tasman glacier lake cruise

• Self Contained Units
• Basic Units
• Large Standard Units
• Smaller Standard Units
• Backpackers
• Power Sites
• Non-Powered Sites
• High Country Heli Hike
• Helicopter Flights
• Tasman Glacier Heli-Hiking

Glacier Explorers Boat Trip

• Billion Star Dining
• Scenic Plane Flights
• Heli-Skiing
• Glacier by Kayak
• Mountain Biking
• Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
• Hunting & Fishing
• Mt Cook Education
• School Reviews
• Terms & Conditions
• Glentanner Station
• Tasman Delta Cafe
• Merino Mink Collection
• Guest Reviews
• Mt Cook Region
• Winter in Mt Cook

The Glacier Explorers Boat Trip is a must-do Aoraki Mount Cook activity. Explore the Tasman Glacier by boat and touch icebergs! 

Please contact us if you would like to book a trip with glacier explorers. you can also book glacier explorers and other aoraki/ mount cook activitie s in conjunction with your accommodation booking ., glacier explorers details.

Glacier Explorers 2.5 hour trip is a great way to experience the Tasman Glacier - New Zealand's largest glacier - in the most unique way possible.

Imagine pulling up alongside a huge dripping iceberg that landed at the top of the Glacier in the form of snow, and approximately 300 years later, being able to touch it as ice.

After a refreshing half hour walk to the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier, an experienced guide will whisk you away in a stable boat to explore the melting ice face of the Tasman Glacier and icebergs that have carved into its murky waters.

The lake feels incredibly eerie as the boat cruises slowly for one hour, from one point of interest to the next whilst the guide imparts the history of the glacier, lake and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, allowing you to build your own picture to the unique nature of the area.

All this plus an awesome backdrop of New Zealand's highest and most spectacular mountains, including Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.

Departure Time(s).

September/October/May/June: 9am; 10.45am; 12.30pm; 2.15pm.

November - April: 8am; 9.45am; 11.30am; 1.15pm; 3pm; 4.45pm.

Season: Operates September - June. Seasonal closure July and August.

Departure Point

The Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook Village .

Activity Duration

Allow approximately 2.5 hours total per trip (60 minutes on the lake).

Guests must be fit and able to walk the 1.5km to/from the lake edge in 25 minutes. .

Children 4 - 14 years

Strictly no children under the age of 4.

All prices are in New Zealand dollars (and are subject to change).

• Check Availability

Privacy Policy

View our website Privacy Policy here .

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser

Book your stay {{ data.bookingData.roomname }}

Room {{ index + 1 }} 1" v-on:click.stop="removeroom(room.id)"> remove.

The ultimate ice adventure in Aoraki/Mount Cook

• Glacier Explorers

Glacier Explorers is the only tour of its kind in New Zealand, and it’s based right here, in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Cruise around the Tasman Glacial Lake in one of our boats and experience the enormity of NZ's largest glacier as you weave in and out of floating icebergs. It’s a surreal and mesmerising experience in a totally unique environment. No two days are the same on the Tasman Lake with a constant shifting of conditions, which simply adds to the magic of this very special place.

Our tours are designed to both thrill and educate as you learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake. It’s difficult to predict when a calving will take place but it’s possible you will witness one whilst you’re on a tour – it’s really quite spectacular. A trip on Glacier Explorers is a unique opportunity to truly feel small as the lateral moraines, which are sharp-crested piles of glacially transported rocks and debris that are dropped by the ice as it melts, rear up almost 200m. The lateral moraines remind us of the grand scale that the glacier has reached in previous times.

With the effects of climate change and other climatic processes taking their toll on New Zealand glaciers, their retreat is sadly imminent. The Tasman Glacier is now approximately 23/23.5km long and 600m deep (at its deepest point) and is both melting and calving at a staggering rate.

It's an incredible experience for everyone.

• Check in for your Glacier Explorers trip at the Activities Centre, which is located on the ground floor of the Hermitage Hotel.
• The group will then bus out to the Tasman Valley, a short drive away from Mount Cook village.
• Once you arrive at the Blue Lakes carpark there’s a 1.5km/25 minute alpine walk through the National Park.
• Guests will then board the Glacier Explorers boat from the Tasman Lake jetty.
• The whole trip is approximately 3 hours, and you can expect to spend approximately one hour on the lake.

Daily departures are available throughout the season ( subject to appropriate weather, daylight and lake conditions)

What is Supplied:

• Return transport
• Life jackets
• Experienced guides
• An unforgettable experience

What to Bring:

• An extra warm layer of clothing
• Sunblock & sunglasses
• Wet weather gear
• Suitable walking shoes

Weather Conditions:

Glacier Explorers operates in a unique, alpine environment. In the event of unfavourable weather conditions the tour may be cancelled. This decision is made by the Glacier Explorers Head Guide just before each trip based on weather and lake conditions. An alternative trip time or full refund is offered under such circumstances.

Please be aware that icebergs on the lake occur as a result of glacial calving activity. As this is a natural occurrence, at times the glacier is not as active meaning the quantity and size of icebergs on the lake vary. Icebergs, calvings and rollovers cannot be guaranteed, but are a wonderful bonus for passengers lucky enough to experience them.

Kindly note, you can check the weather in the National Park via our live webcam feed here.

Important Note:

Check in at the Activities Desk is required 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Due to high demand, we recommend that you pre-book this activity to avoid disappointment.

Please ensure when booking that all individuals joining the Glacier Explorers trip can walk 1.5km in 25 minutes to ensure the trip can run to schedule.

“Excellent tour. Exceeded my expectations. The bus trip down was informative, the walk easy, and the boat ride fun. The boat guide was excellent and taught us so many facts about the icebergs. We got to see and touch the icebergs and then went and viewed the terminal end of the glacier. Absolutely stunning. Never felt rushed and would totally recommend that you do this trip.”

chocaholic5

“What an incredible experience getting up close and even touching icebergs! It exceeded my expectations with far more and bigger icebergs than expected and on top of that interesting knowledge provided by the guides! A must do and a taste of Antarctica in NZ”

“What a great trip - the staff knew their stuff and we had a wonderful time. Amazing to get up close to the icebergs and the boat trip was great fun and highly recommended. I cannot stress too highly what a good opportunity this is to learn about the glacier and also to reflect how quickly it is disappearing. So there was education as well as entertainment and excitement.”

View above the Tasman Lake before you walk down to the jetty

Walking down to the jetty on the Tasman Lake for your boat trip with Glacier Explorers

The walk to the Tasman Lake - this is 1.5km that must be completed in 25 minutes

Glacier Explorers cruising on the Tasman Lake

Exploring floating icebergs on the Tasman Glacial Lake

YOU NEED JAVASCRIPT TO RUN THIS SITE. PLEASE ENABLE JAVASCRIPT IN YOUR INTERNET OPTIONS.

Glacier Explorer - New Zealand's Ultimate Ice Adventure

Tasman Glacier Boat Cruise, Mt Cook

3 hours | Jan-May, Sep-Dec

Introduction

A memorable encounter with New Zealand’s largest glacier, this journey travels by boat out towards the face of the Tasman Glacier itself .

An awe-inspiring journey into one of the country’s most dynamic natural environments, the glacier, towering ice cliffs and icebergs are always on the move, melting, rolling and calving, and reminding visitors that a glacier is not just a piece of ice, but a frozen river.

Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains can be had, while the glacially-rich waters are coloured in a magnificent spectrum of blues.

An incredible trip for photographers, ice is one of the most various and colourful subjects. Your engaging guide keeps up a commentary as you travel on the formation of glaciers, icebergs and the impact that this monumental river of ice has had on the landscape of the west coast. Includes transfers- time spent on the lake is approximately 1 hour.

Duration: 3 hours (1 hour on the lake) Price: from {CONVERT 93} per person Departures: daily, scheduled times (September – May)

Speak to a specialist

01737 214 250

Our Customer Charter

• Experienced destination experts
• Dedicated travel specialist throughout
• Flexible and hassle free
• Tailor made holidays to suit you
• First-hand destination experience
• Inspirational and authentic itineraries
• Local award winning guides
• Honest, trustworthy, established
• 24-hr support whilst on holiday
• Full financial protection
• No surcharges
• Travel disruption support
• Flexibility promise
• View Our Guarantee »

Mt Cook Tour / Glacier Explorer

A day tour from Queenstown to Mt Cook including the Glacier Explorers experience.

Error: Contact form not found.

Cruise up close and personal with New Zealand's largest glacier

On this small group day tour to Mt Cook from Queenstown, experience the unique alpine landscapes of the Southern Alps as you travel to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, home to snow-capped mountains, impressive glaciers, and New Zealand’s highest peak.

Departing at 7 am from Queenstown, travel in comfort and style in a Mercedes Sprinter van with a maximum of 16 people, offering panoramic windows for stunning views. Your experienced guide will host you throughout the day, providing entertaining commentary as you journey through the remarkable landscape.

Enjoy the sights of central South Island, visiting Cromwell and the scenic Lindis Pass, before making a brief stop in Omarama, a charming village, where you can purchase refreshments and lunch if needed. From here we continue along the bright turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, entering the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park around midday.

This option includes the incredible Glacier Explorers experience departing at 1:15pm (Oct-Apr)

During your time in Mount Cook, you will cruise the Tasman Glacial Lake viewing New Zealand’s largest glacier while passionate guides share their knowledge of the ever-changing environment. Throughout the tour, weave amongst the floating icebergs and marvel at the impressive Tasman Glacier terminal face. A truly unique New Zealand adventure.

Once you return, your Altitude Tours guide will meet you and start the return journey back to Queenstown, arriving back at approximately 7:30pm.

Please note: Glacier Explorer is subject to availability at the time of booking and our team will reconfirm with you once confirmed.

Glacier Explorers is operated by the Hermitage Hotel and is 3 hours in duration. This involves a 1.5km walk to the lake and requires a medium level of fitness .

Tour Overview.

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Glacier explorer, travel in style.

Our Mercedes vans are fully equipped with complimentary wifi and panoramic windows for superior viewing so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Mt Cook Tour FAQ's

How long does the mt cook tour take.

The full day trip takes approximately 12 hours from Queenstown. This allows us to make plenty of stops en route to ensure you enjoy the journey, with 3.5 hours in Mount Cook Village, where you will head out to experience the Glacier Explorer tour operated by the Hermitage Hotel.

What activities are included?

This package includes the Glacier Explorers experience at 1:15pm (Oct-Apr).

For all passengers on tour, we also include access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

What are the important things to know about Glacier Explorer?

Your guide will drop you to the Hermitage Hotel where you will check in for Glacier Explorers trip at the Activities Centre, check in is located on the ground floor.

The group will then be transported out to the Tasman Valley, a short drive away from Mount Cook village.

Once you arrive at the Blue Lakes carpark there’s a short 25 minute walk through the National Park.

