Glacier Country: Fox Glacier to Hokitika

SH 6, Fox Glacier Highway, Ruatapu Road · Fox Glacier → Hokitika

Sweeping97 mi2 hr 20 min4,100 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,300 ftOne way

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The drive

This drive runs north on State Highway 6 along the West Coast, from Fox Glacier through Franz Josef, Whataroa and Ross to Hokitika. For the first half the Southern Alps stand close to the road, with rainforest, lakes and river flats between. About 20 km north of Fox Glacier the highway reaches the settlement of Franz Josef Glacier and then skirts Lake Mapourika.

North of Franz Josef the road passes Whataroa, Harihari and Ross, moving inland but staying within about 5 km of the sea, before it reaches Hokitika. The curves are mostly gentle, with two short twisty stretches.

It is a long, isolated road with settlements separated by tens of kilometres, and heavy West Coast rain can cut it.

Along the way

Fox Glacier
Franz Josef
Whataroa
Ross
Hokitika

Elevation

4,100 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,300 ft

Fox GlacierHokitika

Curves

Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches

mi 0–11mi 43–48

Fox GlacierHokitika

GentleHairpins

Good to know

Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Whataroa, Ross and Hari Hari have general stores or petrol stations, but there is little between them, so fill the tank when you can.
Cellphone coverage is good in towns but patchy or absent between them.
Heavy rain can cut the highway; slips near Fox Glacier and Franz Josef have closed it several times. Check NZTA Journeys before leaving.
Lake Mapourika, beside the highway near Franz Josef, is a swimming spot.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NZTA Journeys: traffic and road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long is the drive from Fox Glacier to Hokitika?

SH6 from Fox Glacier to Hokitika is 156 km (97 mi) and takes about 2 hr 20 min.

How far is Fox Glacier from Franz Josef?

Franz Josef Glacier is about 20 km north of Fox Glacier on SH6, around 25 minutes' drive.

Is there fuel between Fox Glacier and Hokitika?

Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Whataroa, Ross and Hari Hari have stores or petrol stations, but stops are far apart, so fill up when you can.

Does SH6 between Fox Glacier and Franz Josef close?

Yes. Slips and heavy rain have closed that section several times. Check NZTA Journeys for current status.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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