Check out the Tasman Glacier from the lookout - it's awesome

The Tasman Glacier lookout walk has breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Tasman Glacier.

As you get closer to the lake, you’ll get to (hopefully!) see actual icebergs floating in the lake’s glacial waters. The walk track is well-maintained and is awesome for photos and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is in the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island
  • Time needed:  It’s generally around 40 mins round trip
  • Distance: 0.7 km, not too far
  • Difficulty:  Easy to medium and family-friendly
  • Bikes allowed: No
  • Route: Double back
  • Elevation: 800m
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: Yes
  • Dogs: No
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

Good views of the Tasman Glacier Lake and north along the Mount Cook Rangers

Track Quality

Very stony track to start off, then larger rocks at the top.

Hazards

Can be very cold in winter so take a very warm jacket.

Transport

You'll have to make your own way there in your car

Water

The Hermitage has a small shop and a bar.

Driving Instructions

The Tasman Glacier Lake is only 8 Km drive from the Hermitage and the Hooker Glacier walk, a walk you must do.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

The Hermitage has hot takeaway food and a small store for the over night campers and a fully licence Restaurant and Bar for those with more money to spend.

Map Location

Full description of the walk - Tasman Glacier Lake Lookout

Access: The walk to Tasman Glacier Lake is easily found from the main road in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The walk is well-marked and maintained. The track splits in two, you can also do the longer Tasman Lake Track as a second walk.

It is a very dusty and rough 7.5km drive to the Tasman Lake car park from the main road, then a little rocky climb to the lookout.

We saw people boating around Tasman Lake. The views were pretty good. We were packed in like sardines at the lookout and the racket the people were making spoiled the day, so we took off back to the truck for some peace and quiet and a hot coffee. It might now be so busy these days with less people around.

Tasman Glacier lookout was quite busy

Area & Track History

Mt Cook National Park is a 70,111 hectare Park. The Southern Alps was set up as a reserve in 1885, but it was not recognised as a national park until 1953.

Mt Cook National Park has an average rainfall of 4000 mm a year, 149 days of rain per year, 1528 hours of sunshine per year and a temperature of around -10° C to 30°.

The first people to try and climb Mount Cook, were an Irishman and two Swiss men in 1882, but it took three kiwis to reach the summit of Mt Cook in 1894.

There are about 40 species of birds in Mt Cook National Park, and you will know about the mountain parrot or better known as the Kea.

As you walk up to the Hooker Glacier and look at the water flowing past you, think about that hot shower and hot meal you had last night. The electricity came from this water after it flowed into one of the largest hydro storage lakes in the south island, Lake Pukaki. The Tasman, Murchison and Mueller glaciers also flow into this lake.

Photos from our walk to Tasman Glacier Lake

Tasman Glacier Lake lookout point with lots of other people
Tasman Glacier Carpark

More of our walks nearby in Mt Cook

Hooker Valley Track in front with snow capped mountains in the background, just beautiful

Hooker Valley Track, Mount Cook

As we hiked the Hooker Valley Track, we saw snow-capped mountains, crossed three swing bridges, and marveled at a glacier lake with floating icebergs!
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Sunrise at Tasman Lake in the Mt Cook region - Freewalks.nz

Tasman Lake Track

2.5 km • 1 hour return • Very easy • Located in Mt Cook National Park, South Island
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Bowen Bush Walk - Mt Cook

Bowen Bush Walk

0.2 km • 10-15 minutes • Very easy
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Glencoe Walk in Mt Cook National Park - South Island - New Zealand - Copyright Freewalks.nz

Glencoe Walk

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Stunning view of Mueller Hut in Mt Cook

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The Ball Hut Route track takes you along the length of the Tasman Lake in New Zealand Freewalks.nz (1)

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People walking along Kea Point Track at Mt Cook, New Zealand Freewalks.nz

Kea Point Track

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Reflection of Mt Cook on the Red Tarns track, New Zealand Freewalks.nz

Red Tarns Track

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Stunning views over the Sealy Tarns Track at Mt Cook, New Zealand Freewalks.nz

Sealy Tarns Track

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