Glacier Calving 'caps' off successful season at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

An estimated five million ton iceberg 'calving' at Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake this week has ensured sensational viewing for visitors for the rest of the season.

Guests on board the Glacier Explorers' 'Mac Boats' (Polyethelene pontoon boats) which take passengers out on the lake to the glacier face to view towering ice cliffs and huge floating icebergs - were "in for a treat" according to Operations Manager Bede Ward.

Ward explained that the "calving was a result of an extensive period of dry weather followed by a deluge of rain.

"It's delivered a whole lot of sensational new ice that will provide an extraordinary view of nature in action until the end of the season. We've been out on the lake today with guests to view it, and it's simply spectacular.

"Overall it's been a great season with new block and basal calvings, and a steady stream of iceberg rollovers producing some spectacular blue ice to thrill visitors. I suggest people make a point of getting here before the weather forces our closure in a few weeks' time."

Glacier Explorers offers the only tour of its kind in New Zealand at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and is just one of three of its kind in the world.

Ward said the tour was becoming increasingly popular, with more than 24,000 visitors hosted this season.

He added "getting out there on one of our boats on this magnificent lake is so unique and is becoming more and more popular with visitors to New Zealand.

"It's on most people's 'to do' list while they're here."

The Glacier Explorers team anticipates the season will draw to a close in early June, when the Tasman Lake starts to freeze over.

However, Ward concludes "we're planning to re-open in mid-August when hopefully the lake should have thawed, but we're always keeping an eye on things as we'll open earlier if conditions allow."

For more information go to www.glacierexplorers.com

1st February 2012 - MASSIVE GLACIER CALVING AT AORAKI MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK