Glacier Kayaking is a great way to experience the magnificence of this world famous national park. At over 750 metres above sea level you can become part of the environment, paddle beneath towering glaciated mountains and view the majestic glaciers and summit of the mighty Aoraki Mount Cook.

We offer an Eco-Tourism experience. Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and involves interpretation and education. Ecotourism means uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel.

Leave the crowds behind and explore the nooks and crannies of the glacier lake, getting up close with ice bergs - yes icebergs!!!!

All the trips are fully guided and our guides have a vast knowledge of the area and all its inhabitants. Our trips suit kayakers  with some paddling experience. Sorry but no beginners or novice paddlers. We are the only glacier kayaking company in New Zealand and we aim to provide you with the best possible outdoor experience naturally!

 

A full on adventure for the keen kayaker. This trip provides a unique opportunity to meet icebergs face to face, view the glacier terminal face from a safe distance and explore the Tasman Lake with plenty of time to take it all in! There may be opportunities to beach the kayaks and explore some shoreline areas. We also stop in a glacier bay to have lunch. Nowhere else in New Zealand will you experience an adventure of this kind.
New Zealand’s longest glacier winds its way down from the Southern Alps for 29km before culminating at the terminal lake.  The transition from glacier to lake produces impressive icebergs on a regular basis; this truly is ‘big berg country’. Kayaks on all trips are fitted with sturdy outriggers for extra stability. We call them "Floaties".
Rated as one of Lonely Planet's top Ultimate Adventures in the World.
 

DEPARTURE LOCATION AND TIMES:

Trips depart from The Old Mountaineers’ Café Bar.
Depart: 9.00am.
Trip duration is half day.
Minimum age: 14 years.
Cost: $325 per person.

You will need to bring the following:

1 Sun hat
2 Sun glasses
3 Warm clothing
4 Sun cream
5 Runners or sandals
6 Camera
7 Wind shell
8 Snacks and water

9 Water booties are ideal

Minimum numbers required.

2024/25 Season starts mid October and finishes on the mid April 2025.

Book Here on our secure website

Bookings

Bookings are essential for this classic day-eco-tour.

Contact: Glacier Kayaking trips depart from The Old Mountaineers Cafe, Bar and Restaurant - Next door to the Department of Conservation Visitor Information Centre. Click "Book" at the top of this page.

Great views of Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps

 

 

MUELLER GLACIER LAKE KAYAKING

This is the ultimate Eco-Tour taking in the most awe-inspiring scenery. The trip starts at the Old Mountaineers Cafe next door to the DOC visitor info centre. We drive out to the Hooker Valley car park where we start our short trek. We use our exclusive track to the Mueller Lake where we have our gear shed and launch site. You won't see any other people during this tour.

Once kitted up with kayak safety gear we head off on our adventure. We paddle through the nooks and crannies of the old glacier moraines which have formed the perfect route to the head of the lake. We dock the kayaks right under the towering Mt Sefton where avalanches can be seen and heard!  A short trek on the glacier morrianes to explore glacier ice remnants is the order of the day from here if time permits!

Bring your lunch and refreshments and be stunned by the sheer beauty and scale of the area. There are no other operators in this area and there are no aircraft permitted to fly overhead. This is definitely the "Quiet Zone" of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

You may not see any icebergs on this trip but you will journey through incredible terrain with breathtaking views. The south side of Aoraki Mount Cook  as well as the giant glaciated faces of Mount Sefton and The Footstool dominate the views.

This trip is for people who have done some kayaking and enjoy a total eco experience. All double kayaks are fitted with outriggers (Floaties) for perfect stability.

Cost:  On application.

Minimum age 14 years. Bookings essential.

“Glacier Kayaking works with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to ensure that our impact on New Zealand's National Parks and reserves is minimal. We are an approved concession holder, ensuring that your visit with us to conservation lands adheres to best practice and contributes to the management of these protected areas”

You should bring:

1. Sun Cream
2. Sun Hat
3. Sun Glasses
4. Wind Shell
5. Walking Shoes/Runners or sandals (sturdy footwear required for the Mueller Lake trip)
6. Lunch & Water
7. Camera

Season: from mid-October until mid-April.

HERE'S WHY WE HAVE SO MUCH ICE AND SNOW ON THE TASMAN GLACIER!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is glacier kayaking for me?

Yes - if you want to experience Aoraki Mount Cook the Eco-Friendly way, escape the crowds and explore the glacier lakes at your own pace from the comfort of our safe stable sea kayaks fitted with outrigger stabilisers for maximum stability. Please note that we do not paddle to the the front terminal face of the glacier because this is where the ice bergs calve from. Our recommended safe distance is 1500 - 1800 metres. This gives us a great view should anything break off!!!

Can I rent a kayak?

Short answer - no
Our concession with the Department of Conservation to operate in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park does not allow rental options. Trips are guided to ensure your safety.

How fit do I need to be?

If you are reasonably active you will find our trips fairly easy. We like people coming on the Tasman Lake trip and Mueller Lake trip to have some kayaking experience.

What if the weather is bad?

Bad weather for us is excessively strong wind usually caused by a westerly frontal system coming off the Tasman Sea, crossing the main divide of the Southern Alps and then creating strong winds and rain/snow in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The senior guide of the day will make the weather call for the day.

What do I need to take?

A camera, sun cream, good walking shoes or sandals, sunglasses, sun hat, warm clothing, rain jacket, personal medication, lunch food and water.

Will I capsize?

Very unlikely; all of our sea kayaks are equipped with outrigger stabilisers (we call them "Floaties"). They are adjustable to varying lengths for all types of conditions. You will receive a full safety briefing prior to the trip commencing. We stay within 100m of the shoreline most of the time.

