A highlight of all students on the New Zealand program is climbing Fox Glacier on the West Coast. Fox Glacier Guiding tells us more about the experience:

The fascination of the glaciers has brought visitors to the West Coast for decades, but the establishment of Alpine Guides Westland at Fox Glacier in 1974 formalized guided trips to the glaciers and mountains. As the most experienced glacier guiding company in New Zealand, Alpine Guides which now trades as Fox Glacier Guiding continues a 100-year tradition of guiding and offers a range of glacier trips and mountaineering experiences to people of all ages from all over the world. Fox Glacier Guiding was voted Overall Winner 2009 West Coast Tourism awards.

All trips depart from the Fox Glacier Guiding building base in Fox Glacier township which includes a booking office for trips and transport, shop and licensed café. Trips range from half and full day walks, terminal face walks, heli hikes and ice climbing.

The photo shows the view up the Glacier from the rain forest path way that groups take to reach the Glacier.

Fox Glacier is located in a mountainous area and is therefore subject to sudden and varied weather patterns. The West Coast’s notorious wild and wet weather can also be accompanied by temperatures which can vary by 25 degrees! Even on an apparently fine mild day, guides advise participants to bring several layers of clothing supplemented by wet weather gear and suitable footwear provided by Fox Glacier Guiding.

The training of the company’s guides is a key aspect of providing safe, enjoyable high-quality alpine experiences. The internationally-recognized Glacier Guide qualification is a three-year program incorporating five specialist courses with practical white ice and mountaineering experience and ongoing assessment.

Fox Glacier is the longest West Coast glacier. It is extremely accessible and a “must-see” opportunity when visiting the West Coast of New Zealand.