The Ball Hut Route track takes you along the length of the Tasman Lake so expect stunning views the entire time.

However, make sure to watch where you’re stepping as there are loose rocks to climb along the way. Otherwise, it is a relatively easy walk as the elevation gain is quite small over such a long distance. 

As you are standing on one moraine wall, you will be able to see across the lake what exactly you are walking over. The moraine walls are a result of the receding glacier and are a testimony to the height of the glacier. They are unstable and easily eroded, but a sight to see nonetheless. Continuing along the track, you may see some icebergs floating in the Tasman Lake if you are lucky. You may even see an iceberg separate from the glacier before your very eyes. 

At the end of the walk, you will find Ball Hut comfortably nestled between the Tasman Glacier and the start of the Ball Pass Crossing track. The hut offers an amazing close-up of the glacier which can no longer be walked on due to slumping. Stay the night to witness the stars and the sunrise on the lake.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Mt Cook, South Island, New Zealand
  • Time needed: 8 hour walk
  • Distance: 15.6 km
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Bikes allowed: No
  • Route: Return
  • Elevation: 100m
  • Wet Feet: Yes, after snow or heavy rain.
  • Toilets: There are toilets at the the start of the walk and at the hut.
  • Dogs: No, dogs are not allowed in the Mount Cook National Park.
  • Mobile Coverage: Unknown
  • Last Updated: April, 2020

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Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

The track takes you along a historical route and offers spectacular views of the Tasman Glacier, the Tasman Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Track Quality

The first 5km of the walk are well-graveled as this is also a 4WD track. However, the rest of the track has several areas where the moraine wall has collapsed. The whole track, including the 4WD part, is unstable.

Hazards

Rocks, avalanche, landslide and slips off the moraine wall.

Transport

No.

Water

The shelter at the start of the walk has drinkable water.

Driving Instructions

When driving on Mount Cook road, take the first right onto Tasman Valley Road. Drive until the end of the road and you will find a carpark. That is the start of the walk.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

The nearest shops and restaurants are in the Mount Cook Village, which is a short driver from the start of the walk but about an hour’s walk along the side of the road.

Area & Trail History

The Tasman Glacier is the largest glacier in New Zealand with 23.5km in length and an area of 101 square km. Despite its size, it has been retreating at an unnaturally fast pace over the last 30 years due to the effects of climate change. The first Ball Hut was built in 1891 and demolished by an avalanche in 1925. The second Ball hut was destroyed by a fire in 1977. The current Ball Hut, though it is still accessible, remains a dangerous walk due to its high risk of avalanches, slips, and rockfalls. However, it is still often used as the base camp for anyone who aims to climb Aoraki Mount Cook.

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