Flat Road. New volunteers are always welcome.
Civil Defence
Click here for information on Civil Defence.
Church
Catholic Church services are held every second and fourth Sunday of each month at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church on Cook Flat Road.
Father Mike Mahoney, Whataroa can be contacted at 03 753 4140 or 021 033 746
Department of Conservation (DOC)
The head office for DOC is located in Franz Josef Glacier, a 20-minute drive north of Fox Glacier.
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69 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier.
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Retail
Groceries & Drycleaning
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On The Spot - Fox Store
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Groceries & Fuel
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On The Spot - Fox Glacier Motors
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Trade
Automotive
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Fox Glacier Motors
Clark Johnston - 03 751 0823
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Plumbers
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Glacier Plumbing & Gas (Franz Josef)
021 192 8745
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Paul The Plumber (Franz Josef)
021 141 3654
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Builders
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Gibb Construction (Fox Glacier)
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Holmes 4 Homes (Franz Josef)
027 208 4102
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Glacier Construction Ltd (Franz Josef)
Caleb Freeman: 027 637 4727
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Electrician
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JR Airey Electrical
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0800 768 494
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Glacier Country Electrical
027 207 1220
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Excavation
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Michael Sullivan
03 751 0817
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Pest Control
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Pest Police
027 369 7108
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Lawnmowing & Maintenance
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Hardgraft Services
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Hardgraft Services offers lawn-mowing and other outdoor maintenance services.
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Contact: Dave Williams
Ph: 027 3035 126
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Rubbish & Recycling
South Westland Rubbish Removal offers a wheelie bin collection service.
Household collection days are fortnightly on a Monday.
The rubbish and recycling bins at the public toilets are not for residential use.
South Westland Rubbish Removal offer the opportunity to drop your recycling off twice a week at the church opposite the school.
Contact 03 753 4151 or 027 660 9444 for details, costs, information on collection and recycling.
Tourism
Activities
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Guided Glacier Walks
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Fox Glacier Guiding - Glacier Tours & Adventures
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Scenic Flights
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Accommodation
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Backpackers
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Fox Glacier Lodge & Campervan Park
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Heartland Hotel Glacier Country
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Motels
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Bella Vista Motels Fox Glacier
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Scenic Flights
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Communication
Fox Glacier has cellphone coverage for all NZ networks in the township. If you are traveling south keep in mind there will be dead spots for cellular data. If you are traveling south there is a small amount of coverage in Bruce Bay, you will find this by the community hall, after that, there will be no coverage until Haast.
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We have fibre internet coverage in Fox Glacier and Starlink offers a great signal too.
The Spark phone boxes on the main street offer free wifi hotspots for Spark customers. If you are on another network you can still use these hotspots, but it will cost you. Some cafes and restaurants offer wifi services as well.