Where is Fox Peak?

The Fox Peak ski field is located beneath the summit of Fox Peak within the Two Thumb mountain range. The Fox Peak ski field is located 37km (a 50 minute drive) from the town of Fairlie in South Canterbury. Fairlie is near Geraldine and located on the highway between Christchurch and Queenstown, 182km southwest of Christchurch and 41km east of Lake Tekapo.

Driving to Fox Peak

Half the adventure of Fox Peak is just getting there! The drive up to the ski field is best in a 4WD vehicle and definitely not in a campervan. Firstly call the snow phone (03 686 0044) to double check the ski field is open and to get information on the road conditions.

Chains are sometimes required (especially for 2WD cars), and if you haven’t pre-organised these with the car hire, they can be rented from the service station in Tekapo.

From Timaru, Tekapo and the South
Go to the town of Fairlie and then take the road to Geraldine and Christchurch. After about 500 metres turn left into Clayton Road where a very subtle sign points to Fox Peak. Clayton Road is paved and you stay on this road for about 17km and then turn left at the big Fox Peak sign.

You’ll need to open and then close the gate so the moo cows don’t get out, and the road from here on is unpaved. Further on you’ll go through another gate and then cross a really narrow bridge. Large vehicles will need to cross a ford instead. Then as you drive up the mountain, the stone road gets bumpier and narrower. You’ll pass the Fox Lodge and then switchback up the road for 3-4km before you arrive at the car park, which is likely to be deserted! The ticket office is about 30 metres from the car park.

From Geraldine and the North
Head to Geraldine on the Queenstown-Christchurch Highway. Turn right to Queenstown and Mt Cook and continue for 20 to 30 minutes. Turn right at “Mt Michael and Farm Barn café” and continue past Lake Opua. Turn right at the monument intersection onto Clayton Rd. Follow Clayton Rd for about 10 minutes and then as above.

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Other Ski Resorts Nearby

Nearby ski fields include Mt Dobson, Ohau and Roundhill.