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Glacier · Aoraki / Mount Cook, Canterbury
Tasman Glacier / Tasman Lake
The Tasman Glacier, about 23.5 km long, is New Zealand’s longest glacier. The lake in front of it formed from the 1970s and contains icebergs. There is a short-track viewpoint and boat trips in season.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Tasman Glacier / Tasman Lake
The Tasman Glacier descends about 23.5 km down the valley of the same name, east of Aoraki, and remains New Zealand’s longest glacier despite retreat over recent decades. In 1973 it still had no lake at its face; with melting the Tasman Lake formed, which by 2008 was about 7 km long and 245 meters deep.
The simplest way to see the lake is the short walk to the viewpoint, which starts from the Blue Lakes carpark at the end of the Tasman Valley road and climbs the moraine in about 20 minutes. From the top you can see the grey water with icebergs, the glacier face covered in scree, and the mountains beyond. Along the route are the Blue Lakes, small lakes that now have green water.
In season there are boat trips on the lake up toward the icebergs, always keeping distance from the glacier face, which can calve. Scenic flights fly over the glacier and some land on the snow at higher elevations.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour return to the viewpoint; 2 to 3 hours if you take the boat trip.
Best time
On clear days. Boat trips usually operate from spring to autumn, September to May; check in advance.
How to get there
The Tasman Valley road leaves State Highway 80 just before the village and continues about 8 km of gravel to the Blue Lakes carpark.
Tip
The walk to the viewpoint has steps and loose rocks; wear sturdy footwear. Do not descend to the shore off the marked tracks: the moraine is unstable.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Tasman Glacier / Tasman Lake
Which is the longest glacier in New Zealand?
The Tasman Glacier, about 23.5 km long, in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
How can you see Tasman Lake?
By the lookout trail, which starts from the Blue Lakes parking area about 8 km from the village, and climbs the moraine in about 20 minutes. In season, there are boat trips on the lake.
Do icebergs appear on Lake Tasman year-round?
There are usually icebergs on the lake, but the number varies depending on glacier calving.