Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Day 18-Blue Lakes/Tasman Lake River trail-4/28/2024

After the Hooker Valley trail, we went back to our hotel for a few hours of rest, but since we still have time to explore we decided to check out the Blue Lakes/Tasman Lake river Trail, located about 4.3 miles from the mount Cook Lodge.  The Blue Lakes, the Tasman Glacier View, and the Tasman Lake River Trail are a beautiful part of New Zealand’s Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

From Mount Cook Lodge in Mt. Cook Village, we drove east along State Highway 80 (Mount Cook Road) for about 5–10 minutes until we reached the Tasman Glacier Car Park. We parked our car in the Tasman Glacier parking and from there it is  short walk to the start of the trail

The trail start a the base of the mountain.  We arrived around 4:00pm and we only have a few hours before it is getting dark.

We started the trail on flat terrain, surrounded by golden tussock grass and wide open spaces. In the distance, a stunning range of mountains stretched across the horizon, their snow-capped summits gleaming under the sunlight.

The path was peaceful and easy at first, letting us soak in the dramatic landscape. But as we walked further, the trail shifted, and we began climbing a series of stairs that led us higher.

Each step bringing us closer to the incredible view of the glacier and lake ahead. As we paused during the climb and looked behind us, the late afternoon light cast a warm glow across the landscape.

It was around 5:00 p.m., and the vast valley stretched far into the distance, framed by rugged mountains on all sides. The shadows were beginning to lengthen, adding depth and drama to the scene. It was a breathtaking view, silent, expansive, and full of that golden hour magic that made the moment feel even more special.

At this time, we see more people leaving the area because the light is fading.

As we made our way up the stairs, we passed the Blue Lake nestled quietly among the rocks. Its calm surface reflected the surrounding hills, and even though its name suggests otherwise, the lake had a soft green hue from the glacial minerals. It was a peaceful spot along the climb, a moment of calm before continuing upward.

A bit of history on why blue lakes are green.

We are only half way and as we are looking up, we saw people on top of the hill. 

Looking back, the valley below was bathed in the soft light of the late afternoon, with a vast, open plain surrounded by mountains. The higher we climbed, the more breathtaking the view became, each step revealing more of the dramatic alpine landscape.

As we continued up the trail, the steps gradually became steeper, and we could feel the effort with each climb. The rocky stairs zigzagged up the hillside, but the views made every step worth it. The higher we climbed, the more the landscape opened up, revealing the raw, stunning beauty of the Tasman Glacier region.

Hoa taking a little break.

At last, we reached the summit of the trail, breathless but exhilarated.

In front of us lay a massive, milky-blue lake which is the Tasman Lake, fed by the glacier just beyond.  Surrounded by towering peaks and rugged terrain, the lake felt otherworldly, carved by time and ice. Standing there, taking it all in, the effort of the climb faded away, replaced by awe at the raw beauty stretched out before us.

Tasman Lake is a striking glacial lake, long and pale blue in color, created by the melting of the Tasman Glacier. Its stillness, opaque water gives it a unique, milky hue. The stillness of the lake contrasts with the dramatic, rugged environment that surrounds it.

The Glacier now and what it looked like 14,500 years ago.

Encircling the lake are towering, jagged mountains, many dusted with snow even in late summer. Their steep, dark rock faces rise sharply from the valley floor, forming a wild and powerful landscape.

To the north, Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, watches over the scene, while other peaks in the Southern Alps stretch across the horizon.

 Standing at the edge of Tasman Lake, we faced a breathtaking chain of mountains stretching across the horizon. These were the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, their snow-capped peaks rising sharply into the sky. At the center stood Aoraki/Mount Cook, majestic and commanding, the tallest mountain in New Zealand.

To its side, Mount Tasman and other rugged giants formed a powerful wall of rock. The lake is calm, and the silence around us deepened the sense of awe.

Next to Tasman Lake and facing the mountains beyond, you're looking at part of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the major mountain range that runs along the South Island of New Zealand.

A look at the valley from the top of the hill

From the top of the hill we can see another water pool (in the center), it is one of the 3 Blue Lakes in the park. They are small glacial lakes located close to each other near the start of the Tasman Glacier Valley trail.

We are now going down and you can see the biggest Blue Lakes below.

It is now late and people are leaving the park. 

Blue lake, despite their name, they no longer appear blue, the original intense blue color came from fresh glacial meltwater, but over time, as the glacier has retreated and the water source changed, the lakes have become green due to algae growth and rainwater runoff. Still, they retain a serene beauty and remain a peaceful highlight along the trail.

Set in a quiet hollow surrounded by rocky terrain, the Blue Lake offer a moment of calm and reflection. The surfaces is perfectly still, mirroring the sky and nearby ridges. Though small in size, it is a gentle reminder of the area's glacial past, formed by meltwater and nestled in the landscape shaped by centuries of ice movement.

As we made our way back down the trail, the steps felt easier, and we had more time to take in the view around us.

 Just before reaching the parking lot, we paused again, this time to take in the vast valley that stretched endlessly before us. A towering mountain stood at the far end, dominating the landscape with its sheer size and presence.. It was a grand and peaceful farewell to an unforgettable walk through one of the most majestic corners of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

We are now back to Mt. Cook Lodge and the view of Aoraki/Mount Cook is really amazing.

We are headed to the Chamois Bar and grill located at the Mt. Cook Lodge for a casual dinner.

The interior of the Chamois Bar and grill with panoramic view of the Aoraki/Mount Cook. The restaurant offers casual dining and a cozy, laid-back vibe.

 The menu includes Kiwi pub classics crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The have snacks, pizzas, salads, burgers, steaks, fish & chips, and various vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

We ordered a pizza, beer, and a few snacks.  The view is really amazing sitting here.

NEXT... Driving to Wanaka