Tasman Glacier

　　The Tasman Glacier is situated in Lake Tasman within Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. As the longest glacier in the country, it measures 27 kilometers in length, 4 kilometers in width, covers an area of 101 square kilometers, and reaches a thickness of up to 600 meters at points over 3,000 meters above sea level. It is one of the longest glaciers in the world.

　　The Tasman Glacier moves slowly downhill at a rate of between 23 to 45 centimeters per day — so gradually that the movement is almost imperceptible. As one of the glaciers closest to the ocean, especially since 1995, it has been retreating rapidly, with its terminal face having withdrawn nearly 1 kilometer from its former position. The best way to view the Tasman Glacier is by taking a boat cruise. As you glide among the varying sizes of icebergs, it feels as if you’ve entered a world of ice and snow — not only showcasing the glacier's majestic presence but also making you feel as though you’ve stepped into a romantic fairy tale.

　　Tasman Glacier Reason to visit: The longest glacier in New Zealand Continent: Oceania Country/Region: New Zealand Province/State: Canterbury and West Coast Regions