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Megan Calder
The dramatic and extreme landscapes of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park are my inspiration
Glacier Explorers, is anticipating spectacular viewing conditions when the 2011/2012 season opens on 7 September at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
Glacier Explorers, is anticipating spectacular viewing conditions when the 2011/2012 season opens on Wednesday 7 September at AorakiMount CookNational Park.
We operate the only Mac boats on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. The boats allow you to get close to the ice bergs, even trailing your hand in the icy water. We were supposed to open mid last month (August) but the wild winter weather kept the lake frozen 300mm thick then delivered 500mm of snow on top.
Denis Callesen, General Manager Tourism for Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Village Ltd says nature in action is what Glacier Explorers is all about.
“Thankfully we can open now - in plenty of time to welcome rugby loving visitors. A rapid spring melt caused by a warm nor’wester and the first significant rainfall of spring means we’ve been able to get our boats in the water and get ready to host our guests.
“The lake is looking fantastic. The calving that occurred mid-July had resulted in massive icebergs well worth exploring. Glacier Explorers is an amazing way to experience the majesty of the AorakiMtCookNational Parkand this trip for many is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get close to the natural phenomenon of a glacier terminal.”
Glacier Explorers will start off with two trips daily - 11am & 2pm and work up to a peak season frequency of 7 trips a day. The 2 ½ hour tour starts with a half hour walk to the lake, then takes passengers past constantly moving icebergs, some of which can be touched from the boat.
A Glacier Explorer boat trip has fast become a ‘must-do’ activity for visitors to Aoraki Mount Cook, not only for the up close and personal iceberg experience but also for spectacular views of surrounding mountains and some of the best photographic opportunities in the national park.
Demand for the experience has grown solidly over the past few seasons and the huge calvings earlier this year have attracted a lot of interest from people from all over the world.
Thanks to Glacier Explorers and The Hermitage Hotel, guests can experience all of Mt Cook with a Southern Adventure package including 2 nights’ accommodation, meals, a Glacier Explorer trip and the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre – all from $500 per person/twin share.
An amazing up close encounter with New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. This trip provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and some of the best photographic opportunities!
