Can you walk up to the Tasman Glacier?
David Sims
| Last Updated: October 2023 Can you just walk up to the Tasman Glacier? It’s a question many adventurers, especially those new to the area, often wonder about. It seems like the best way to get spectacular photos, after all!
But hold your horses before you do that! There may actually be a reason to avoid taking that step, as you’ll see below…
Can you walk up to the Tasman Glacier?
You can’t walk directly up to the Tasman Glacier itself as the glacier is constantly moving and calving, making it dangerous. However, you can walk to the edge of the Tasman Glacier by taking either the Tasman Glacier Track or the Tasman Glacier View Track.
1: Tasman Glacier View Track
This walk offers a delightful experience for those wishing to witness the glacier’s majesty with minimal exertion. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with few steps to conquer.
From this viewpoint, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas encompassing the Tasman Glacier, Lake Tasman, and the surrounding mountains.
2: Tasman Glacier Track
If you’re an intrepid hiker with a deep desire to get up close to the majestic Tasman Glacier, then the Tasman Glacier Track is undoubtedly your ideal choice.
This walk is a thrilling adventure that leads you right to the very edge of the glacier itself. You can feel the cool, crisp air and witness the breathtaking ice formations that have been sculpted by nature over millennia.
How difficult is it to walk the Tasman Glacier Walks?
The Tasman Glacier View Track is a breeze, perfect for all skill levels. With a mere 0.7-kilometre length and only 30 minutes required for the round trip, it’s an accessible way to savour the glacier’s beauty.
On the other hand, the Tasman Glacier Track is more challenging. Covering 5 kilometres, this hike demands 3 to 4 hours to complete a round trip.
While the rewards are substantial, be prepared for some steep sections and potential slipperiness in wet weather. Proper footwear and attire are crucial.
Where do the Tasman Glacier Walks start?
Both the Tasman Glacier Track and the Tasman Glacier View Track start at the Tasman Glacier car park, also known as the Blue Lakes car park.
This convenient starting point is situated at the end of Tasman Valley Road, branching off Mount Cook Road just before reaching Mt. Cook Village. The car park provides essential amenities, including toilets, shelter, and untreated water, catering to the needs of numerous visitors.
Which walk should you do?
If you’re seeking a brief and easy jaunt, the Tasman Glacier View Track is the perfect fit. But if you want a more extensive and challenging hike leading you to the glacier’s very edge, the Tasman Glacier Track is better for you.
Whether you opt for the short and sweet or the longer, more challenging path, both offer a taste of the Tasman Glacier’s majesty that you won’t soon forget.
