Glacier Explorer Boat Cruise: 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.
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 to the best viewpoint over the Tasman Glacier. Short 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 leads down the lake with icebergs, panoramic views of the Tasman Valley and Mt Cook.
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 and climate change. 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. Total time: 5-6 hours inc. lunch and short breaks.
