Glacier Road Trips by Rental Car: Routes, Timing and Tips

Quick summary: A rental car is a flexible way to fit Franz Josef and Fox Glacier into a South Island trip. The glaciers sit on State Highway 6 between the Haast Pass and Hokitika, so they work best as the middle of a one-way route, such as Christchurch to Queenstown. Plan at least two nights in the glacier region, because helicopter flights and heli-hikes depend on the weather, and allow for long distances between fuel stops.

At a glance
Best route	One way between Christchurch and Queenstown
Nights at the glaciers	At least two, for weather flexibility
Fuel gaps	Haast to Fox Glacier around 120 km
Franz Josef to Fox	Around 25 km
Key attractions	Heli-hikes, snow landings, Lake Matheson, valley walks
Tours	Heli-hike tours

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Which glacier road trips work best by car?

Trip	Route	Suggested length
Christchurch to Queenstown	Arthur’s Pass, the glaciers, the Haast Pass, Wānaka	5 days or more
Queenstown and back	Wānaka, the Haast Pass, the glaciers, and the same road back	4 days or more
Hokitika fly-drive	Fly to Hokitika, drive south, return to Hokitika	3 days or more
South Island loop	Christchurch, the glaciers, Queenstown, Mount Cook, Christchurch	10 days or more

Why leave spare days at the glaciers?

Because the weather decides. Heli-hikes, snow landings and scenic flights are often postponed by cloud and rain, so two or three nights gives you more chances to fly. On wet days, the valley walks, the hot pools in Franz Josef and kayaking on Lake Mapourika make good alternatives. See weather and spare days.

Which glacier experiences should you book?

Experience	Tours
Heli-hiking on the ice	Heli-hike tours
Snow landings	Snow landing tours
Flights over both glaciers	Twin glacier tours
Skydiving	Skydive tours
Kayaking	Kayak lake tours

Browse helicopter tours and Fox Glacier tours.

What should you know about West Coast driving?

Keep the tank above half, as fuel stations are far apart. Many rivers are crossed on one-lane bridges, so read the give-way signs as you approach. Heavy rain can bring slips and closures, so check conditions before each leg. Watch for sandflies at roadside stops and keas at Arthur’s Pass, and don’t feed either.

Where should you stay?

In Franz Josef or Fox Glacier for two nights or more, with Hokitika, Haast or Wānaka on either side. Motels, lodges and holiday parks all book up in summer, so reserve ahead. See Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

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Frequently Asked Questions