Beaches, lakes & coastline
Gillespies Beach
About
Gillespies Beach, out of Fox Glacier, offers a scenic drive, lovely views of the Southern Alps, an historic cemetery and many coastal walks.
More information
You can camp near an old gold mining settlement and seal colony. The walking tracks lead to historic gold mining suction and bucket dredges and the beuatiful Gillespies Lagoon.
At Fox Glacier township turn onto Cook Flat Road and follow the road to Gillespies Beach. Over half of the journey is on narrow, unsealed road so keep left and keep your speed to a minimum.
In 1865 a prospector named Gillespie discovered gold here. Soon, a settlement of several hundred people established.
By the 1920s, Gillespies was a ghost town, briefly revived from 1933 to 1946 when a large bucket-dredge mined the beach sands and the old town site.
Directions
Get directions
Related Listings
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Accommodation
Heartland Hotel Glacier Country
Heartland Hotel Glacier Country is privileged to be located within a unique world heritage area.
$239 - $528
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Accommodation
YHA Franz Josef
With the West Coast rainforest right outside the backdoor, YHA Franz Josef is a 4 star plus Gold Qualmark-rated backpacker hostel offering comfortable, modern accommodation.
$27 - $145
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Accommodation
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier will welcome you in true New Zealand style.
$185 - $418
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do
HeliServices.NZ Fox Glacier
Scenic helicopter flights and snow landings above Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.
$195 - $495
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do
Glacier Helicopters Franz Josef Glacier
Discover the glacier wonderland on close-up scenic flights with Glacier Helicopters.
$240 - $450
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do
The Helicopter Line Franz Josef Glacier
The Helicopter Line can offer you spectacular close-up views on a scenic flight to explore and discover the dramatic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and snowfields.