Glacier Explorer Boat Cruise: Up close and personal with Tasman Glacier. This popular experience gives a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. After a short hike to the edge of the terminal lake, the experienced guides will take you by boat to the face of the glacier. The ride provides some spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, and some of the most stunning photographic opportunities available in the national park. Three hour tours depart from Mount Cook National Park by minibus on a 15 minute drive, followed by a half hour walk to the shore of Lake Tasman. You will be fitted with lifejackets before boarding the stable “MAC Boats“. From here the 1 hour adventure exploring the lake, glacier and icebergs begins
Ultimate Glacier Discovery: Travel approximately 10km into the mountains from Mount Cook Village before traveling approx 2 miles along the historic 4WD Ball Hut Road (this road is usually excluded for use by rental car companies so few travelers visit here). Get to the best viewpoint over the Tasman Glacier, this is 2 miles closer than the public Tasman Glacier viewpoint. Short 10 to 15 minute rocky uphill walk to a spectacular (12 mile) panorama from the white ice down to the glacial lake with icebergs. Look right down on the actively melting terminal ice face of the Tasman Glacier giving you two completely different views of the glacier. An easy 30 minute walk on a gravel path through a lunar landscape of jumbled rocks and carpets of moss leads down the lake with icebergs, panoramic views ofthe Tasman Valley and Mt Cook. Get the chance to touch 500 year old glacial ice crystals which are like modern glass sculptures with fracture lines, rainbow colours, bubbles and trapped fragments of rock. Approx 3.5hrs.
East Hooker Valley Hike: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a World Heritage Site and is one of the best places in the world to increase your understanding of mountain building, glaciers, climate change, alpine ecology, and rich human history combined with awesome alpine scenery. You will capture more than great photos, you will have a greater understanding of the natural world which will enrich your New Zealand experience. Experience the real beauty of the Hooker Glacier by branching off the crowded walking track onto a route over ancient glacial moraines. Pass pure alpine streams on our easiest hike to get a closer look at the Hooker Glacier under the snow covered slopes of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Effort level: Moderate. Moderate fitness needed. Total time approx 5 to 6 hours incl lunch and short breaks. 200m (600ft) total vertical height gain. A wonderful experience with a maximum of only 7.
Ultimate Glacier Discovery: