Press release from Glacier Explorers, Aoraki Mt Cook
Monday 10 March 2008
Increased fleet and new manager for unforgettable Glacier experience
The Aoraki Mount Cook trip that offers a close encounter with icebergs and glaciers today announced it has appointed a
new manager and expanded its vessel fleet.
Glacier Explorers, which provides cruises on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake at Aoraki Mount Cook, welcomes Bede Ward
as its new Operations Manager and has increased its passenger capacity by 25% with the addition of a fourth craft.
The new four stroke engine boat has provided the opportunity to add a new midday time slot to the company’s daily
schedule, with cruises now departing at 10am, 12pm and 2pm until the lake freezes over for the winter months.
The expansion comes in response to the popularity of the breathtaking one and a half hour Tasman Glacier terminal lake
boat cruise. Passengers experience an amazing boat ride in a majestic, high alpine environment. The trip takes them past
floating icebergs, which can be touched from the boat, to the impressive face of the glacier. The ice is constantly on
the move with great chunks cracking and falling from the face and icebergs melting and rolling in the freezing water.
New Operations Manager Bede Ward, formerly the Managing Director for Queenstown River Surfing, is an adventure sports /
tourism enthusiast with 11 years experience in the industry. He said he has been relishing the opportunity to work in
such an inspiring environment.
“I’m an absolute outdoors fanatic. I’ve loved working on Queenstown’s rivers but there there’s something totally unique
about running an operation surrounded by glacial waters, snow-capped peaks and of course New Zealand’s biggest glacier.
How’s that for a day at office?”
“It’s great to be coming on board during a time of development and investment in the business. The new boat, which we’ve
nicknamed ‘Chinook’1, is more quiet and gentle on our stunning alpine environment,” said Bede.
“I’m proud to join a locally owned and operated business which has been running for fifteen years. I also get a real
kick from us being the only company permitted to operate in this area. We can honestly say we offer a totally unique and
up close encounter with the Tasman Glacier.”
This trip provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and some of the best photographic opportunities
available in the national park.
For more information visit www.glacierexplorers.com.
ENDS