 |
| A picture perfect view |
When you drive from Christchurch to Queenstown, there are many spectacular places through the journey which you can't be missed. Among them, our kids got too excited to see glorious Tasman Glacier when we landed in Christchurch. New Zealand South island is full of natural beauties with lakes, mountains, forests, beaches and fiords. Among of them Tasman Glacier is one of the famous and iconic attractions in the world. Incredible long deep Tasman Glacier is in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
 |
From Christchurch to Mount Cook National Park-State Highway 8
|
Lake Tekapo
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, Lake Tekapo is one of the country's most breathtaking natural attractions. Renowned for its stunning turquoise blue waters, created by finely ground glacial rock known as "rock flour," the lake is surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, creating a picture perfect landscape in every season. This scenic route is amazing full of picturesque scenery.
During spring and summer, vibrant fields of colorful lupin flowers bloom along the lakeshore, making it a favorite destination for photographers and nature lovers. Popular attractions include the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, scenic walking trails, hot pools, and outdoor activities such as kayaking, cycling and hiking. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or unforgettable scenery, Lake Tekapo offers a magical experience that showcases the extraordinary beauty of New Zealand's South Island.
 |
Lake Tekapo
|
 |
Lake Tekapo
|
Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki can be seen from State Highway 8 when driving between Tekapo and Twizel. When driving, you’ll notice people parking by the side of the road and taking photos. Its bright turquoise water comes from fine glacial minerals carried by melting ice. The lake is surrounded by the stunning Southern Alps and offers breathtaking views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, the country's highest mountain.
The peaceful scenery attracts photographers, hikers, and nature lovers from around the world. Whether you visit in summer or winter, Lake Pukaki is a place of unforgettable beauty and one of New Zealand's greatest natural treasures.
 |
Lake Pukaki
|
Mount Cook Scenic Drive
Soon after Twizel we turned onto Mount Cook Road. There's a sign displays at the T -junction saying "Mt Cook/Aorak" when the Mount Cook road starts. You just drive along the flat valley floor to the base of the mountain. That drive is magnificent! Words can't describe the beauty. It’s a great place to take photos, especially when there’s lots of snow on the top of the mountains. Doing this drive without stopping would also be rather missing the breathtaking views, so we spent more time on the road side to enjoy beautiful cloud touching mountain range.
The Mount Cook Scenic Drive is one of New Zealand's most unforgettable road journeys. The route follows the brilliant turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki toward the majestic Aoraki / Mount Cook, the country's highest mountain. Every turn reveals breathtaking alpine landscapes, snow capped peaks and wide open valleys. The drive is peaceful, easy to navigate, and beautiful in every season. Believe me!!! whether you visit at sunrise, sunset or under a sky full of stars, the Mount Cook Scenic Drive promises a journey filled with natural beauty and unforgettable memories.
 |
| Views like this are unforgettable |
 |
Scenic Mount Cook Drive
|
Close to the end of the Mount Cook road you can see two detours, one of the Hooker Valley and the other one through the Tasman valley.The end of the road to Tasman Valley, we reached the Tasman Glacier view point car park.
 |
Car Park and the Toilets at the Entrance
|
 |
Gravel Stairs to the View Point
|
 |
| Simply breathtaking! |
Bring a bottle of water and remember to go to the toilet before the trip. Then there will be no toilet after the following 1.5 hours. There is a small toilet just before the walking trail start and a sign by the entrance read "15 min walk. There is no entry fee to visit Tasman Glacier. It is a few minute walk from the car park to the glacier lake. But with kids we spent about 30 min. The walk affords spectacular views all the way along.
|
| Paradise Found |
 |
Spectacular View All The Way Long
|
The hike starts off easy and then gets harder as it goes to the top of a range overlooking the glacier lake. Mostly on gravel stairs with no handrails. Blue Lake,Green Lakes and the panoramic views of the valley behind also visible from above as you climb the steps to the viewing area.
 |
| A breathtaking view you'll never forget |
 |
Amazing View
|
Blue Lake & Green Lake
When the Blue Lakes were first formed, they were fed by the Tasman glaciers. The blue water is melt water that is older than the milky colored water in the lake. Milky colored water has large amounts of ground up rock and when the rock flour finally settles the water becomes blue. So they were turquoise blue in color, hence the name "Blue Lakes"
 |
| Green Lake |
 |
Way to the Green Lake
|
Over the course of several years, the Tasman Glaciers have shrunk and retreated, so the melt water from the glaciers don't flow into the Blue Lakes anymore. The lake is now filled by the rainwater, supporting the growth of algae, causing the lake to appear green.
We walked a little further up to the higher viewing point at the hill gorgeous views of the Tasman Lake and Tasman Glaciers opened up. There were few signs with some recent history of the glacier. Wow!!! it was gorgeous!!! I felt so privileged to be witnessing yet another marvel of nature. Views really take your breath away.
We went there in April. It was quite cold. The wind was chilling when at the top of the viewing point. It can be very windy at the viewpoint so secure your belongings, specially hats and scarfs.
Tasman Glacier - New Zealand's Largest Glacier
 |
Tasman Glacier
|
The "Tasman Glacier" is the largest glacier in New Zealand, stretching an impressive 23.5 kilometres (14.6 miles) through the heart of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Measuring up to 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) wide and covering approximately 101 square kilometres (39 square miles), this magnificent river of ice is one of the country's most spectacular natural wonders.
At its deepest point, the glacier reaches an astonishing 600m (2,000 feet) in thickness, while its glacier terminus extends to a depth of around 200m. Known by its Māori name "Haupapa", the Tasman Glacier has shaped the surrounding alpine landscape over thousands of years.
The glacier presents two distinct faces. Its upper reaches are blanketed in brilliant white snow throughout much of the year, while the lower section is almost entirely covered by a thick layer of rocks and gravel carried down from the surrounding mountains. This rocky surface slows the melting process and gives the glacier its unique appearance, making it a fascinating destination for visitors exploring New Zealand's Southern Alps. Standing before the immense Tasman Glacier is a truly unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking views of one of nature's greatest masterpieces.
 |
Another View of the Glacier
|
Global Warming Effects to the Glacier
Some 22,000 to 16,000 years ago, it was even more imposing. Joined by ice from the Murchison, Hooker and Mueller glaciers, the Tasman glacier stretched for 115 km. In the 1970’s there was no lake at all but since the 1990’s the glacier has been melting rapidly. The ice has thinned so much that in the mid 1980s, ponds at the Tasman’s terminus joined to form a lake. The lakes are increasing in size as icebergs break off into the lake. It is also melting from the surface, shrinking around 150m in depth since it was first surveyed in 1891.
 |
Iceberg is Breaking Due to Global Warming
|
We could see how much of the original glacier size is supposed to be from an old photo shown at the view point and compare to the present size of the very much reduced glacier to know how much climate change has caused this damage. The lake is getting bigger since Tasman Glacier is melting more than it used to do. In 1890 the glacier was 29 km long and by 2027 it’s expected to be only 20 km.
This is one of our New Zealand highlights. If you have not seen a glacier this place is an eye opener.The views of the glacier and the lake are absolutely wonderful. There is about 300 steps to get up to the lookout but well worth the effort. There were no broken icebergs float in the lake the day we went there. But we saw some icebergs near the glacier. If you want to see them, summer is the best time.
If you're in the South island you really must visit this Tasman Glacier. Highly recommend. But remember, comfortable walking shoes should be worn and wear warm clothes, gloves and sunglasses to the Glacier. I’ve been fortunate to see this remarkable glacier. It's a place I'll definitely be visiting again!
Ready for your next adventure?
Explore our Destinations tab and follow The Perfect Tours Blog
to discover inspiring travel guides, breathtaking attractions hidden
gems and must-visit destinations from around the world.
Love travel stories and hidden gems?
If you enjoy discovering amazing destinations, don't forget to to
Subscribe, Follow, Like and Turn on Notifications. Visit my Facebook page, and YouTube channel for detailed travel guides, tips, and unforgettable experiences from beautiful destinations around the world.
Comments