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Glacier surge at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Wednesday 23 February 2011, 5:53PM

By Glacier Explorers

1635 views

1 - start to finish of the calving
1 - start to finish of the calving Credit: Glacier Explorers
2 - start to finish of the calving
2 - start to finish of the calving Credit: Glacier Explorers
3 - start to finish of the calving
3 - start to finish of the calving Credit: Glacier Explorers
4 - start to finish of the calving
4 - start to finish of the calving Credit: Glacier Explorers
5 - start to finish of the calving
5 - start to finish of the calving Credit: Glacier Explorers
6 - start to finish of the calving
6 - start to finish of the calving Credit: Glacier Explorers
7 - start to finish of the calving
7 - start to finish of the calving Credit: Glacier Explorers

AORAKI/MOUNT COOK

See our New Zealand Earthquakes page or civildefence.govt.nz and canterburyearthquake.org.nz for ongoing updates on the Christchurch Eartquake - infonews.co.nz.

Also by Glacier Explorers: Earthquake causes Terminal Face Collapse 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.

For more information visit: www.glacierexplorers.com