Glacier Safety and Retreat: What Campervan Travellers Should Know

Quick summary: For campervan travellers, New Zealand’s glaciers are beautiful but dangerous places to visit, and they’re changing. Franz Josef, Fox and the Tasman Glacier have all retreated a long way, which means valley viewpoints are further from the ice than they once were and tracks change as the landscape shifts. Staying safe is simple: respect the barriers and signs, keep away from the ice and rivers, and go onto the glaciers only with a guide.

At a glance
Biggest hazards	Falling ice, rockfall, river floods and unstable ground
Golden rule	Never cross barriers or walk beyond the end of a track
On the ice	Only with a guided heli-hike
Glacier retreat	Viewpoints and tracks change as the ice retreats
Rivers	Rise quickly after rain; never cross a flooded stream
Check	Current track information at DOC visitor centres

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Why are the glacier valleys dangerous?

Because they’re active, changing landscapes. Ice can collapse from the glacier face without warning, sending chunks of ice and rock across the valley floor. The steep valley walls shed rock, especially after rain or frost. The rivers that flow from the glaciers can rise suddenly after heavy rain or when meltwater is released from within the ice. And the ground near the ice is unstable moraine that can shift underfoot.

How do you stay safe on glacier walks?

• Stay behind the barriers at the end of valley tracks. They’re placed to keep you out of the danger zone.
• Follow the signs and any closures, which can change from day to day.
• Don’t approach the ice, touch the glacier face or enter ice caves on your own.
• Watch the rivers, and never cross a flooded stream.
• Check the weather, and avoid valley walks in heavy rain.
• Ask at the DOC visitor centre for current track and viewpoint information.

Why have the glaciers retreated?

Glaciers grow and shrink as snowfall and temperatures change. New Zealand’s glaciers have retreated significantly overall, leaving long valleys of bare rock and moraine where ice once lay, and larger lakes at the foot of the Tasman, Hooker and Mueller glaciers. At Franz Josef and Fox, this means the walks no longer reach the ice, which is why heli-hikes now land higher up. Information panels along the valley tracks show how far the ice has retreated.

Can you walk right up to the glacier from the RV car park?

No. The valley walks from the car parks lead towards the glaciers, but they end at viewpoints set at a safe distance, and the exact location of these can change as the ice retreats and conditions shift. To stand on the ice, take a guided heli-hike. See heli-hiking.

What about the Mount Cook glacier lakes?

At Mount Cook, the Tasman, Hooker and Mueller glaciers end in lakes filled with icebergs. Icebergs can roll over without warning, and the water is extremely cold, so don’t swim or wade, and view the lakes from the shore or on a guided boat or kayak trip. See Aoraki/Mount Cook Village by campervan.

What else should you know?

• Mountain weather changes quickly. Carry a warm, waterproof layer on any walk.
• Tell someone your plans for longer walks, and carry water and snacks.
• Kea are curious and may investigate bags and vehicles; don’t feed them.

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Frequently Asked Questions