New Zealand South Island Aoraki / Mount Cook Tasman Glacier Ice Explorer Boat - Tasman Glacier Lake Explorer Tour - Magnificent Views of New Zealand's Glacial Lakes

Aoraki / Mount Cook Glacier Lake Explorer Tour

(Explorer Mt. Cook Glacier Lake Boat Tour)

Aoraki / Mount Cook Glacier Lake Explorer Tour

(Explorer Mt. Cook Glacier Lake Boat Tour)

Glacier lake exploration is one of New Zealand's most unique experiences, found only here – Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Embark on our adventure boat to cruise around Tasman Glacier Lake and experience New Zealand's extraordinary Tasman Glacier up close, navigating through floating icebergs. Immerse yourself in surreal sensations within this uniquely pristine natural setting. No two days are ever the same on Tasman Glacier Lake—the unpredictable and dramatic weather shifts are precisely what make it so captivating.

The adventure travel here allows you to learn about the ever-changing glaciers, feeling both excitement and awe at the fragility of the natural environment. You can witness icebergs of various shapes and sizes periodically breaking off from the glacier's surface and plunging into the glacial lake. You might even spot wild penguin chicks during the journey, though sightings are unpredictable.

"The Glacier Lake Explorer Tour" is a unique opportunity to truly explore lateral moraines. Lateral moraines are pointed piles of rocks and debris transported by glaciers, which fall when the ice melts and rise nearly 200 meters high. These lateral moraines remind us that glaciers once reached enormous sizes.

With the impact of climate change and other climatic processes on New Zealand's glaciers, their retreat is imminent. The Tasman Glacier, now approximately 23–23.5 km long and 600m deep at its deepest point, is melting and disintegrating at an alarming rate.

Itinerary: A unique and wonderful life experience

1. Register your "Glacier Lake Explorer Tour" at the activity center.

2 travelers will take a shuttle to Tasman Valley, just a short drive from Mount Cook Village.

3 • After arriving at the Blue Lake parking lot, there will be a 1.5 km / 25 min alpine walk through Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

4 travelers will board the Glacier Explorer from Lake Tasman Pier.

5 • The entire tour takes approx. 3 hrs, with about 1 hr spent on the glacier lake.

Meeting point

The Hermitage Hotel ground floor.

Included equipment

- Glacier lake round-trip bus and boat

- Life jacket

• Experienced guide

- Unique and wonderful experience

Items to bring

- Wear an extra layer of warm clothing

- Camera

- Sunscreen and sunglasses

- Humid weather gear

• Suitable walking shoes

Weather Conditions Description

The Glacier Lake Adventure activity operates in a unique alpine environment. In case of severe weather, the trip may be canceled. This decision is made by the "Glacier Lake Explorers" guide before each departure based on weather and lake conditions. In such cases, travelers may choose another time slot or receive a full refund. (Cancellation due to severe weather can only be determined by the "Glacier Lake Explorers" guide; travelers cannot make this decision themselves.)

Please note that the icebergs on the lake are the result of glacial calving activity. As this is a natural phenomenon and glaciers are sometimes less active, the quantity and size of icebergs on the lake may vary. Icebergs, breakage, and tumbling cannot be guaranteed, but for lucky passengers, this creates a special anticipation process.

Important notice

Please arrive at the activity service desk 30 minutes before the departure time to complete the necessary procedures.

Be sure to book in advance to experience this special itinerary. We recommend making advance reservations to secure your spot.

Please ensure when booking that all individuals participating in the "Glacier Lake Explorer Tour" are able to walk 1.5 km unassisted within 25 minutes to ensure they are physically capable of participating in this activity.

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