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Gillespies Beach

Fox Glacier, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu), New Zealand
64 3 752 0796
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Type: Beaches
7 visitor photos
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40 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    7
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Date Rating
Seattle, Washington
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
30 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 NEW

The drive out to this beach takes about 30 minutes on a 1 lane dirt road that winds up over a small mountain. There is parking and bathroom facilities, but I found that the effort to reach the Beach was not worth it. It was a nice rocky beach, but there is nothing special about it. Especially if you have... More

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See 3 more reviews by NWtraveller_77 for Fox Glacier
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 16, 2013

We visited here based on a recommendation for somewhere to go for Sunset. It is quite the spot with views out to the Ocean and back to the Glaciers and Mountain Ranges. You do have to pass through an unofficial camping area to get to the beach but once on the beach it was rather isolated. Recommended for it's beautiful... More

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Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 9, 2013

if u are a nature lover, you will amazed with this beach, truly stunning scenery! however get some protection from the sandflies!!!

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See 2 more reviews by lazanka for Fox Glacier
Mentor
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed March 17, 2013

This beach is accessed after a long drive down a narrow, hilly, gravel road. It looks like other beaches we went to in New Zealand, which we didn't have to do difficult drive to get to them. We also were bothered by sand flies. It does have a trail that follows large pieces of old rusting machinery left over from... More

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See 2 more reviews by peela for Fox Glacier
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Top Contributor
106 reviews 106 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 58 cities Reviews in 58 cities
83 helpful votes 83 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 10, 2013

Nice drive through the forest and beautiful beach, but bring lots of repellent, or you'll get eaten alive by the sandlies

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See 4 more reviews by travelfranck for Fox Glacier
Sydney, Australia
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed March 7, 2013

We stayed here the night before our full day glacier hike tour, and were lucky enough to get one of the last campervan spots. We came across some lovely fellow travellers, and slept wonderfully well as everyone was obviously just as tired as we were and the entire campsite was quiet overnight. The only issue for us was the sandflies,... More

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See 2 more reviews by Yasmine L for Fox Glacier
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 27, 2013

This beach is hidden away down a long windy gravel road and the trip is worth it. We saw dolphins in the water and enjoyed our beach walk. The beach is rather secluded which we felt added to the charm.

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See 2 more reviews by MTMGJK for Fox Glacier
England
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 24, 2013

Lovely pebble beach. Saw dolphins just yards from the beach. Feeling of natural isolation. A magical place

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See 4 more reviews by Mahonia100 for Fox Glacier
Guildford, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
34 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 21, 2013

There's a long-drop toilet freely available, and a smallish camping ground. The beach itself is pebbles and rocks, with a very generous top-dressing of driftwood, and the surf is considerable - but with a strong rip-current to the north. Not what I'd consider safe for swimming. It's very dramatic, though. The road is mostly 1.5-track, gravelled, very twisting and climbs... More

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See 2 more reviews by Nyree13 for Fox Glacier
Harrogate, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 18, 2013

wild beach, driftwood sculptures,friendly seal.southern alps in view. Liked Sandflies a problem! Hated

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See 2 more reviews by mike b for Fox Glacier

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