- The 23 km Tasman glacier is the longest in New Zealand.
- Fitness required: Low to moderate
- Gradient: Gradual incline with steps
1.5 km return via same track
Image gallery
From the Blue Lakes car park, walk past the Blue Lakes shelter and meander up past the Blue Lakes to a viewpoint on the moraine wall. There are good views of the lower Haupapa / Tasman Glacier and lake, icebergs, and the mountains at the head of the valley.
A side trip to the Blue Lakes offers good swimming in summer.
At about 22 km long, the Haupapa /Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier in New Zealand. Unfortunately, glaciers the world over are shrinking, with the Tasman receding over 100 m per year.
Turn off SH80 onto Tasman Valley Road just before Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. Follow this for about 7 km to the car park at the end.
What to expect
- Track surface: Rock steps
- Change in elevation: +/- 86 m
Expect rapidly changing weather – this walk is in an alpine region.
Ensure you take sturdy footwear.
Do not go in the water or on the ice
Stay out of the cold water of Hooker or Tasman lakes, which is typically about 3 degrees and can quickly cause hypothermia.
Stay off the lakes when they are frozen over, as the ice can be thin and could give way at any time. Do not climb icebergs in the lakes as these are unstable and can tip unexpectedly.
You could put your life at risk by walking on the ice. If it gave way, you could drown or develop hypothermia.
Tasman Lake is a relatively recent addition to the scene, starting its formation in 1974 and growing steadily since then. It is now large enough to take commercial boat and kayak tours. The large terminal moraines mark the foot of the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier at the time of the lake’s formation and are a sobering reminder of the glacier’s retreat.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 435 1186 |
| Email: | mtcookvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | 1 Larch Grove Aoraki/Mount Cook 7999 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |