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The ultimate ice adventure in Aoraki/Mount Cook

• Glacier Explorers

Glacier Explorers is the only tour of its kind in New Zealand, and it’s based right here, in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Cruise around the Tasman Glacial Lake in one of our boats and experience the enormity of NZ's largest glacier as you weave in and out of floating icebergs. It’s a surreal and mesmerising experience in a totally unique environment. No two days are the same on the Tasman Lake with a constant shifting of conditions, which simply adds to the magic of this very special place.

Our tours are designed to both thrill and educate as you learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake. It’s difficult to predict when a calving will take place but it’s possible you will witness one whilst you’re on a tour – it’s really quite spectacular. A trip on Glacier Explorers is a unique opportunity to truly feel small as the lateral moraines, which are sharp-crested piles of glacially transported rocks and debris that are dropped by the ice as it melts, rear up almost 200m. The lateral moraines remind us of the grand scale that the glacier has reached in previous times.

With the effects of climate change and other climatic processes taking their toll on New Zealand glaciers, their retreat is sadly imminent. The Tasman Glacier is now approximately 23/23.5km long and 600m deep (at its deepest point) and is both melting and calving at a staggering rate.

It's an incredible experience for everyone.

• Check in for your Glacier Explorers trip at the Activities Centre, which is located on the ground floor of the Hermitage Hotel.
• The group will then bus out to the Tasman Valley, a short drive away from Mount Cook village.
• Once you arrive at the Blue Lakes carpark there’s a 1.5km/25 minute alpine walk through the National Park.
• Guests will then board the Glacier Explorers boat from the Tasman Lake jetty.
• The whole trip is approximately 3 hours, and you can expect to spend approximately one hour on the lake.

Daily departures are available throughout the season ( subject to appropriate weather, daylight and lake conditions)

What is Supplied:

• Return transport
• Life jackets
• Experienced guides
• An unforgettable experience

What to Bring:

• An extra warm layer of clothing
• Sunblock & sunglasses
• Wet weather gear
• Suitable walking shoes

Weather Conditions:

Glacier Explorers operates in a unique, alpine environment. In the event of unfavourable weather conditions the tour may be cancelled. This decision is made by the Glacier Explorers Head Guide just before each trip based on weather and lake conditions. An alternative trip time or full refund is offered under such circumstances.

Please be aware that icebergs on the lake occur as a result of glacial calving activity. As this is a natural occurrence, at times the glacier is not as active meaning the quantity and size of icebergs on the lake vary. Icebergs, calvings and rollovers cannot be guaranteed, but are a wonderful bonus for passengers lucky enough to experience them.

Kindly note, you can check the weather in the National Park via our live webcam feed here.

Important Note:

Check in at the Activities Desk is required 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Due to high demand, we recommend that you pre-book this activity to avoid disappointment.

Please ensure when booking that all individuals joining the Glacier Explorers trip can walk 1.5km in 25 minutes to ensure the trip can run to schedule.

“Excellent tour. Exceeded my expectations. The bus trip down was informative, the walk easy, and the boat ride fun. The boat guide was excellent and taught us so many facts about the icebergs. We got to see and touch the icebergs and then went and viewed the terminal end of the glacier. Absolutely stunning. Never felt rushed and would totally recommend that you do this trip.”

chocaholic5

“What an incredible experience getting up close and even touching icebergs! It exceeded my expectations with far more and bigger icebergs than expected and on top of that interesting knowledge provided by the guides! A must do and a taste of Antarctica in NZ”

“What a great trip - the staff knew their stuff and we had a wonderful time. Amazing to get up close to the icebergs and the boat trip was great fun and highly recommended. I cannot stress too highly what a good opportunity this is to learn about the glacier and also to reflect how quickly it is disappearing. So there was education as well as entertainment and excitement.”

View above the Tasman Lake before you walk down to the jetty

Walking down to the jetty on the Tasman Lake for your boat trip with Glacier Explorers

The walk to the Tasman Lake - this is 1.5km that must be completed in 25 minutes

Glacier Explorers cruising on the Tasman Lake

Exploring floating icebergs on the Tasman Glacial Lake

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Mt Cook Tour / Glacier Explorer

A day tour from Queenstown to Mt Cook including the Glacier Explorers experience.

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Cruise up close and personal with New Zealand's largest glacier

On this small group day tour to Mt Cook from Queenstown, experience the unique alpine landscapes of the Southern Alps as you travel to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, home to snow-capped mountains, impressive glaciers, and New Zealand’s highest peak.

Departing at 7 am from Queenstown, travel in comfort and style in a Mercedes Sprinter van with a maximum of 16 people, offering panoramic windows for stunning views. Your experienced guide will host you throughout the day, providing entertaining commentary as you journey through the remarkable landscape.

Enjoy the sights of central South Island, visiting Cromwell and the scenic Lindis Pass, before making a brief stop in Omarama, a charming village, where you can purchase refreshments and lunch if needed. From here we continue along the bright turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, entering the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park around midday.

This option includes the incredible Glacier Explorers experience departing at 1:15pm (Oct-Apr)

During your time in Mount Cook, you will cruise the Tasman Glacial Lake viewing New Zealand’s largest glacier while passionate guides share their knowledge of the ever-changing environment. Throughout the tour, weave amongst the floating icebergs and marvel at the impressive Tasman Glacier terminal face. A truly unique New Zealand adventure.

Once you return, your Altitude Tours guide will meet you and start the return journey back to Queenstown, arriving back at approximately 7:30pm.

Please note: Glacier Explorer is subject to availability at the time of booking and our team will reconfirm with you once confirmed.

Glacier Explorers is operated by the Hermitage Hotel and is 3 hours in duration. This involves a 1.5km walk to the lake and requires a medium level of fitness .

Tour Overview.

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Glacier explorer, travel in style.

Our Mercedes vans are fully equipped with complimentary wifi and panoramic windows for superior viewing so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Mt Cook Tour FAQ's

How long does the mt cook tour take.

The full day trip takes approximately 12 hours from Queenstown. This allows us to make plenty of stops en route to ensure you enjoy the journey, with 3.5 hours in Mount Cook Village, where you will head out to experience the Glacier Explorer tour operated by the Hermitage Hotel.

What activities are included?

This package includes the Glacier Explorers experience at 1:15pm (Oct-Apr).

For all passengers on tour, we also include access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

What are the important things to know about Glacier Explorer?

Your guide will drop you to the Hermitage Hotel where you will check in for Glacier Explorers trip at the Activities Centre, check in is located on the ground floor.

The group will then be transported out to the Tasman Valley, a short drive away from Mount Cook village.

Once you arrive at the Blue Lakes carpark there’s a short 25 minute walk through the National Park.

Guests will then board the Glacier Explorers boat from the Tasman Lake jetty.

The whole trip is approximately 2.5 hours, and you can expect to spend approximately one hour on the lake.

What do I need to bring with me and wear on this day tour?

• An extra warm layer of clothing
• Sunblock & sunglasses
• Wet weather gear
• Suitable walking shoes

What do you recommend we do for lunch?

In summer (Oct-Apr) you will have approximately 45 minutes after arriving in Mount Cook Village before you need to check in to your Glacier Explorer experience.

You can choose to purchase food quickly at that time, or we recommend purchasing food in Omarama on the way or bringing this from Queenstown at the start of the day.

From Queenstown to Mt Cook what stops will we make along the drive?

We don’t want to give too much away! The drive from Queenstown to Mt Cook is stunning and there are plenty of scenic stops enroute, your guide knows the best spots and will choose these on the day.

Can I see icebergs on this tour?

Yes! You will get up close to the icebergs on the Tasman Glacial Lake, weaving on and out them on the boat, you might even the chance to touch them.

Where do you pick up and drop off from in Queenstown?

We pick up from select Queenstown hotels and the main bus stop routes in Queenstown town centre and along Frankton Road. When booking, type in your accommodation and it will suggest the closest bus stop. If it doesn’t come up just check in with us and we’ll let you know where is closest for you!

What happens in the case of poor weather?

As this is a weather dependent tour, if there is risk of adverse weather conditions that will impact the operation of the tour, you will be contacted the day prior to your trip to explore alternative options.

Why can't I reserve a specific seat on the van?

Due to this being one of our most popular tours and wanting to be fair to all who join us we do not offer reserved seating. If you have a request we will do our best to accommodate but we cannot guarantee.

HUMBLE BRAGS

Multi-award winning tour operator., more epic tours., milford sound scenic tour & cruise, milford sound tour, cruise & scenic flight, milford sound tour, cruise & helicopter, milford sound private tours, best of queenstown tour, glenorchy scenic tour.

Glacier Explorers

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GLACIER EXPLORERS (Mt. Cook Village) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

• Guided Tours

Glacier Explorers Boat Tour

Glacier Explorers offers the rare opportunity to take a guided motorized boat tour on the Tasman Glacier terminal lake, up close with icebergs and the mighty glacier itself.

The Tasman Glacier is the longest in New Zealand at more than 25 kilometres in length. It ends in a vast terminal lake, and frequent carvings from its ice face fill the lake with massive floating icebergs. Glacier Explorers clients board custom-built MAC motorized boats and tour the lake and its ever-changing scenery, viewing the glacier’s ice face from a safe distance and enjoying the amazing opportunity to touch and taste ice crystals that are 300-500 years old.

The tour departs on a coach from the Hermitage Hotel and includes a 30-minute walk through the Tasman Valley’s glacier-carved landscape.

You can book the Glacier Explorers tour directly via this link .

Glacier Explorer - New Zealand's Ultimate Ice Adventure

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Our professional guides will grab some ice for you to examine, hold and pose with! Note, the ice is much heavier than 'normal' ice from your freezer. Ever touched an iceberg?

Glacier Explorers - get up close to the ice.

Glacier Explorers - Introducing our Head Guide, Pancho.

Glacier Explorers

Glacier Explorers on the Tasman Lake in Aoraki/Mount Cook

Glacier Explorers Adventure

Why's glacier ice so much heavier than normal ice?

Terrace Road , Aoraki / Mount Cook , New Zealand .

An amazing encounter with NZ's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier & it's rapidly growing terminal lake. View icebergs of every shape & size periodically as they tear away from the glacier amongst incredible mountain views only in Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Pricing and Conditions

This tour is not available to children under 4 years of age. Check-in required 30 minutes prior to tour time.

Weather Conditions: Glacier Explorers operates in a unique, alpine environment. A decision is made by the lead guide just before each trip based on current weather and lake conditions. As such, some trips may not operate as scheduled. An alternative trip time, similar value trip or full refund before departure is offered under such circumstances. Cancellation Policy: Within 48 hours before departure - loss of 50% of the total price.

This is the only tour of its kind in New Zealand and is located in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Cruise the Tasman Glacial Lake to view New Zealand’s largest glacier as you weave in and out of floating icebergs. Our tours will both thrill and educate you, as our passionate guides share their knowledge of the ever-changing glacial landscape. Reach out and touch a floating icebergs that are 1000’s of years old and take in the enormity of the terminal face of the Tasman Glacier. This is undeniably one of the most unique experiences in New Zealand.

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Floating On A Glacier Lake: Lake Tasman Boat Tour

Let’s face it, half of this post is just #icebergporn.   This Tasman Lake boat trip paired with hiking the stunning Hooker Valley Track in the afternoon is how you win at New Zealand life.

This was, without a doubt, one of the coolest (ha, pun not intended…but totally now intended) things we did the entire trip was taking a boat tour on a glacier lake.  And it was literally our first morning in the country.

We’d arrived in Christchurch the day before and driven several hours down to the Lake Tekapo area , to our super cute little “bach” (rental).

If you’re planning your trip to New Zealand, here are tips to help you along!

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It took us about an hour and a half to get over to the Aoraki/Mt. Cook area from Lake Tekapo.  We got an early start but couldn’t resist stopping at Lake Pukaki along the way—so beautiful!

It was hard not to get distracted by the gorgeous scenery along the drive.  Though since it was my first time driving on the left, I reeeeally tried not to get distracted.

You might also like:  10 Things To Make Sure You Do Before Every Trip

We checked in for our glacier lake boat tour at the Hermitage Hotel about half an hour early, and then the more I thought about how cold and windy it would be out on the lake, I broke down and bought some merino wool gloves and a beanie (this introduced me to Icebreaker gloves which I deeply love and use every day).  Boy, glad I did—it was so cold out on the water!

The tour guide collected us and we began an easy walk from the hotel to the boat dock, around 20-30 minutes.  My head was practically on a swivel taking in all the scenery.  It’s both gorgeous and kind of alien.