Guests will then board the Glacier Explorers boat from the Tasman Lake jetty.

The whole trip is approximately 2.5 hours, and you can expect to spend approximately one hour on the lake.

What do I need to bring with me and wear on this day tour?

• An extra warm layer of clothing
• Sunblock & sunglasses
• Wet weather gear
• Suitable walking shoes

What do you recommend we do for lunch?

In summer (Oct-Apr) you will have approximately 45 minutes after arriving in Mount Cook Village before you need to check in to your Glacier Explorer experience.

You can choose to purchase food quickly at that time, or we recommend purchasing food in Omarama on the way or bringing this from Queenstown at the start of the day.

From Queenstown to Mt Cook what stops will we make along the drive?

We don’t want to give too much away! The drive from Queenstown to Mt Cook is stunning and there are plenty of scenic stops enroute, your guide knows the best spots and will choose these on the day.

Can I see icebergs on this tour?

Yes! You will get up close to the icebergs on the Tasman Glacial Lake, weaving on and out them on the boat, you might even the chance to touch them.

Where do you pick up and drop off from in Queenstown?

We pick up from select Queenstown hotels and the main bus stop routes in Queenstown town centre and along Frankton Road. When booking, type in your accommodation and it will suggest the closest bus stop. If it doesn’t come up just check in with us and we’ll let you know where is closest for you!

What happens in the case of poor weather?

As this is a weather dependent tour, if there is risk of adverse weather conditions that will impact the operation of the tour, you will be contacted the day prior to your trip to explore alternative options.

Why can't I reserve a specific seat on the van?

Due to this being one of our most popular tours and wanting to be fair to all who join us we do not offer reserved seating. If you have a request we will do our best to accommodate but we cannot guarantee.

HUMBLE BRAGS

Multi-award winning tour operator., more epic tours., milford sound scenic tour & cruise, milford sound tour, cruise & scenic flight, milford sound tour, cruise & helicopter, milford sound private tours, best of queenstown scenic tour, glenorchy scenic tour.

• Guided Tours

Glacier Explorers Boat Tour

Glacier Explorers offers the rare opportunity to take a guided motorized boat tour on the Tasman Glacier terminal lake, up close with icebergs and the mighty glacier itself.

The Tasman Glacier is the longest in New Zealand at more than 25 kilometres in length. It ends in a vast terminal lake, and frequent carvings from its ice face fill the lake with massive floating icebergs. Glacier Explorers clients board custom-built MAC motorized boats and tour the lake and its ever-changing scenery, viewing the glacier’s ice face from a safe distance and enjoying the amazing opportunity to touch and taste ice crystals that are 300-500 years old.

The tour departs on a coach from the Hermitage Hotel and includes a 30-minute walk through the Tasman Valley’s glacier-carved landscape.

You can book the Glacier Explorers tour directly via this link .

• Bucket List
• Luxury or Splurge Experiences
• New Zealand
• Unique Experiences

Floating On A Glacier Lake: Lake Tasman Boat Tour

Let’s face it, half of this post is just #icebergporn.   This Tasman Lake boat trip paired with hiking the stunning Hooker Valley Track in the afternoon is how you win at New Zealand life.

This was, without a doubt, one of the coolest (ha, pun not intended…but totally now intended) things we did the entire trip was taking a boat tour on a glacier lake.  And it was literally our first morning in the country.

We’d arrived in Christchurch the day before and driven several hours down to the Lake Tekapo area , to our super cute little “bach” (rental).

If you’re planning your trip to New Zealand, here are tips to help you along!

Stars, Sunrises, & Stunning Turquoise Water in Lake Tekapo

Should You Skydive in New Zealand? (hint: yes!)

Hiking the South Island’s Hooker Valley Trail

Indulging our Inner Nerds at Hobbiton, New Zealand

Hiking Pinchgut Track in Nelson Lakes National Park (South Island)

New Zealand Explorations: Nelson & Abel Tasman National Park

Rainbow Hot Springs & Redwoods:  Rotorua & Lake Tarawera, NZ

Two-Week New Zealand Itinerary: A First-Timer’s Detailed Planning Guide

It took us about an hour and a half to get over to the Aoraki/Mt. Cook area from Lake Tekapo.  We got an early start but couldn’t resist stopping at Lake Pukaki along the way—so beautiful!

It was hard not to get distracted by the gorgeous scenery along the drive.  Though since it was my first time driving on the left, I reeeeally tried not to get distracted.

You might also like:  10 Things To Make Sure You Do Before Every Trip

We checked in for our glacier lake boat tour at the Hermitage Hotel about half an hour early, and then the more I thought about how cold and windy it would be out on the lake, I broke down and bought some merino wool gloves and a beanie (this introduced me to Icebreaker gloves which I deeply love and use every day).  Boy, glad I did—it was so cold out on the water!

The tour guide collected us and we began an easy walk from the hotel to the boat dock, around 20-30 minutes.  My head was practically on a swivel taking in all the scenery.  It’s both gorgeous and kind of alien.

Here’s a packing list to make sure you’re prepared for this type of trip!

At the dock we stored our belongings and got suited up in life jackets, then boarded the boats and were off!

You might also like:  20+ Ways to Survive & Thrive on a Long Flight

Despite it feeling windy out on the water, it really was quite a calm day, which was awesome since the lake gave us great reflections.  We started seeing tons of little baby icebergs that had calved off the big mama.

Want to know all my inside trip planning tips?    Download my e-book  here!

Our guide took us close enough to touch them a couple times, and even grabbed pieces of ice out of the water for us.  It’s so clear you can’t believe it!

