Glacier Explorers.
Cruise Among Icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Lake
The ultimate ice adventure. New Zealand's only glacier boat tour.
In the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park cruise around the Tasman Glacial Lake. Experience the enormity of NZ's largest glacier as you weave in and out of floating icebergs. It’s a surreal and mesmerising experience in a totally unique environment.Â
Our tours are designed to both thrill and educate as you learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape.The Tasman Glacier is New Zealand's largest glacier, stretching approximately 23 kilometres through the Southern Alps. At its deepest point, the glacier reaches around 600 metres in depth and continues to shape the dramatic landscape of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.
As the glacier melts and calves, icebergs break away into the Tasman Glacier Lake, creating an ever-changing environment. These floating ice formations can range from small fragments to towering blocks of ancient glacier ice, some of which have been compressed for hundreds of years.
Glacier Explorers offers one of the most accessible ways to experience this dynamic landscape and gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand's glacial environment.
What you'll experience.
- Check in for your Glacier Explorers trip at the Activities Centre, which is located on the ground floor of the Hermitage Hotel.
- The group will then bus out to the Tasman Valley, a short drive away from Mount Cook village.
- Once you arrive at the Blue Lakes carpark there’s a 1.5km/25 minute alpine walk through the National Park.
- Guests will then board the Glacier Explorers boat from the Tasman Lake jetty.
- The whole trip is approximately 3 hours, and you can expect to spend approximately one hour on the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Glacier Explorers?
Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, including transfers, the alpine walk and around one hour on the lake.
Can you touch an iceberg?
Yes. Conditions permitting, guides often retrieve glacier ice from the lake, giving guests the opportunity to see and handle ancient glacier ice.
Is Glacier Explorers suitable for children?
Yes. The experience is suitable for families, although participants must be comfortable completing the 1.5km walk to and from the lake edge. The minimum child age is 4 years.
What should I wear?
Warm layers, sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses and waterproof clothing are recommended due to the alpine environment. We will provide life jackets.
Is Glacier Explorers worth it?
Glacier Explorers is one of the few experiences in New Zealand that allows visitors to cruise among floating icebergs and view New Zealand's largest glacier from the water. Many visitors consider it one of the highlights of their South Island itinerary.
Weather Conditions:
Glacier Explorers operates in a unique, alpine environment. In the event of unfavourable weather conditions the tour may be cancelled. This decision is made by the Glacier Explorers Head Guide just before each trip based on weather and lake conditions. An alternative trip time or full refund is offered under such circumstances.
Please be aware that icebergs on the lake occur as a result of glacial calving activity. As this is a natural occurrence, at times the glacier is not as active meaning the quantity and size of icebergs on the lake vary. Icebergs, calvings and rollovers cannot be guaranteed, but are a wonderful bonus for passengers lucky enough to experience them.
Kindly note, you can check the weather in the National Park via our live webcam feed here.
Important Note:
Check in at the Activities Desk is required 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Due to high demand, we recommend that you pre-book this activity to avoid disappointment.
Please ensure when booking that all individuals joining the Glacier Explorers trip can walk 1.5km in 25 minutes to ensure the trip can run to schedule.
Deidre S
“Excellent tour. Exceeded my expectations. The bus trip down was informative, the walk easy, and the boat ride fun. The boat guide was excellent and taught us so many facts about the icebergs. We got to see and touch the icebergs and then went and viewed the terminal end of the glacier. Absolutely stunning. Never felt rushed and would totally recommend that you do this trip.”
chocaholic5
“What an incredible experience getting up close and even touching icebergs! It exceeded my expectations with far more and bigger icebergs than expected and on top of that interesting knowledge provided by the guides! A must do and a taste of Antarctica in NZ”
Mark W
“What a great trip - the staff knew their stuff and we had a wonderful time. Amazing to get up close to the icebergs and the boat trip was great fun and highly recommended. I cannot stress too highly what a good opportunity this is to learn about the glacier and also to reflect how quickly it is disappearing. So there was education as well as entertainment and excitement.”
View above the Tasman Lake before you walk down to the jetty
Walking down to the jetty on the Tasman Lake for your boat trip with Glacier Explorers
The walk to the Tasman Lake - this is 1.5km that must be completed in 25 minutes
Glacier Explorers cruising on the Tasman Lake
Exploring floating icebergs on the Tasman Glacial Lake