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.