Glacier Explorers
The only tour of its kind in New Zealand and one of only three in
the world. A memorable and amazing up close encounter with New
Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Explore, learn and
discover the ever-changing glacial landscape as you journey across
the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake in a custom-built MAC Boat with
your experienced guide.
With the effects of global warming and other climatic processes
taking their toll on New Zealand glaciers, it is obvious that their
retreat is imminent. Now approximately 27km long and 600m deep, the
Tasman Glacier is melting and calving at an exponentially
increasing rate. In recent years the Tasman Glacier has changed
from a 'melting' to a 'calving and melting' terminus, resulting in
a terminal lake that is rapidly increasing in size.
This results in icebergs of every shape and size imaginable
periodically tearing away from the terminal face of the glacier
into the rapidly growing lake below. On either side of the Terminal
Lake, lateral moraines rear up almost 200m to remind us of the
scale and greatness that the glacier has reached in previous times
- the last ice age finishing in just 1890!
For more information about Glacier Explorers see below
or visit the official website: www.glacierexplorers.com
A sighting of
'blue ice' at the base of a massive iceberg that rolled over in the
Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake yesterday (Thursday January 13) has
been captured in a series of stunning images.
Depart from Mount Cook Village outside The Hermitage Hotel. The
bus will take you on a pleasant trip to the Tasman Valley, followed
by a 1/2hr alpine walk through the National
Park. Then board your MAC boat, and enjoy the ever changing
ice face of the Tasman Glacier icebergs. Allow approx
2.5 hours total per trip - (60 minutes on the lake)
Glacier Explorers generally operates from mid August to
late May - the glacier lake freezes over winter so the start of the
season is subject to the lake thawing.
Daily departures are available throughout the season at : 8am,
9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm & 5pm (subject to
appropriate weather, daylight and lake conditions).
| Adult (15+) |
Child (4-14) |
| $140 |
$70 |
Minimum age: 4yrs
All prices are in NZD and include GST (currently 15%) |
| What is supplied |
What to bring |
| Return Transport |
An extra warm layer of clothing |
| Life Jackets |
Camera with plenty of Memory |
Experienced Guides
|
Sunblock & Sunglasses |
An unforgettable experience
|
Wet Weather Gear (can be supplied) |
- Check in required 20mins before scheduled departure.
- Due to high demand, we recommend that you pre-book this
activity to avoid disappointment.
- Weather Conditions: Glacier Explorers operates in a unique,
alpine environment. A decision is made by the lead guide just
before each trip based on current weather and lake conditions. As
such, some trips may not operate as scheduled. An alternative trip
time, similar value trip or full refund before departure is offered
under such circumstances.
- Cancellation Policy: Within 48 hours before departure - loss of
50% of the total price. Within 24 hours before departure - loss of
100% of the total price.