Boat trip by the Tasman Glacier

Join us on a boat trip across Tasman Lake and experience the Tasman Glacier up close.

Very few glaciers in the world end in a glacial lake, and even fewer are easily accessible to the public. Embark on an exciting journey among sizeable chunks of ice and towering ice cliffs, and gain a fascinating insight into the landscape around New Zealand’s largest glacier.

After checking in at the Hermitage Hotel’s activity centre, you’ll be transferred by bus to the Blue Lake car park. From here, enjoy a scenic walk of approximately 1.5 km through the park’s magnificent surroundings.

Upon arrival at Tasman Lake, you’ll be fitted with a lifejacket before boarding a specially designed, motorised pontoon boat, which easily navigates the waters. All around you are floating icebergs of every shape and size, with the mighty glacier looming at the end of the lake. If you’re lucky, you may even witness the glacier calving – when a chunk of ice breaks off and crashes into the water. It’s an awe-inspiring sight, yet also a sobering reminder of the rapid retreat of the Tasman Glacier due to global warming.

During the sailing trip, your guide will share their knowledge of the glacier and the surrounding natural landscape.
The boat offers safe access to areas that are otherwise inaccessible within New Zealand’s glacier region.

For most people, the chance to see, touch, and even taste 500-year-old ice is a unique and unforgettable experience!

Start and end point: Just outside The Hermitage Hotel (the address and time can be found on your voucher). Please check in no later than 20 minutes beforehand at the activities desk in the lobby at The Hermitage Hotel.

Duration: Approx. 3 hours (around 1 hour on the lake)

Group size: Maximum 30 people.

Price includes: Transport, boat trip, life jacket, and guide.

Remember to bring: Warm clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun cream, and a hat.

Note: This tour runs several times daily from September to May. The minimum age for children to take part is 4 years old.
If the weather, access conditions, or the state of the lake will not allow the tour to proceed safely, it may be cancelled. Should this happen, we will of course refund your payment in full.