Here’s a packing list to make sure you’re prepared for this type of trip!

At the dock we stored our belongings and got suited up in life jackets, then boarded the boats and were off!

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Despite it feeling windy out on the water, it really was quite a calm day, which was awesome since the lake gave us great reflections.  We started seeing tons of little baby icebergs that had calved off the big mama.

Want to know all my inside trip planning tips?    Download my e-book  here!

Our guide took us close enough to touch them a couple times, and even grabbed pieces of ice out of the water for us.  It’s so clear you can’t believe it!

@sjems5: “This is the oldest thing I’ve ever put in my mouth!”

You might also like:   Hiking Iceland’s Stunning Sólheimajökull Glacier

My pictures from this day were, without question, the best of the entire trip.  The combo of bright blue sky, craggy snow-capped mountains, milky turquoise water, and sharp icebergs just can’t be topped.

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There was only one other group out at the same time as us, and we barely caught a glimpse of them.  I’d done a lot of research before our trip to find a tour outfit and location where it wouldn’t just be loading up hordes of people and really crowded.  This felt intimate, we were in a small group, and it really allowed it to feel personal.

Finally we got to see the big glacier itself.  The Tasman Glacier, at 27 km long, is the longest in New Zealand.  Obviously we were seeing just a tiny piece of that, but it was so cool to see up close!  The color and that kind of dirty marbling was unexpected for me (since I haven’t experienced glaciers before), and personally I thought it added really awesome character to it.

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Finally it was time to head back.  It felt like it went really fast, but we did have quite a while out on the water.  I’d recommend this in a heartbeat to anyone, was an amazing experience.  Again, a Tasman Lake boat tour is perfect when paired with the Hooker Valley Track hike as a full day of some of New Zealand’s best scenery.

You might also like:   Two-Week New Zealand Itinerary: A First-Timer’s Detailed Planning Guide

About our glacier lake boat tour on Tasman Lake:

• We went with Glacier Explorers and had a great tour
• It was $145 NZD per person (this was a few years ago)
• Parking at Hermitage Hotel (where you meet the tour) is free and plentiful
• It can get cold out on the water, so unless it’s the dead of summer make sure to bring some extra layers and a hat and gloves

Other amazing boat adventures:

• A Day on Scotland’s Magical Isle of Staffa
• Why You Have To Take A Ponte de Piedade Boat Tour In Portugal’s Algarve
• A Morning Of Dolphins & Shells With Marco Island’s “The Dolphin Explorer” Boat Tour
• Renting a Sailboat on Airbnb & Sailing in Sweden
• Skye’s Moody Loch Coruisk and the Black Cuillins
• 2 Magical Days Sailing on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

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Comments (2)

Movie Magic & Lush Scenery at Hobbiton, New Zealand: | One Girl, Whole World

June 16, 2018 at 12:20 pm

[…] You might also like:  Floating on a Glacier Lake: Lake Tasman Boat Tour […]

Hiking New Zealand's Hooker Valley Track | One Girl, Whole World

May 19, 2018 at 7:36 pm

[…] glacier lake boat tour was in the morning, then we grabbed some lunch and warmed up before hitting the Hooker Valley Trail […]

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Tasman Glacier Boat Cruise, Mt Cook

3 hours | Jan-May, Sep-Dec

Introduction

A memorable encounter with New Zealand’s largest glacier, this journey travels by boat out towards the face of the Tasman Glacier itself .

An awe-inspiring journey into one of the country’s most dynamic natural environments, the glacier, towering ice cliffs and icebergs are always on the move, melting, rolling and calving, and reminding visitors that a glacier is not just a piece of ice, but a frozen river.

Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains can be had, while the glacially-rich waters are coloured in a magnificent spectrum of blues.

An incredible trip for photographers, ice is one of the most various and colourful subjects. Your engaging guide keeps up a commentary as you travel on the formation of glaciers, icebergs and the impact that this monumental river of ice has had on the landscape of the west coast. Includes transfers- time spent on the lake is approximately 1 hour.

Duration: 3 hours (1 hour on the lake) Price: from {CONVERT 93} per person Departures: daily, scheduled times (September – May)

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Tasman Glacier Walk (New Zealand) – Tips + Photos

Last updated on December 7, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

The Tasman Glacier walk is one of the best short walks in south Island New Zealand. It leads you to a lookout of the glacial lake and glacier. But I think the main interest are the wonderful views of the open valley. Below is my guide to help you plan your hike.