@sjems5: “This is the oldest thing I’ve ever put in my mouth!”

You might also like:   Hiking Iceland’s Stunning Sólheimajökull Glacier

My pictures from this day were, without question, the best of the entire trip.  The combo of bright blue sky, craggy snow-capped mountains, milky turquoise water, and sharp icebergs just can’t be topped.

You might also like:    The Only Carry-On Suitcase You’ll Ever Need

There was only one other group out at the same time as us, and we barely caught a glimpse of them.  I’d done a lot of research before our trip to find a tour outfit and location where it wouldn’t just be loading up hordes of people and really crowded.  This felt intimate, we were in a small group, and it really allowed it to feel personal.

Finally we got to see the big glacier itself.  The Tasman Glacier, at 27 km long, is the longest in New Zealand.  Obviously we were seeing just a tiny piece of that, but it was so cool to see up close!  The color and that kind of dirty marbling was unexpected for me (since I haven’t experienced glaciers before), and personally I thought it added really awesome character to it.

You might also like:    A Guide to Finding the Right Flight Every Single Time

Finally it was time to head back.  It felt like it went really fast, but we did have quite a while out on the water.  I’d recommend this in a heartbeat to anyone, was an amazing experience.  Again, a Tasman Lake boat tour is perfect when paired with the Hooker Valley Track hike as a full day of some of New Zealand’s best scenery.

You might also like:   Two-Week New Zealand Itinerary: A First-Timer’s Detailed Planning Guide

About our glacier lake boat tour on Tasman Lake:

• We went with Glacier Explorers and had a great tour
• It was $145 NZD per person (this was a few years ago)
• Parking at Hermitage Hotel (where you meet the tour) is free and plentiful
• It can get cold out on the water, so unless it’s the dead of summer make sure to bring some extra layers and a hat and gloves

Other amazing boat adventures:

• A Day on Scotland’s Magical Isle of Staffa
• Why You Have To Take A Ponte de Piedade Boat Tour In Portugal’s Algarve
• A Morning Of Dolphins & Shells With Marco Island’s “The Dolphin Explorer” Boat Tour
• Renting a Sailboat on Airbnb & Sailing in Sweden
• Skye’s Moody Loch Coruisk and the Black Cuillins
• 2 Magical Days Sailing on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

Pin this image!

Comments (2)

Movie Magic & Lush Scenery at Hobbiton, New Zealand: | One Girl, Whole World

June 16, 2018 at 12:20 pm

[…] You might also like:  Floating on a Glacier Lake: Lake Tasman Boat Tour […]

Hiking New Zealand's Hooker Valley Track | One Girl, Whole World

May 19, 2018 at 7:36 pm

[…] glacier lake boat tour was in the morning, then we grabbed some lunch and warmed up before hitting the Hooker Valley Trail […]

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Drinking in the Beauty & History of Slovenia's Julian Alps

Why Slovenia Should Be On Your Bucket List...And What to Do

I'm Jessica!

Who am I? I’m not a digital nomad or backpacker. I have a demanding full-time career but still find ways to fit in tons of travel. I believe that sometimes you save and sometimes you splurge, and I’ll help you figure out how to have the best experiences regardless. My goal is to go everywhere, see everything, eat all the pastries, and soak up as much food, wine, culture, and amazing views as I can in this crazy life!

Looking For Something?

Instagram adventures.

Affiliate Disclosure

Fresh Stuff!

Why You Have To Take A Ponte de Piedade Boat Tour In Portugal's Algarve

Where To Stay In San Juan, Puerto Rico: A Review Of Condado Ocean Club

What To Do With A Half Day In Cordoba: Is This Day Trip From Seville Worth It?

Mixin' It Up On A BACARDÍ Distillery Tour In San Juan, Puerto Rico

Everything You Need To Know About Car Rental In The Azores, Driving, & How To Have A Smooth Roadtrip

Locations written about.

• Aoraki/Mount Cook
• Burkes Pass
• Lake Tekapo
• Arts, Culture & Heritage
• Cycling & Walking
• Fishing & Hunting
• Glacier Experiences
• Guided Tours
• Lakes & Swimming
• Scenic Flights
• Ski & Snow
• Stargazing & Astrophotography
• Weddings & Functions
• Wellness & Beauty
• Accommodation
• Dine & Drink
• 52 Reasons To Visit
• Info Centres
• Responsible Camping
• Tiaki Promise
• Seasons & Climate
• Getting Here & Around
• Driver Safety
• Rubbish & Recycling
• Events Fund
• Mackenzie Region Data

Glacier Boat Tour

Did you know the Mackenzie Region is home to the longest glacier in New Zealand, the Tasman Glacier? And did you know, you can experience it from the water, on New Zealand’s only glacial boat tour?

Enjoy a 30-minute walk through the moraine, board the custom-built MAC boats and experience the Tasman Glacier, its rapidly growing terminal lake and spectacular mountain views.

Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the glacier allowing you to touch and taste the 300-600-year-old glacial crystals.

Experienced guides provide interpretations of glaciation, terminal lake formation, plate tectonics, a brief coverage of local and climbing history, and flora and fauna – giving you insights into the Tasman Glacier and the creation of New Zealand.

The glacier tours operate from the 1st of September (subject to conditions) until the end of June. The glacier lake freezes over during winter so the start of the season is subject to the lake thawing. You can book your tour with Glacier Explorers at The Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Glacier boat tour – just one of our #52Reasons why you should visit the Legendary Mackenzie!

Sign up for our newsletter!

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Legendary Mackenzie! Step into the great wide open and discover NZ’s highest mountains, longest glaciers, vivid turquoise lakes, golden grasslands and clearest starry skies. Take a scenic flight into the mountains and land on glaciers; enjoy the night sky within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve; explore the amazingly beautiful landscape by cycling, walking, kayaking, swimming, skiing and more.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to footer

ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

Tasman Glacier Walk (New Zealand) – Tips + Photos

Last updated on December 7, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

The Tasman Glacier walk is one of the best short walks in south Island New Zealand. It leads you to a lookout of the glacial lake and glacier. But I think the main interest are the wonderful views of the open valley. Below is my guide to help you plan your hike.

Why do the Blue lakes and Tasman Glacier Walk?

Not far from the Mount Cook village, the Tasman Glacier Walk is one of the shortest trails with magnificent views. It is a lot of stairs (around 333) but it is not a difficult walk. It allows you to reach a glacial lake with icebergs and views of the Tasman glacier.

The Tasman glacier is 24km long (according to the board sign). It is the longest in New Zealand.

But my favorite part of the walk are the splendid views of the Tasman valley. The glacier-carved mountains are beautiful!

Below is a short video to help you imagine what the walk is like and all the beautiful landscapes you can enjoy:

Planning Tips –  Tasman Glacier Walk

Tasman glacier walk – location & access.

• South Island
• Located at the Northern end of Lake Pukaki – see my Lake Pukaki guide
• Not far from Aoraki Mount Cook village
• Turn right from Mount Cook road into Tasman valley road – 7km of paved road to the carpark
• Twizel to Tasman Valley carpark = 50min drive
• Queenstown to Tasman Valley carpark = 3h15 drive
• Christchurch to Tasman Valley carpark =  4h15 drive
• You can find the Tasman Glacier Walk in my travel guides that facilitate the planning of your road trip :

Plan your dream trip to New Zealand with my guides!

• 12 easy-to-plan maps
• 200+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates 
• Useful planning tips
• 285+ large photos 

• 6 easy-to-plan maps
• 110+ pre-selected locations
• 190+ large photos 

Tasman Glacier hike – general info

• Free carpark
• Free access to the walk
• Toilets near the carpark, but none on the trails
• Plan 30min return for the walk to the lookout – add 30min if you detour to the Blue Lakes
• Plan 1h return of flat walking to reach the Tasman Lake shore.
• I counted 333 stairs to the top at the lookout 
• There are explanations about the glacier at the lookout
• No food facilities
• There is no best time to do this walk. The weather can completely change in the few hours…

Need to rent a car in New Zealand ?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a car with enough power for the mountain areas
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Accommodations

• If you plan on doing several walks, I recommend staying at Mount Cook village to enjoy the brillant scenery – Check out options
• Otherwise you can head to Twizel which is a practical location to explore the area – See the  best rated accommodations in Twizel .
• I stayed at the Mountain Chalets Motel. The decor was tired but the room was spacious, and the location was practical.  Check out photos and availability

Tasman Valley Road – drive to the Tasman valley carpark

Let’s start with the road to get there. If you are not staying at Mount Cook village, you first have to drive along Lake Pukaki.  Even with low clouds it is a wonderful drive with the mountains carved by the glacier.

You then drive past the Northern end of Lake Pukaki and before Mount Cook village you will see a turn towards the Tasman Valley. It is well indicated.

The only difficulty of this road (except for wanting to only look at the scenery and not the road) is the single lane bridge. Make sure you pay attention to who has priority ( see my driving guide for more info )

From the turn to the carpark, you have 7km of paved road with one lane in each direction. Easy drive. This is the views towards the carpark:

And this is the views as you leave the Tasman Valley carpark.

Ad the end of the road, you will find a carpark. The road stops here, so you won’t get lost 🙂

The Tasman Valley Walk – difficulty (stairs)

Both walks start from the carpark and are well indicated.

• To the left you walk up to the lookout (with the stairs) – 30min return (or more if you detour to the Blue Lakes
• To the right, you head to the Tasman Lake shore – 1h return flat walk  – this is the walk you take if you join the boat tour to the glacier  – According to Phenomenal Globe walking to this view from the shore is one of the best hikes in South Island especially if you have the courage to wake up early to go for sunrise!

I chose the lookout. As you can see the trail is well maintained.  The staircase are made with wood and the stairs are very regular in height.

I found it quite easy. Especially as I kept stopping to admire the view… This way you recover your breath in the best way possible 🙂

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

The (Green) Blue Pools of the Tasman Valley 

After you have climbed 108 stairs, you have the option to turn and see the Blue lake.  I decided to wait until walking back down to decide. But after seeing them from above (further in the trail) I decided not the do the detour.

Why? The Blue lakes are actually green… In the Mid 1800s the lakes were blue (when they were named) because they were fed with glacial water (like lake Pukaki). However today the Tasman glacier has shrunk and water no longer flows into the blue lakes. It is now filled by warmer rainwater. Therefore green algaes have developed and the lakes changed colors.

However, it you enjoy birds, the National parks indicate that this is where you may see New Zealand’s smallest bird, the rifleman .

Tasman Lake and Tasman Glacier

After climbing all those stairs, you arrive at a lookout above the Tasman lake. There you can see explanations of the various summits and the state of the glacier.

Here is the views of the lake and the mountains with the glacier to your left.

• The landscape around Lake Tasman is very dry.
• Depending on the conditions you may see icebergs floating.
• This proglacial lake was formed because of the glaciers’ retreat. It is actually quite recent as there were only ponds in the 70s and they merged into a lake in the90s.

