Best glacier destinations in Oceania
Best glacier destinations in Oceania
Pristine maritime ice shelves and alpine glacier valley tracks in Oceania
New Zealand's glaciers are among the most accessible anywhere in the world, descending almost to sea level through temperate rainforest. Australia holds no glaciers of its own, making New Zealand the region's sole glacial destination.
The destinations on this list range from easily accessible glacier valleys reachable by a short walk to guided heli-hikes onto the ice itself for a closer, more demanding experience. Both have retreated noticeably over recent decades.
Booking guided access well ahead during peak season matters considerably, since both glaciers regularly reach capacity for guided walks during summer months. Local guiding companies can advise on current ice conditions. Both glaciers remain accessible for much of the year. Wearing sturdy, waterproof footwear also matters considerably on the wetter approach trails.
Lists by region
National Park in New Zealand
Mount Cook National Park
New Zealand’s alpine wonderland
Tasman Glacier is New Zealand's longest glacier and ends in a lake with floating icebergs. Boat tours get close to the ice. The Hooker Valley Track crosses three swing bridges with views of Aoraki, the country's highest peak. Glacial flour, ground rock from the ice, turns the lakes pale blue.
Town in New Zealand
Franz Josef
Gateway to the Majestic Glaciers
German explorer Julius von Haast named the glacier in 1865 after the Austrian emperor. Its Māori name means the tears of Hine Hukatere, a woman in a local legend. The ice flows close to rainforest, only a few hundred metres above sea level. Helicopter flights land on the ice for guided walks.
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