A MAGICAL DETOUR
06 JANUARY 2024
This Is Why We Love The West Coast
The Moraine Walk is an enchanting track in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, full of vibrant green moss which has taken over the whole rainforest. We absolutely love the magic of the West Coast rainforests and it's one of the reasons we keep coming back for more! It gets so much greener and lusher in Fox Glacier and Franz Josef, compared to Greymouth and Hokitika where the forests aren't as green (but still stunning!).
The track (which branches off from the Fox Glacier Southside track) is a narrow track which winds its way through the rainforest and takes you over tree roots, down old stone paths and across tiny streams. I loved the way the sun gave the forest a green glow and 'framed' the trees in an alluring tone. In this haven of greenery, time seems to slow down... allowing you to appreciate the small wonders that often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The track (which branches off from the Fox Glacier Southside track) is a narrow track which winds its way through the rainforest and takes you over tree roots, down old stone paths and across tiny streams. I loved the way the sun gave the forest a green glow and 'framed' the trees in an alluring tone. In this haven of greenery, time seems to slow down... allowing you to appreciate the small wonders that often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Do You Choo Choo Choose To Play The Game?
We enjoyed walking this way and that way (it certainly wasn't a straight path by any means!) and around boulders and under giant logs. Most of the path is gravel and at one point the gravel is 'framed' with some wood, which the girls thought replicated a train track, so we had to choo choo along until the frame stopped (anything to keep the little ones entertained).
At one point along the track, we came to a sign which said 'Glacier Terminal 1750' and it's impressive to know that the Fox Glacier once reached this far and now it's just over 2.6kms away.
Fun Fact: A moraine is made when a glacier moves and melts. The glacier grabs rocks, dirt and things on its way down the mountain, which are carried with the glacier and left behind at its edges or where it stops melting. All the stuff that piles up forms a ridge-like thing and that's what we call a moraine.
At one point along the track, we came to a sign which said 'Glacier Terminal 1750' and it's impressive to know that the Fox Glacier once reached this far and now it's just over 2.6kms away.
Fun Fact: A moraine is made when a glacier moves and melts. The glacier grabs rocks, dirt and things on its way down the mountain, which are carried with the glacier and left behind at its edges or where it stops melting. All the stuff that piles up forms a ridge-like thing and that's what we call a moraine.
Know Before You Go
- To get to the track, you need to walk part of the Fox Glacier Southside track, as the Moraine Walk branches off from here (we recommend you do the full Southside track if you have time, as you get a view of the amazing Fox Glacier!)
- The track is 4km return and takes 1.5 hours from the carpark, or is just 15 mins one way along the Fox Glacier Southside track
- The track is covered in tree roots and rocks - watch your step
- Bikes aren't allowed on the track
- There are no toilets here. The closest available are in Fox Glacier
- If you're out at night, you may see glowworms here if you're lucky!
- Check the daily access update here
How To Get To Moraine Walk In Fox Glacier
The carpark for the Moraine Walk and Fox Glacier Southside Track is 3-minutes south of Fox Glacier town, along State Highway 6. The area is just after the Fox River Bridge and is well signposted.
There is plenty of parking here. To get to the start of the track, take the Fox Glacier Southside Track and you will see signs for it along the way.
There is plenty of parking here. To get to the start of the track, take the Fox Glacier Southside Track and you will see signs for it along the way.
Conclusion
The Moraine Walk is a great addition to the Fox Glacier Southside Track. It feels so enchanting with the vibrant green moss covering, what seems to be, the entire rainforest. This is a great track to do on a cloudy or wet day as it's mostly covered by the rainforest canopy.
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