And below is a zoom towards the glacier. According to the display at the lookout:

• The glacier is 24km long
• Its surface area is 92km2
• Its rate of retreat is currently 480 to 820m per year
• And they expect it to be down to 20km by 2027

Tasman glacier boat tour

There are “Tasman glacier lake cruise” to get closer to the glacier tongue. You have to book early. It is run by Glacier Explorers . I wanted to do it but run out of time. After walking to the pier you will board a small boat and get up close to the impressive wall of ice.

Tasman Valley views

I must admit that this was not the best glacier view in New Zealand. You can have better ones in the Hooker valley nearby or at Franz Josef by the West Coast. However this was still one my by favorite short walks because of the breathtaking views of the valley during the whole walk, like this one:

And you return to the carpark:

Wakefield Waterfall

Note: as you drive on the Tasman Valley road, don’t miss the waterfall on the side. This is Wakefield waterfall. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Mt Cook National Park. It is 230m high with multiple steps.

Alternative – Hooker Valley walk (longer) and Kea Point walk

The Tasman glacier walk is a short one. If you have the time and the fitness for it, you can also enjoy the Hooker valley track to the Hooker glacier lake.  On a clear day, it is absolutely breathtaking. But it requires 3h of walking return with several long bridges to cross. Read my article

From the same carpark, you can also enjoy a shorter walk to Kea point lookout.

Want to see more of NEW ZEALAND?

PREVIOUS: 

OMARAMA CLAY CLIFFS NEW ZEALAND

NEXT: 

HOOKER VALLEY TRACK

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Par Claire Robinson Region Lovers SARL 76600 Le Havre FRANCE VAT FR21845103191

Follow ZigZag on Facebook

Follow ZigZag on Pinterest

Website in French: ZigZagvoyages.fr

Website in German: ZigZagreisen.de

Website in Spanish: ZigZagviajes.com

And discover the French regions:

Normandielovers.fr LoireLovers.fr CorsicaLovers.fr Provencelovers.fr

Privacy / Terms of Use / Disclosure Policies / Refund policy

Become an affiliate for the ZigZag road trip guides

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ZigZagOnEarth.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.uk and Amazon.ca

Touching Icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Boat Trip

Experience New Zealand’s only glacier boat tour

Book Top Experiences and Tours in Christchurch:

Hanmer springs: waiau gorge rafting tour, christchurch: godley head & lyttelton guided walking tour, mount cook & lake tekapo day tour from christchurch, christchurch: hop-on hop-off tour by vintage tram, christchurch gondola and tram city tour combo.

• The boat trips depart by coach from the Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook Village.
• The boat trips take place during September to June only.
• The boats trips are weather dependent, so the tours can be cancelled when the weather is not playing ball.  An alternative cruise time or, full refund is offered under such circumstances.
• The icebergs on the lake are as a result of glacial calving activity so at times the size and quantity of icebergs on the lake vary.
• The trips include an initial 1.5km walk which needs to take around 25 minutes to ensure the trips can run on schedule.  A relative amount of mobilty / fitness is required.

• Bring layers of clothing as you are in a mountainous region exploring a glacial lake!
• Bring sunblock & sunglasses
• Bring a waterproof jacket (& trousers if you have them)
• Bring suitable hiking shoes (trainers at the minimum) 

• Photo Gallery - view more photos of the boat tour and Mount Cook in the below gallery. 
• Read our Mount Cook Guide
• Read our Tekapo guide
• Read our Twizel Guide

Create New Guide

Mini guides.

Login to create your guides for Christchurch.

Add to My Guide

• Add to New Guide

Recommended Experiences in Christchurch

Christchurch: Cave Stream & Castle Hill Tour

Spend a day caving and exploring two of New Zealand's most spectacular natural wonders: Cave Stream and Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. This day tour includes transport, lunch, caving, and a local guide.

Discover the heritage city of Christchurch and its surroundings from a different perspective with a full-day pass for a hop-on-and-off tram and a roundtrip ticket for a gondola cable car ride.

Christchurch: Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket

Experience Christchurch by land and water with a combo ticket to the hop-on hop-off vintage tram, a punt along the Avon River in a flat-bottom boat, and a ride on the Christchurch Gondola cable car.

Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour

Experience one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass. Meet your guide for a full day of exploration through the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes.

Discover the remnants of New Zealand’s WW2 defenses on this guided walking tour through Lyttelton and Godley Head. Visit Taylors Mistake Beach, Evens Pass, and more.

See the sights of the Garden City with a full-day ticket to the tram in Christchurch. Hop on and hop off the heritage vehicle all day to explore attractions in the area.

Ride the rapids of the Waiau Gorge on a rafting expedition in Hanmer Springs. Enjoy the thrills of the river and forests as you float downstream with salmon and trout.

Enjoy a small-group day tour to Aoraki Mount Cook. Visit the picturesque Church of Good Shepherd on the shores of the stunning turquoise Lake Tekapo, and enjoy a scenic walk to see the Tasman Glacier.

Christchurch: Guided Castle Hill Tour

Discover Canterbury’s most impressive natural wonder, Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti, from Christchurch. Your local guide will take you along the "Great Alpine Highway" to the giant limestone boulders.

Search, Compare, and Save up to 70%!

Local car rental comparison with my guide, free cancellation.

No need to worry if your plans change with free cancellation options available

24/7 Customer Service

All of our providers offer 24/7 support

500+ trusted car hire partners globally

Local news & articles.

