Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake is a Fascinating Glacial Encounter

Tasman Lake is a proglacial lake created by the current retreat of the Tasman Glacier in New Zealand's South Island. In the early 1970s, there were ample small melt water ponds on the Tasman Glacier. By the end of 1990, these ponds had merged into beautiful Tasman Lake. Tasman Lake has quickened the retreat of the Tasman Glacier. Initially it did so by undercutting the cliff at the end of the glacier, causing parts of the cliff to fall into the lake. Now, however, a 50to 60 m apron of submerged glacial ice projects out from the cliff and icebergs periodically break off the apron and float away down the lake. Because more of the glacier is now in contact with the water, its rate of retreat has increased. By 2008 the lake was seven km long, two km wide and 245m deep. It is anticipated to grow to a maximum length of about 16 km within the next one or two decades. 

Indeed New Zealand's Tasman Glacier terminal lake for a fascinating glacial encounter. Cruise the speedily growing terminal lake taking in remarkable mountain views and scenery.  Because Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the glacier allowing you to touch and taste the 300-500 year old glacial crystals. In fact Tasman Glacier Heli Hiking combines the enthusiasm of walking on the mighty Tasman Glacier along with two exciting helicopter flights. Flying onto the glacier permits you to experience the glacier's white ice and remarkable ice formations. Moreover during the winter months you can also ski the Tasman Glacier with Charlie Hobbs and his guides or the team at Ski the Tasman. You don't need to be a skilled skier to relish New Zealand's longest ski runs; the Tasman Glacier is ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers.

Tasman Lake, the glacier and the surrounding mountains are part of Mount Cook National Park. When you visit the place you can take a boat tour among the icebergs on the Tasman Lake is now a popular tourist spot. Like several other geographic places in both New Zealand and Australia, it is named after Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman.