Distance: 3.1 km (2 mi) return

Duration: 1 hour return

Elevation Gain: 56 m (183 feet)

The Tasman Valley is parallel to the Hooker Valley, lying just to the east of Aoraki Mount Cook. There are two trails here that lead to Tasman Lake. As the trail to the left to the Tasman Valley Lookout and Blue Lakes was closed during our visit, we opted for the trail to the right. A 30-minute flat walk takes you to the shoreline of the Tasman Lake and continues to an elevated viewpoint right above it. There’s also an option to kayak or do a boat tour on the glacial lake here if you’re looking for some extra adventure. The trailhead is located at the end of the Tasman Valley Road, only a 10-minute drive from Mount Cook village.