Why do the Blue lakes and Tasman Glacier Walk?

Not far from the Mount Cook village, the Tasman Glacier Walk is one of the shortest trails with magnificent views. It is a lot of stairs (around 333) but it is not a difficult walk. It allows you to reach a glacial lake with icebergs and views of the Tasman glacier.

The Tasman glacier is 24km long (according to the board sign). It is the longest in New Zealand.

But my favorite part of the walk are the splendid views of the Tasman valley. The glacier-carved mountains are beautiful!

Below is a short video to help you imagine what the walk is like and all the beautiful landscapes you can enjoy:

Planning Tips –  Tasman Glacier Walk

Tasman glacier walk – location & access.

• South Island
• Located at the Northern end of Lake Pukaki – see my Lake Pukaki guide
• Not far from Aoraki Mount Cook village
• Turn right from Mount Cook road into Tasman valley road – 7km of paved road to the carpark
• Twizel to Tasman Valley carpark = 50min drive
• Queenstown to Tasman Valley carpark = 3h15 drive
• Christchurch to Tasman Valley carpark =  4h15 drive
• You can find the Tasman Glacier Walk in my travel guides that facilitate the planning of your road trip :

Plan your dream trip to New Zealand with my guides!

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• 6 easy-to-plan maps
• 110+ pre-selected locations
• 190+ large photos 

Tasman Glacier hike – general info

• Free carpark
• Free access to the walk
• Toilets near the carpark, but none on the trails
• Plan 30min return for the walk to the lookout – add 30min if you detour to the Blue Lakes
• Plan 1h return of flat walking to reach the Tasman Lake shore.
• I counted 333 stairs to the top at the lookout 
• There are explanations about the glacier at the lookout
• No food facilities
• There is no best time to do this walk. The weather can completely change in the few hours…

Need to rent a car in New Zealand ?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a car with enough power for the mountain areas
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Accommodations

• If you plan on doing several walks, I recommend staying at Mount Cook village to enjoy the brillant scenery – Check out options
• Otherwise you can head to Twizel which is a practical location to explore the area – See the  best rated accommodations in Twizel .
• I stayed at the Mountain Chalets Motel. The decor was tired but the room was spacious, and the location was practical.  Check out photos and availability

Tasman Valley Road – drive to the Tasman valley carpark

Let’s start with the road to get there. If you are not staying at Mount Cook village, you first have to drive along Lake Pukaki.  Even with low clouds it is a wonderful drive with the mountains carved by the glacier.

You then drive past the Northern end of Lake Pukaki and before Mount Cook village you will see a turn towards the Tasman Valley. It is well indicated.

The only difficulty of this road (except for wanting to only look at the scenery and not the road) is the single lane bridge. Make sure you pay attention to who has priority ( see my driving guide for more info )

From the turn to the carpark, you have 7km of paved road with one lane in each direction. Easy drive. This is the views towards the carpark:

And this is the views as you leave the Tasman Valley carpark.

Ad the end of the road, you will find a carpark. The road stops here, so you won’t get lost 🙂

The Tasman Valley Walk – difficulty (stairs)

Both walks start from the carpark and are well indicated.

• To the left you walk up to the lookout (with the stairs) – 30min return (or more if you detour to the Blue Lakes
• To the right, you head to the Tasman Lake shore – 1h return flat walk  – this is the walk you take if you join the boat tour to the glacier  – According to Phenomenal Globe walking to this view from the shore is one of the best hikes in South Island especially if you have the courage to wake up early to go for sunrise!

I chose the lookout. As you can see the trail is well maintained.  The staircase are made with wood and the stairs are very regular in height.

I found it quite easy. Especially as I kept stopping to admire the view… This way you recover your breath in the best way possible 🙂

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

The (Green) Blue Pools of the Tasman Valley 

After you have climbed 108 stairs, you have the option to turn and see the Blue lake.  I decided to wait until walking back down to decide. But after seeing them from above (further in the trail) I decided not the do the detour.

Why? The Blue lakes are actually green… In the Mid 1800s the lakes were blue (when they were named) because they were fed with glacial water (like lake Pukaki). However today the Tasman glacier has shrunk and water no longer flows into the blue lakes. It is now filled by warmer rainwater. Therefore green algaes have developed and the lakes changed colors.

