Media release from Glacier Explorers
23 February 2011
Glacier surge at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Yesterday’s Christchurch earthquake triggered a spectacular glacier calving at Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake that is
believed to be the largest freshwater Basal* calving in the world to be caught on camera.
The 30 million tonne iceberg calving at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park was observed and photographed by a Glacier
Explorer guest who was savvy enough to capture the magnificent event on camera.
General Manager Tourism for Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Village Ltd, Denis Callesen, puts it in perspective, “this series
of photographs documents the calving event from 5km away.”
The terminal face of the Glacier was thrust approximately 60m above the lake level as a direct result of the quake which
caused the Basal calving.
“This gives you some kind of idea of the enormity of this natural phenomenon,” said Mr Callesen, “If you were to pick
the best time to do this trip anytime over the past 8,000 years, today would be good. The resulting iceberg action is
simply amazing.”
Following the calving, Glacier Explorer boats are reporting superb viewing conditions on Lake Tasman and an
extraordinary view of nature in action.
The calving has been the only known effect of the earthquake on the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.
The park’s base camp – The Hermitage, is entirely unaffected by the earthquake and is working with the tourism industry
to ensure rooms are available for visitors who had scheduled to stay in Christchurch.
Agents and wholesalers are urged to contact The Hermitage as soon as possible to reorganize any affected itineraries –
everyone at The Hermitage is committed to ensuring travelers enjoy their holiday in New Zealand.
ENDS