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Glacier Explorers is just one of many experiences in the region
Tell us about the changes to the area over the years
Environmentally I’ve seen some big changes over the last few
decades. I’ve seen the glaciers recede dramatically since the
80’s – some of the smaller ones in the park have melted back
to nothing. On a slightly more positive note, there is some talk
about glacial advancements soon and cooling, so I do hold
some hope there.
The other big change is the number of visitors. In the 90’s
tourism was quite a magical time. We had a good number of
visitors - many of them kiwis - who came and really enjoyed
the Park. It was sustainable.
In the last decade we’ve seen a huge growth in numbers
– probably too much for our infrastructure. It was getting
uncomfortably busy. With the borders closed, it’s like a return
to the earlier days with distinct peak and shoulder periods, and
much more sustainable numbers. You can now head out and
enjoy some of the popular trails without the crowds. It’s a great
time for kiwis to travel.
Mass tourism wasn’t good for our local community and our
environment didn’t like it – it was putting a lot of pressure on
certain areas and it wasn’t good karmically. I’d like to see a
more balanced approach and more manageable numbers
when international visitors return.
You offer some pretty amazing Aoraki experiences…
Well in contrast to what we’ve just chatted about, my trips
are all about taking small groups to special places that very
few people can access. Whether it’s mountaineering, glacier
snow-shoeing, kayaking, heli or glacier skiing, we like to be
personalised and small.
Kayaking: We’re the only operator on the Mueller Glacier Lake
and it’s a place that people can’t walk to, and aircraft can’t fly
over. You experience a magical “quiet zone” amongst the most
incredible big vistas. On the Tasman Glacier Lake you can see
big bergs the size that you’d normally only see in the likes of
Antarctica or Alaska. You can paddle around the icebergs and
experience something pretty unique with only a small number
of people – it’s incredibly special.
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