What is the difference between a speed boat cruise and a kayak trip on the glacier lakes?

There is no comparison!!!! Our sea kayaks can go places speed boats can't go. We can visit the "nooks and crannies" of the glacier lakes that only small craft like sea kayaks can get into. You will escape the crowds and the drone of motorised boats. Our groups are small, only up to 8 people with their personal guide. The Tasman Glacier Lake we can take up to 16 people per trip.

What do you supply?

We provide some specialist paddling apparel, including buoyancy aid, spray skirt, spray jacket.

Be prepared to carry kayaks to the lake approx 50 metres to the lake front. We get a lot of bad weather so also be prepared to assist with drying kayaks of water. If you have water booties bring them.

Cancellation Policy

We reserve the right to cancel or change any part of any kayaking trip. This could be due to, but limited to adverse lake, river, road or weather conditions. We have a strict 1 week cancellation policy which means that if WE cancel the trip due to any of the above conditions we will give you a full refund or no charges made. If you decide not to do the trip within 1 week of the trip start time for any reason (you sleep in, have a vehicle breakdown, an unexpected illness or injury etc) or we cancel your booking because of client unsuitability due to poor fitness or health or because of inadequate kayaking experience due to ability and conditions there will be no refund. Please ensure you have travel insurance to cover all potential cancellation scenarios. Credit Card details held only to secure the booking. No money is taken from your card except if the cancellation policy comes into force.

 

Southern Alps Guiding and Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd
Risk Disclosure Form

This activity takes place in remote and dynamic backcountry settings which are natural and unmodified. Our focus is on your safety and actively managing the risks - but we cannot anticipate or eliminate all risks. It is important you understand that as a participant you have joint responsibility in managing safety by firstly acknowledging that there are risks, and secondly that you acknowledge the importance of understanding and following all safety information and instructions. 
We ask you to carefully read the following Risk Disclosure Statement, and only sign if you understand the content and agree to abide by the terms outlined within this statement.

Risk Disclosure Statement

Understanding the risks
I accept that participation in this Activity inherently involves risks and hazards some of which are additional to those normally associated with Helicopter Skiing and Snowboarding, Alpine Trekking, Heli Hiking, Heli Trekking, Snowshoeing, Glacier Skiing, Mountaineering, Ski Mountaineering,  Ice Climbing, 4WD adventures, Glacier Walking, Boating/Kayaking, Stargazing and travel to and from and within any locations (“the Activities”)
In addition, I accept that added risks are involved when Filming and Photo shooting is carried out. The risks and hazards include, but are not limited to: 
Natural Hazards - Avalanches, rock fall, ice fall, crevasses, collisions with unmarked natural features including rocks and vegetation, extreme or sudden changes in weather conditions (like heavy rain or snow and strong winds), cold and heat exposure, exposure to heights (cliffs and drop offs), earthquakes (including without limitation injury from natural or man-made structures, interaction with fauna (collision, bites or stings).
Man-Made Hazards - risks associated with air travel (including without limitation helicopter crash or accident or injury from collision with helicopter spinning rotor blades), vehicle travel, travel on water in boats or helicopters, remoteness of locations and access to external rescue services, additional risks of “The Activities” operations with one guide and collisions with others.
I also accept that these risks, dangers and hazards involve the possibility of personal injury, emotional trauma, death, property damage and loss which may affect me, my family and friends. I am aware that participating in the guided activities offered by Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd can be hazardous if they are not conducted with care, control and responsibility. Knowing the risks, I still wish to participate in the activity and I freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, however caused.

 

Medication/health conditions

I understand it is my responsibility to disclose any conditions (health or otherwise) that may affect the safety and enjoyment of myself and those around me.
I have informed the staff of Southern Alps Guiding Ltd and Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd (or will, prior to undertaking the activity) of any medical conditions, previous injuries and any medication I am currently taking which may affect my ability to undertake the activity/activities I have booked with Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd. 
I confirm I am physically fit and able to participate in the activities and I have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person.
I consent to receive any medical treatment that may be deemed necessary by Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd in the event of injury, accident or illness while undertaking the activity.

Drugs, alcohol and smoking

I agree that I cannot be under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or drugs or medication which may in any way impair my ability to undertake the activity.
I agree to not bring any smoking devices including but not limited to cigarettes, vapes and lighters.

 

Conditions of participating in activity

I agree to follow all instructions and rules by Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd guides, pilots and other staff at all times.  
I agree to seek clarification if I do not understand any instructions or rules, or the content of safety briefings. 
I accept that if I do not adhere to the instructions and rules, or if I act dangerously, recklessly or in a way that might endanger myself or others, Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd may remove me from the activity. If this occurs, I acknowledge I will not receive a refund. This is necessary to ensure my safety and the safety of others.
I accept that Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd reserves the right to cancel this activity if it becomes concerned for my safety, or the safety of another person.
I agree to wear appropriate clothing and use/wear all safety clothing and equipment (as required by the guide) at all times when participating.

Participant Acceptance

I agree that by completing and signing a Southern Alps Guiding Ltd and Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd Risk Disclosure Form that I accept all the statements and terms in the Risk Disclosure Statement and wish to proceed with the activity at my own risk.  
Participant name*

First Name:    

Last Name:

Participant date of birth:

Date:

Participant email address:

Participant nationality 

By signing this form I accept all the statements and terms in this document and wish to proceed with the activity at my own risk.  *

Participant signature ……………………………………………………………………………………………….

If you have any questions or concerns in regards to the contents of the Risk Disclosure Statement, please contact our team at info@mtcook.com or call 0274342277 prior to signing this form.