The Tasman Glacier is an impressive sight. Set against the backdrop of the mountains of the main divide, it is the largest of the glaciers flowing towards Lake Pukaki from the Southern Alps. It is about 25 kilometres long and as much as 3 kilometres wide and is entirely within the borders of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Even if you have visited the glacier before, you will be amazed at the rate of change. This tour will clearly explain and demonstrate the measureable effects of climate change on our environment. After listening to our guides and accessing areas no other tours take people to, you will physically and mentally be able to comprehend the complexity of glaciers, how they relate to climate change and why this stunning alpine area is a World Heritage Park.
We travel by 4WD to take you several kilometres closer to New Zealand’s largest glacier than the public viewing area. There are 2 tours to take you close to the Tasman Glacier, depending on the time you have available:
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A full day tour to really appreciate the scale and grandeur of the Tasman - New Zealand's longest glacier, we take you to two different locations. We start near Twizel from the high moraine wall left behind when the Tasman Glacier first retreated at the end of the last Ice Age 14000 years ago. Then on a scenic drive along the stunning Lake Pukaki learn how the Tasman created this turquoise lake and to appreciate the surrounding glacier formations like moraine terraces. Arriving in Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park, we'll take you as far as possible by 4WD before continuing our journey up the pro-glacial valley on foot to a spectacular viewpoint directly above the dynamic terminal face of the Tasman Glacier. From here, you have the opportunity to witness the latest tasman glacier lake forming - as did Pukaki long ago. Watch and listen to the sights and sounds of an active glacier before returning down the valley for lunch by a tranquil glacier formed swimming hole. After lunch, the choice is yours: Explore Mt. Cook village & National Park or complete your Tasman glacier experience with us on our Taste of Ice tour (see below for details.) Return transport to Twizel with scenic photo stops included.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours
Includes: 2 hours driving & some walking*. Pre-packed lunch optional and by proir arrangement
Guide Ratio: We operate two 4WD vehicles with 9 pasanger seasts so it is possible to take up to 18 people.
*Depending on 4WD road and trail conditions this tour has an average of 35 minutes walking. For further information plesae contact us info@discoverytours.co.nz
Half day tour to get up close and personal with of the Tasman Glacier - the longest and most dynamic glacier in New Zealand; We'll take you as far as possible into the pro-glacial Tasman Valley by 4WD then continue on foot; Our unmarked route follows in the footsteps of our earliest alpine explorers and culminates directly above the dynamic terminal face of the Tasman glacier. From this spectacular birds-eye viewpoint, watch and listen to the sights and sounds of an active glacier before returning down the valley for lunch by a secluded 'kettle hole' - a round hollow formed by the melting of a mass of buried ice! Relax and refresh with an optional swim while your guide brews you 'billy tea'to have with your lunch. Return to the village or join our afternoon Taste of Ice tour (please ask for details) - the choice is yours!
Duration: 4 hours Includes: 1 hour driving + 400m walking*.
Guide Ratio: We operate two 4WD vehicles and can take up to 18 people on this tour with two gudes.
*Depending on conditions and the time of the year this tour has an average walking time of 35 minutes, for more information please contact us info@discoverytours.co.nz
Do you only have a little time or want to enhance your visit in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, then come touch, taste and admire glacier ice up to 500 years old! On our 'Taste of Ice' tour our local guide will pick you up from Mt. Cook Village and transport you into the glacier created Tasman Valley. Leaving our vehicle, we journey on foot along an easy flat trail to follow in the shadow in the remains of a once great glacier as we pass the towering Tasman Glacier Moraine Walls. Your guide will lead you away from the crowds following a hidden, historic track through an apparently lifeless 'lunar' landscape to the shore of the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. Here among bleak glacial debris discover an astounding array of nature's innovations such as magic moss, tattooist's needles and the sharpest carrot you've ever seen! A final descent down a 200yr old moraine wall brings you to the milky waters of the iceberg filled lake. Crumbling moraine, icebergs, natural ice sculptures, glacier and uninterrupted views of Mt. Cook - along with a dynamic lake that constantly changes - to provide you with a plethora of photo opportunities! Finally, sit down at the lakeside to absorb the magnificent scenery with a refreshing drink. Personalise your experience and bring your favourite cold beverage - we'll provide the glass and the Tasman Glacier will provide the very old ice!
Duration: 2 hours Includes: 1 hour walking
Guide Ratio: Maximum 14 people per guide with a maximum group size of 42 people.
Departure Times: 1:45pm, other times by arrangement, please e-mail:
info@discoverytours.co.nz
Frequently Asked Questions on the Tasman Glacier Tours
Access. We'll take you closer to the Glacier, past the public access point and way past where you can take your rental vehicle. We know the best places to take that perfect photo.
Expert guides: All of our lead guides are ex-park rangers from Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park so you know you are getting guides who really know the area.
Conservation. All of our tours have a conservation project you can take part in, your effort can make difference! Enhance your experience. Our guides enjoy sharing their knowledge about our flora, fauna, alpine ecology, glaciers, geology and history. Turn your visit to the area into an experience of a lifetime.
Safety. The mountains and glaciers in New Zealand can be dangerous with rapidly changing conditions. Our guides know our weather patterns and understand the dangers particular to our terrain which is important if you are unfamiliar with alpine areas. Your safety is our number one priority and the guide reserves the right to modify any hike to ensure your well being. All of our safety plans are independently audited on a regular basis by Qualmark™.
Quality. You want a quality experience and our commitment to this is demonstrated with our membership to Qualmark™, an independent audit system which ensures that we are performing to national tourism standards.
Professionalism. We are a member of the Tourism Industry Association and Qualmark™ rated.
Family owned business. We are one of the few local activities in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park that is independently owned and operated.
2. What happens if the weather's bad?
There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing! Hikes will operate unless the guide feels your safety will be compromised. We will offer an alternative hike if your first choice is not available due to safety reasons, or, you may choose from one of our other tour options (charges may be different depending on your choice). For detsails of our cancellation policy, please see our FAQ page...
3. Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, there are only a maximum of 8 people per day on our hikes (including the guide).
*4. How fit do I need to be?
We have graded each tour to give you an indication how long you will need to hike for and what the terrain is like. These tours are achieveable by people with low levels of fitness but you need to be able to walk 3 km for the Ultimate Glacier Discovery Tour. If in doubt, please ask us.
5 What information must I give you?
Please advise us when you make a booking if you have any medical conditions or reoccurring injuries which may effect your ability to complete the hike. We will ask you to fill out a form for your personal and contact details in case of an emergency. This information is only given to the guide and is kept confidential.
6. What do I need to bring?
You should have comfortable outdoor walking clothing and have comfortable shoes. Trainers are OK but light walking boots are preferred. It is an advantage to bring a day pack to carry the following:
"Very interesting and informative tour. Recommend it to everyone"
L and B Porter ,UK
"A wonderful trip, great views. Elayne, the guide extremely knowledgeable. Excellent, thanks."
Ian
"Thank you for having made today such an unforgettable experience"
G and E Stewart, Australia.
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