Image: DOC
Tasman Lake.
Tasman Lake and River Track

Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the Canterbury region

View New Zealand's longest glacier, the mighty Haupapa/Tasman Glacier on one of our best short walks.
  • The 23 km Tasman glacier is the longest in New Zealand.
  • Fitness required: Low to moderate
  • Gradient: Gradual incline with steps

This track also start from the Blue Lake car park. It branches to the right off the Blue Lakes Track just past the Blue Lakes shelter and leads to a viewpoint of the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier terminal lake. A further track branches to the right off this track leading to the source of the Tasman River.

Icebergs can usually be seen floating in the lake in summer, and the lake freezes over in winter. The track leads through the old terminal moraines of the glacier, and you can see good examples of plant succession along the route.

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.