Discovery Tours Tasman Glacier Tours Mt Cook

Discover more than a glacier. The Tasman Glacier is impressive. As New Zealand’s largest glacier it may not be what you expect.

Discover why the glacier looks like it does and be astonished by how rapidly climate change is altering the glacier, is it natural or caused by global warming?

Find out what is really happening to New Zealand’s glaciers and the secrets you cannot see without the help of an expert guide. Make your visit to the Tasman Glacier an experience to always remember.

Activity Options

Ultimate Glacier Discovery

• To really appreciate the scale and grandeur of the glacier you will be taken to two different locations to discover the features that may otherwise be overlooked
• Travel further into the mountains by 4WD to get several kilometres closer to New Zealand’s largest glacier than the public viewpoint
• An unmarked trail leads to an impressive vista of the glacier from the Southern Alps to its terminus into the glacial lake
• Then walk down to the glacial lake for grand views of Aoraki Mount Cook and the large icebergs often floating nearby where you have the chance to hold glacial ice crystals hundreds of years old

Glacier Discovery

• This is perfect if you have less time to spend in the area or wish to walk only a short distance but still want to really understand glaciers
• Focusing on the first viewpoint with the impressive glacial vista and the essential information of the longer tour
• Travel the historic 4WD Ball Hut Road
• Short 10 to 15 minute rocky uphill walk to a spectacular 18km (12mile) panorama from the white ice down to the glacial lake with icebergs

Departures

• Summer: 10.00 am and 2.00 pm
• Winter: 9.30 am and 1.30 pm
• Other times may be arranged – please enquire

Duration

• Ultimate Glacier Discovery – Approximately 3.5 hours – 1 hour driving and 2.4 km of walking
• Glacier Discovery – 2 hours – 1 hour driving and 400m of walking

Other Information

• How fit do I need to be? These tours can be done by almost anyone
• You need good balance, sure footing and good lace up walking shoes with grip
• Bring a jacket, camera, sunscreen
• You can purchase drinks or snacks from the guide
• Safety equipment and walking poles can be provided
• Tours start from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village with various pick up points around the village
• We recommend booking as there is a maximum of 9 people per guide
• Exclusive and group tours can be arranged
• As this is an alpine environment, tours may be modified for safety reasons
• Infant and child backpack/carrier availabe for hire

Location

The Corner of Ostler and Wairepo Roads, Twizel, New Zealand.