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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To really appreciate the scale and grandeur of the glacier, we take you to two different locations. Firstly, we lead you along an unmarked trail to an impressive vista of the glacier with views from the Southern Alps to the Glacier's terminus into the glacial lake. Then, we walk down to the glacial lake for grand views of Aoraki Mount Cook and to get close to the large icebergs often floating nearby. You get you the opportunity to hold glacial ice crystals hundreds of years old.
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Includes: 1 hour driving + 2.4km walking*.
Price: $130 per adult, $65 per child (6-14yrs), 5yrs and under free.
Departure Times: 10:00am, other times by arrangement, please e-mail:
info@discoverytours.co.nz
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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 get an understanding of glaciers and the local geology.
This tour visits only the first viewpoint with the impressive glacial vista and does not give you the oppertunity to touch glacier ice, but gives you the essential information of the longer tour.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Includes: 1 hour driving + 400m walking*.
Price: $100 per adult, $55 per child (6-14yrs), 5yrs and under free.
Departure Times: 10:00am, other times by arrangement, please e-mail:
info@discoverytours.co.nz
Download the Tasman Glacier Brochure:
 | Discover The Tasman Glacier Adobe Acrobat Document: 643 KB, 94 seconds @ 56kbps Tasman Glacier PDF |
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.