Discover the Best Restaurants in Christchurch

Let's take a closer look at some of the best restaurants and cafes in Christchurch, where you can indulge in delicious flavors and enjoy a great dining experience.  ...

Discover the Tranquil Bliss of Hanmer Springs Hot Pools

Hanmer Springs, a charming village nestled in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, is known for its tranquil hot pools that offer a blissful retreat for visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation....

The Best Day Trips From Christchurch

There are plenty of day trip opportunities from Christchurch to explore.  We've put together a list of the best day trips from Christchurch to explore the Canterbury region....

Discover the Mount Cook Heli Hike Experience

If you're an adventure enthusiast and nature lover, then the ultimate Mount Cook heli hike experience should definitely be on your bucket list.  This thrilling activity combines the excitement of a helicopter ride with the beauty of hiking in the stunning...

Top Things To Do In Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs, a picturesque alpine village located in the South Island of New Zealand, is a hidden gem that offers a wide range of activities for travellers to enjoy.  In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top things to do in Hanmer Springs, ...

EBike Hire In Christchurch, NZ

With its flat terrain and stunning scenery, in recent years the popularity of eBikes in Christchurch has soared, and it's easy to see why....

Discover the Best Horse Riding Experiences in Christchurch, NZ

If you're looking for an unforgettable horse riding experience, Christchurch, NZ is the place to be. Nestled in the heart of the Canterbury region, this charming city offers a unique landscape that is perfect for exploring on horseback....

Best Kaikoura Walks

Kaikoura, located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.  Lace up your boots, pack your backpack, and get ready to experience the best of Kaikoura's natural beauty on foot...

Exploring the Best Waipara Wineries

If you're a wine lover looking for a new and exciting destination to explore, you won't want to miss Waipara, New Zealand's hidden wine gem.  This charming wine region is located just north of Christchurch and offers breathtaking views, rich history, and ...

Create & Share your own Guide to Christchurch with friends and family!

Add your recommended places to visit by browsing the website and pressing the icon.

Create your own guide of favourite 'must see' places

Earn your Local Expert badge by Sharing your guides with others

Get your guide seen by submitting it to the Mini Guides section

Best Attractions in Christchurch

Handpicked by a Local Expert

Best Day Tours From Christchurch

Best Christchurch Boat Trips

Best christchurch experiences under $100, bucket list christchurch.

Best Sightseeing Tours In Christchurch

Best Elderly Activities In Christchurch

Christchurch Restaurants With A View

Best christchurch cocktail bars, best romantic dining in christchurch.

Mount Cook Must Do Activities

Best Mount Cook Adventure Activities

Best Things To Do with Kids in Christchurch

Best christchurch family activities.

Best Pizzas In Christchurch

Best Christchurch Parks to Visit

Best Christchurch Adrenaline Activities

Best Cafes In Christchurch

Best Outdoor Dining In Christchurch

Best Wine Bars In Christchurch

Unique Wedding Venues In Christchurch

Best Christchurch Pubs

Best For Stag & Hens In Christchurch

Kaikoura Must Do Activities

Christchurch Adventure

Top Canterbury Views

Christchurch Must Do Activities

We Are Part of the My Guide Network!

My Guide Christchurch is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides.

We are now in 120+ Destinations and Growing. If you are interested in becoming a local travel partner and would like to find out more then click for more info about our Website Business Opportunity .

Nearby Destinations

• My Guide Wellington
• My Guide Queenstown
• My Guide Rotorua
• My Guide Auckland
• My Guide Tasmania
• My Guide Sydney
• My Guide Byron Bay
• My Guide Melbourne
• My Guide Gold Coast

No results found

Select Category first

{[{item.label}]}

• {[{data.title}]}

Events in Christchurch

Filter Events by Sub-Category

• This Weekend

Please select a Date first.

• Gift Cards available

• Scenic Flights
• Sustainability

FLY | GLACIER EXPLORERS | FLY

New zealand's only glacial boat tour., adult 15+ years old, child 4-14 years old.

Flight Time

Activity time, minimum age.

4 years old

Availability

October - May

Trip Includes

• Round trip scenic flight from Queenstown to Mt. Cook Airport with landing
• 30-minute alpine walk and approximately 1 hour boat tour on the Tasman Terminal Lake with our partners Glacier Explorers
• Complimentary transfers to and from Queenstown Airport available
• Your guaranteed window seat
• $1 donation per passenger to the Kea Conservation Trust
• Fly up the spine of the South Island, enjoying panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea on one side and Lake Pukaki, arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful lake, on the other
• Experience unparalleled aerial views of the Franz and Fox Glaciers on the West Coast and the Tasman Glacier within Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park
• Marvel at the most awe-inspiring aerial views of the summit ridge of Mt. Cook and the Tasman Glacier
• Land in Mt. Cook National Park at Aoraki/Mt. Cook Airport on the picturesque outskirts of Mt. Cook Village and we'll provide transport up to the Hermitage Hotel
• Team up with your Glacier Explorers guides, departing from the Hermitage Hotel
• Bus to the Tasman Valley and embark on a 30-minute alpine walk through the moraine and National Park
• Take a ride on New Zealand’s only glacial boat tour, boating across the terminal lake and cruising past a towering ice wall, icebergs and lateral moraines
• You will also have some time after your Tasman Glacier Explorers trip to grab a bite to eat at the Hermitage Hotel Cafe, with Mt. Cook as your view
• Follow a different flight path on your return flight to Queenstown, taking in the tussock-drenched Lindis Pass

Travelling as a family or group?

