The Tasman Glacier Walk may be a little less popular than the nearby Hooker Valley Track, but they both offer stunning views, making them easy additions to any New Zealand itinerary. This travel guide from iBestTravel will provide insights on how to get there and what you need to know before embarking on this scenic trek.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 1.8 kilometers (1.1 mi) return
- Elevation Gain: 85 meters (280 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 40 mins
Where Is It?
The Tasman Glacier is situated on the South Island of New Zealand within Mount Cook National Park. The trailhead starts from Tasman Glacier Car Park, which is conveniently located only 15 minutes from Mount Cook Village. Notably, there is usually plentiful parking available.
If you’re traveling from Christchurch, anticipate a 4-hour drive along mainly rural roads to arrive at this remarkable national park.
What To Expect
The trek to the Tasman Glacier viewpoint involves a gentle uphill climb, allowing you to reach the summit in just 20 minutes or even less, making it very accessible. Near the halfway mark, you’ll discover a detour leading to the Blue Lakes. These small glacier lakes, previously known for their turquoise hues in the 1800s, have since turned green due to entirely rainwater feed.
If you decide to visit the Blue Lakes, plan for an additional hour on the hike, excluding photo opportunities.
Be prepared to capture numerous photographs on the Tasman Glacier Walk, as the viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tasman Lake, small icebergs, the retreating glacier, the Blue Lakes, and the surrounding majestic mountains.
As the longest glacier in New Zealand, Tasman Glacier measures approximately 23 kilometers in length, although it has been shrinking rapidly from 29 kilometers in 1890, when it was 880 meters deep. There is also a short and separate trail that leads to the base of Tasman Lake, reportedly offering even more scenic views than the main viewpoint, although we unfortunately missed this due to time constraints. This is definitely on the agenda for our next visit!
Where To Stay – Camping
The optimum camping spot in the vicinity is at the White Horse Hill Campground, conveniently located nearby. This campground serves as a starting point for the Hooker Valley Track and other fantastic trails. It offers flush toilets and filtered water for washing dishes, although showers are not available on-site. These can be found at the nearby Mount Cook Village Shelter.
While the campground charges $15 NZD (~$9 USD) per person, the stunning views and prime location make it worthwhile. For more information about camping in the area, consider exploring resources on local travel apps.
If camping isn’t your preference, you can find a variety of hotel options within Mount Cook Village.
