Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Walk

The basics

There are several trails departing from Tasman Glacier Car Park, and each offers spectacular views of landscapes shaped by snow and slow-moving ice. Since they’re relatively short, these are great options if you don’t have time for an all-day hike. The trails are also included on some tours of the Mount Cook (Aoraki) area, ideal for visitors combining hikes with other sightseeing stops.

Things to know before you go

• Mountain weather changes quickly, making layered, waterproof clothing a must for hikers.

• While swimming is prohibited in glacier-fed Tasman Lake, taking a dip in the Blue Lakes is a popular activity in the summer.

• The trails can get icy in the winter, so it’s a good idea to come prepared with poles and microspikes.

How to get there

The Tasman Glacier Car Park is located on Tasman Valley Road, 4.4 miles (7.1 kilometers) from its intersection with Highway 80. It’s a roughly 12-minute drive from Mount Cook Village, or a 45-minute drive from the intersection of Highway 80 and Highway 8. Most visitors come with a tour or in their own vehicles.

When to get there

Though Mount Cook (Aoraki) is a year-round destination, the prime hiking months are generally between October and April—spring to fall in the southern hemisphere. The rest of the year can bring snow and ice, so visitors should stay informed about local conditions. Those willing to brave the colder weather can try snowshoe trips, winter hiking, and helicopter flights to snowy summits.

Best short hikes in Mount Cook (Aoraki)

You don’t have to go far to explore the landscape surrounding Mount Cook (Aoraki). The 3.7-mile (6-kilometer), out-and-back Kea Point Track leaves from Mount Cook Village and passes subalpine grasslands en route to a viewing deck where you can see Mount Sefton, Mount Cook (Aoraki), and Mueller Glacier lake. The 0.75-mile (1.2-kilometer) Governors Bush Walk is a loop from the village that takes in a scenic forest that’s home to a variety of birds.