However, it you enjoy birds, the National parks indicate that this is where you may see New Zealand’s smallest bird, the rifleman .

Tasman Lake and Tasman Glacier

After climbing all those stairs, you arrive at a lookout above the Tasman lake. There you can see explanations of the various summits and the state of the glacier.

Here is the views of the lake and the mountains with the glacier to your left.

• The landscape around Lake Tasman is very dry.
• Depending on the conditions you may see icebergs floating.
• This proglacial lake was formed because of the glaciers’ retreat. It is actually quite recent as there were only ponds in the 70s and they merged into a lake in the90s.

And below is a zoom towards the glacier. According to the display at the lookout:

• The glacier is 24km long
• Its surface area is 92km2
• Its rate of retreat is currently 480 to 820m per year
• And they expect it to be down to 20km by 2027

Tasman glacier boat tour

There are “Tasman glacier lake cruise” to get closer to the glacier tongue. You have to book early. It is run by Glacier Explorers . I wanted to do it but run out of time. After walking to the pier you will board a small boat and get up close to the impressive wall of ice.

Tasman Valley views

I must admit that this was not the best glacier view in New Zealand. You can have better ones in the Hooker valley nearby or at Franz Josef by the West Coast. However this was still one my by favorite short walks because of the breathtaking views of the valley during the whole walk, like this one:

And you return to the carpark:

Wakefield Waterfall

Note: as you drive on the Tasman Valley road, don’t miss the waterfall on the side. This is Wakefield waterfall. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Mt Cook National Park. It is 230m high with multiple steps.

Alternative – Hooker Valley walk (longer) and Kea Point walk

The Tasman glacier walk is a short one. If you have the time and the fitness for it, you can also enjoy the Hooker valley track to the Hooker glacier lake.  On a clear day, it is absolutely breathtaking. But it requires 3h of walking return with several long bridges to cross. Read my article

From the same carpark, you can also enjoy a shorter walk to Kea point lookout.

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Tasman Glacier View Track + Tasman Lake And River Track

At about 22 km long, the mighty Tasman Glacier (Haupapa) is New Zealand’s longest glacier. However, as glaciers around the world are shrinking, Tasman Glacier is also receding rapidly, at a rate of over 100 meters a year. Tasman Lake, on the other hand, is a relatively ‘new’ lake formed in 1974. Since then, the lake has been growing steadily.

Both the Tasman Glacier View Track and the Tasman Lake and River Track offer you the scenic views of Tasman Glacier and Tasman Lake. The latter takes you lower and closer to the lake.

Blue Lakes & Tasman Glacier View Track

1.19pm: Both Tasman Glacier Walks start at the same trailhead from Tasman Glacier Car Park .

(+14)1.33pm: I first took the Tasman Glacier View Track, where you’ll see a side track to the Blue Lakes.

(+4)1.37pm: I first came across a brownish stagnant-ish little lake.

The track was almost covered with the spiky plants (not sure if they were the native Matagouri or the invasive gorse). It got worse as I proceeded further (lots of ‘ouch!’ sound effects as I carefully brushed through them).

(+8)1.45pm: Arrived at the (presumably) final Blue Lakes, which looked green.The incongruent name is due to when the lakes were named back in mid-1800s, they were blue. The lakes were blue as they were fed by turquoise glacier meltwater filtered through the moraine. It was a popular swimming spot in summer and skating rink in winter.

As the Tasman Glacier retreated, its meltwater no longer flows into these lakes. The lakes now get refilled by warmer rainwater, which supports green algae, turning Blue Lakes green. Once cold and barren, the Blue (or green) Lakes are now inhabited by native fish such as kōaro.

(+16)2.01pm: Back to the main trail to Tasman Glacier View Track. Staircases lead you up to the hilltop.

(+3)2.04pm: Near the top of the hill, look back.

(+2)2.06pm: Reached the viewpoint of Tasman Glacier. The glacier used to be very close to this viewpoint. The moraines lines show the glacier used to advance right in front of where we stand (and how high it was), before it started retreating and formed the lake.

See the blue ice wall? It’s a layer of glacier covered with rock sediments and debris. From afar, it looks like rocky ground but it’s in fact, chocolate covered ice block.

Tasman Lake And River Track

(+32)2.38pm: Walked back down to the junction and to the Tasman Lake & River Track. Approaching the end of the track, there is a tour operator taking passengers for a glacier boat tour.

(+7)2.45pm: Walking past the back of the tour operator, there’s a path climbing up over a hill for a closer look at the glacier and the alps.

(+47)3.02pm: Heading back on the track towards the exit, there’s also another split path that heads toward the headwater of Tasman River, which is the outlet for Tasman Lake.

The milky gray water is due to the large amount of ‘glacial flour’ (rocks grounded-up by the force of moving glaciers) in the meltwater.

(+38)3.40pm: Back to the car park. You might notice another trailhead nearby, which goes to Ball Hut Route (3-4 hours one way). It is also the start/end of the demanding multi-day Ball Pass Crossing (high level of experience with route-finding ability needed; unmarked track with steep alpine terrain on snow). Next, I’m heading to White Horse Hill Camping Ground for Hooker Valley Track and Mueller Hut Route.

Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!

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*Captain Planet passing by*  Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE  *flies away*

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Glacier Explorers

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GLACIER EXPLORERS (Mt. Cook Village) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

• Self Contained Units
• Basic Units
• Large Standard Units
• Smaller Standard Units
• Backpackers
• Power Sites
• Non-Powered Sites
• High Country Heli Hike
• Helicopter Flights
• Tasman Glacier Heli-Hiking
• Glacier Explorers Boat Trip
• Billion Star Dining
• Scenic Plane Flights
• Heli-Skiing
• Glacier by Kayak
• Mountain Biking
• Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
• Hunting & Fishing
• Mt Cook Education
• School Reviews
• Terms & Conditions
• Glentanner Station
• Tasman Delta Cafe
• Merino Mink Collection
• Guest Reviews
• Mt Cook Region
• Winter in Mt Cook

Glacier Sea Kayaking.

Mount cook glacier kayaking is another great way to explore aoraki mt cook national park. paddle around in one of the national parks glacial lakes, on this fun-filled mount cook activity., please contact us if you would like to book a glacier kayaking trip. you can also book glacier kayaking and other mount cook activities in conjunction with your accommodation booking ., tasman glacier lake trip.

A full on adventure for the keen kayaker. This trip provides a unique opportunity to meet icebergs face to face, view the glacier terminal face from a safe distance and explore the Tasman Lake with plenty time to take it all in.

There may be opportunities to beach the kayaks and explore some of the shoreline areas. We also stop is a glacier bay to have lunch.

New Zealand's longest glacier winds its way down the Southern Alps for nearly 30km before culminating at the Tasman Lake.  The transition from glacier to lake produces impressive icebergs on a regular basis; this truly is 'big berg country'. Launch into the trip of a lifetime as you push away from the shore to explore the wonders of nature's creation.

• All double kayaks are fitted with outriggers (floaties) for perfect stability.
• Duration: 4-6 hours. Half day
• Departure Time: 9:00am 
• Price: $295 per person
• Lunch is not provided.
• Minimum age 14 years
• Previous experience Kayaking is essential for this trip.

2023/24 Season starts mid October and finishes on the 31 March 2024.

Departure Point:

The Old Mountaineers Café, Mount Cook Village (about 20 minutes drive from Glentanner Park Centre).

What would I need to take?

A camera/phone, sunscreen, good walking shoes or sandals, sunglasses, sun hat, warm clothing, rain jacket, personal medication, lunch and water.

All prices are in New Zealand dollars (subject to change).

Cancellation Policy

Mtcook.com reserve the right to cancel or change any part of any kayaking trip. This could be due to, but limited to adverse lake, river, road or weather conditions. mtcook.com have a strict 48 hour cancellation policy which means that if mtcook.com cancel the trip due to any of the above conditions, we will give you a full refund or no charges made. If you decide not to do the trip within 1 week of the trip start time for any reason (you sleep in, have a vehicle breakdown, an unexpected illness or injury etc) or we cancel your booking because of client unsuitability due to poor fitness or health or because of inadequate kayaking experience due to ability and conditions there will be no refund. Please ensure you have travel insurance to cover all potential cancellation scenarios. Credit Card details held only to secure the booking. No money is taken from your card except if the cancellation policy comes into force.

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