Do some of you want to explore at your own pace and some go on an adventure?

• Flight Path

Book your Mt. Cook Fly | Glacier Explorers | Fly

Back summer 2024/25.

If your alpine bucket list includes this incredible experience keep an eye out for summer 24/25 when this becomes available!

THIS IS WHY WE FLY

We had a great trip with Glenorchy Air! We did the trip where they hand your over to Tasman Explorers for a boat tour of Tasman Lake and the glacier at Mt Cook. I’ll review the Tasman Explorers part separately. The flight was fabulous! The van picked us up at our hotel and communicated well about their arrival time. We waited only a few minutes before getting on board a little Cessna - we had only 3 passengers total plus another employee. Every seat has a window view and the pilot told us about what we were seeing in our incredible views. Upon landing at Mt Cook, the pilot and colleague took one passenger to the Hooker Valley trailhead and then took us to the Hermitage to hand us off to our guided tour. They met us when we returned and we flew home on another scenic route with more explanation of what we were seeing. We felt safe and thrilled the entire trip! Flying to Mt Cook was incredible because of the views and vantage point - it was a great use of our time and worth the cost. JoKnits via Tripadvisor

This was a return visit to the friendliest most efficient business we have ever had the pleasure to deal with. What a blast! Even though we were the only two passengers on the flight, the whole experience was one to remember. A special shout out, and warmest thanks to our pilot Will, who looked after us and made our day very special. The entire team, from booking the flight, follow-up calls, boarding delivered a seamless experience. We will be planning again for another adventure in the future. 976desfvia Tripadvisor

William, our pilot was wonderful. A fantastic pilot and so knowledgeable about the mountains and glaciers. A brilliant flight! johncoldicutt via Tripadvisor

#1 Tour + Activity in Queenstown on Tripadvisor

Mt. cook faq's.

Please call us on  0800 676 264  1 hour before your scheduled flight time on the day of your flight for your Weather Check.

If you are self driving to us at Queenstown Airport, your check in time is 30 minutes prior to departure.

This is a Full Day experience. From check in 30 minutes before departure, to landing back at Queenstown Airport, is approximately 8 hours. Please note, this does not include time for self-driving or using our complimentary transfers. If you have plans immediately either side of your experience with us, please let us know.

We suggest you bring the following with you to make it a great day out:

• Any essential medication
• Camera – make sure it’s fully charged
• Warm clothing layers – including a decent jacket
• Sensible footwear is essential
• Bottle of water

Your roundtrip flight will be approximately 2 hours.

Glacier Explorers will provide life jackets for your boat trip.

No, food is not included.

You are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch with you as well. You will also have some time after your Glacier Explorers trip to grab a bite to eat at the Hermitage Hotel Cafe, with Mt. Cook as your view.

MORE FAQS ⟶

• Fly up the spine of the South Island, enjoying panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea on one side and Lake Pukaki, arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful lake, on the other
• Land in Mt. Cook National Park at Aoraki/Mt. Cook Airport on the picturesque outskirts of Mt. Cook Village
• We will provide transport up to the Hermitage Hotel
• Take a ride on New Zealand’s only glacial boat tour
• Boat across the terminal lake, cruising past a towering ice wall, icebergs and lateral moraines
• Add a picnic lunch to your booking for $25pp. We have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options on request.
• Experience it all from your window seat!
• Trip Time | 6 Hours
• Flight Time | 2 Hours
• Boating Time | 1 Hour
• Departure | 9.00am
• Minimum Age | 4 Years
• Availability | October - April

Click here for this trip’s most frequently asked questions.

Most frequent questions and answers

Please call us on 0800 676 264 1 hour before your scheduled flight time on the day of your flight for your Weather Check.

Your roundtrip flight will be approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Tasman Glacier Explorers will provide life jackets for your boat trip.

No, but you can pre-purchase a picnic lunch from us when booking online for an additional $25pp. We have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options on request.

You are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch with you as well. You will also have some time after your Tasman Glacier Explorers trip to grab a bite to eat at the Hermitage Hotel Cafe, with Mt. Cook as your view, subject to your pilots’ discretion.

No. As we operate fixed-wing aircraft, we are unable to land on glaciers. Your landing for this trip will be on a runway/airstrip on the outskirts of Mt. Cook Village. We will then team you up with our partners at Glacier Explorers for your boat trip on the Tasman Terminal Lake.

You will need to be able to  walk 1.5km (1 mile) in 25 minutes. This is an alpine walk through the Mt. Cook National Park to the boat departure point.

The minimum age for children on this trip is 4 years old. Each child aged 4-9 years inclusive must be accompanied by an adult (i.e. 1:1 ratio).

Glacier Explorers operated from the start of September to the end of May. The glacier lake freezes over winter. The start of each season is subject to the lake thawing.

WE'LL SHOW YOU THE SPECTACULAR

Discover milford sound & beyond.

Copyright © 2019-2024 Glenorchy Air. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy   |  Terms and Conditions

#1 Rated Tour + Activity in Queenstown on Tripadvisor

• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

• Description
• Choose date

Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

Choose your dates

Who's going.

• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
• Date and time:
• Who's going:

See photo of the meeting point

Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• What to do in Moscow City, if you’re not mega-rich
• Moscow after dusk: 10 places to drink, dance, and groove
• 5 things you must do in Moscow in 2018 between football matches (or without them)
• Sandwiched between Moscow and St. Petersburg: How to spend a perfect weekend in Tver 
• 24 or 48 hours in Moscow: Where to go and what to do in 2019

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.