Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Mount Cook National Park
New Zealand's longest glacier, offering stunning views, icebergs, and adventurous heli-hike opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Mount Cook National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
New Zealand's longest glacier, offering stunning views, icebergs, and adventurous heli-hike opportunities.
"Breath taking views! ~ literally! The view is well worth the steps!"
👟 Stair Challenge Accepted!
Be ready for stairs on the viewpoint track; the views are worth the effort!
⏰ Arrive Early or Stay Late
Beat the crowds and enjoy the best light for photos by visiting early morning or late afternoon.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tasman Glacier Viewpoint
Tasman Glacier Car Park
A short, rewarding walk with a staircase leading to breathtaking views of the Tasman Glacier and its ice-filled lake.
Blue Lakes
Near Tasman Glacier Car Park
Vibrant blue glacial lakes that offer a stunning contrast to the surrounding landscape.
Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike
An unforgettable adventure landing on the glacier, exploring ice caves, and enjoying panoramic mountain views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Stairs for Epic Views
Beyond the Viewpoint: Glacier Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Stair Challenge Accepted!
Be ready for stairs on the viewpoint track; the views are worth the effort!
⏰ Arrive Early or Stay Late
Beat the crowds and enjoy the best light for photos by visiting early morning or late afternoon.
🚁 Glacier Adventure Awaits
Consider a heli-hike or scenic flight for an unparalleled glacier experience.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Walk
The viewpoint track is suitable for families, offering accessible beauty.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Stair Challenge Accepted!
Be ready for stairs on the viewpoint track; the views are worth the effort!
⏰ Arrive Early or Stay Late
Beat the crowds and enjoy the best light for photos by visiting early morning or late afternoon.
🚁 Glacier Adventure Awaits
Consider a heli-hike or scenic flight for an unparalleled glacier experience.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Walk
The viewpoint track is suitable for families, offering accessible beauty.
📸 Capture the Icebergs
The lake is dotted with icebergs, offering unique photographic opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking and literally breathtaking views from the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint, noting the rewarding scenery despite the stairs. Many highlight the suitability for families and recommend arriving early or staying late for the best experience. Guided glacier hikes and helicopter tours are frequently lauded as unforgettable adventures with professional and knowledgeable guides.
"Breath taking views! ~ literally! If you truly want to see the most amazing views, I highly recommend the 'Tasman Glacier View' track! But be ready to climb a lot of stairs!
It is listed as 15mins one way, but It definitely doesn't feel that long :) ~ the view is well worth the steps!
I didn't get a chance to try the other walks since I arrived late afternoon, but I definitely recommend those who have the time to arrive early morning and to stay much longer than I did!"
Nata H
"Easy walk all the way up to see the lake and close to the glacier. This place is suitable for the entire family."
Mark Bendy
"H e l i c o p t e r L i n e - M t C o o k H e l i - H i k e
Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike
I joined the glacier hike at Mount Cook a couple of days ago, and it was such an amazing experience! Our guide was very professional, fun, and knowledgeable. She explained so many fascinating geological features along the way, which made the whole journey even more enriching. On top of that, she was experienced and absolutely lovely—truly one of the best guides I’ve ever had. Highly recommended!"
馬真
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tasman Glacier Viewpoint is accessible from the Tasman Glacier Car Park in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Follow the signs for the viewpoint track, which involves a short walk with stairs.
Yes, there is a car park available at the Tasman Glacier area, serving as the starting point for the viewpoint and lake walks.
While public transport options exist to Mount Cook Village, reaching the Tasman Glacier Car Park typically requires a private vehicle or a local shuttle service.
The drive to the Tasman Glacier area is scenic, winding through the national park with stunning mountain vistas. Allow ample time to enjoy the journey.
Check with local tour operators or information centers in Mount Cook Village for any available shuttle services that might run to the Tasman Glacier area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint track is generally free. However, specific tours like heli-hikes will require booking and payment.
The national park and the viewpoint are accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, weather conditions can affect accessibility.
There is no entrance fee for Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park itself. Fees typically apply only to specific guided tours or activities within the park.
It is highly recommended to book glacier hikes and helicopter tours in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Book directly through reputable tour operators in Mount Cook Village or Queenstown, or through authorized online booking platforms.
📸 📸 Photography
The Tasman Glacier Viewpoint offers iconic shots of the glacier and lake. The Blue Lakes also provide stunning, vibrant photo opportunities.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check the Department of Conservation (DOC) guidelines for Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the glacier.
Some local guides may offer photography-focused tours, providing insights into the best angles and times for capturing the scenery.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The walk involves a significant number of stairs, making it moderately challenging. However, it's considered suitable for most fitness levels and families.
The walk is approximately 30 minutes return, with the ascent to the viewpoint taking about 15 minutes one way.
You'll see the vast Tasman Glacier, the terminal lake filled with icebergs, and the surrounding majestic peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Yes, there are walks to the Blue Lakes and Tasman Lake Jetty, offering different perspectives of the glacial landscape.
Yes, the viewpoint walk is generally suitable for families with children, though the stairs require supervision.
🎫 🚁 Glacier Adventures
A heli-hike involves a scenic helicopter flight to a landing spot on the Tasman Glacier, followed by a guided hike on the ice.
Wear warm, layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and sunglasses. Tour operators usually provide crampons and ice axes.
Guided glacier hikes are generally safe when conducted by experienced professionals who manage risks and provide necessary equipment.
Tour durations vary, but typically range from 2-4 hours, including the helicopter flight and time spent on the glacier.
Ice caves can be a spectacular feature, but their formation and accessibility depend on seasonal conditions. Some tours specifically aim to visit them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a guided glacier walk if your children are older and adventurous. These tours are designed to be safe and educational, offering a memorable experience for the whole family. Ensure you book in advance and check age restrictions for any tours.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1For truly dramatic shots, consider a helicopter tour that lands on the glacier. This allows for unparalleled perspectives of the vast ice formations and surrounding peaks. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for capturing details on the glacier.
⛰️ Hikers and Adventurers
While the immediate area offers shorter walks, the broader Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park boasts numerous longer hiking trails for those seeking more challenging treks. Research these options if you plan to extend your stay and explore more of the park's alpine wonders.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Tasman Glacier
Visitors can experience the glacier's grandeur through various means. The Tasman Glacier Viewpoint offers accessible, albeit stair-heavy, panoramic vistas. For a more intimate encounter, guided heli-hikes provide the thrill of walking on the ice itself, exploring its crevasses and learning about its geological significance. Scenic helicopter flights offer a breathtaking aerial perspective, showcasing the glacier's vastness and the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
The Tasman Glacier is a vital part of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park's ecosystem and a significant attraction for tourism. Its retreat due to climate change is a stark reminder of environmental shifts, making a visit both awe-inspiring and thought-provoking. Understanding its formation and ongoing changes adds a deeper layer to the visitor experience.
Navigating the Tasman Glacier Area
+1Beyond the main viewpoint, the area offers other short walks, including those to the Blue Lakes and the Tasman Lake Jetty. These trails provide different perspectives of the glacial landscape and are generally easier than the main viewpoint track. The Blue Lakes, in particular, are known for their striking turquoise color, a result of glacial silt suspended in the water.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, guided Tasman Glacier Heli-Hikes are a popular option. These tours involve a scenic helicopter flight to a landing site on the glacier, followed by a guided walk on the ice. This allows for a unique and immersive exploration of the glacier's features, including ice caves and crevasses, under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit