Story: Glaciers and glaciation

Dart Glacier

The Dart Glacier in western Otago is the largest glacier feeding into the Dart River, and from there into Lake Wakatipu. A thick snowfield (called the névé) builds up on the upper mountain slopes, and is compacted to ice which gradually flows downhill. The glacier picks up debris in its path, and also carries fallen rock from landslides. This shows up as dark material on the surface as the ice melts.

Using this item

GNS Science

Reference: CN10414/37

by Lloyd Homer

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How to cite this page

Eileen McSaveney, Glaciers and glaciation – Glaciers in New Zealand, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10726/dart-glacier (accessed 5 June 2026).

Story by Eileen McSaveney, published 1 March 2009, updated 1 April 2021.

Comments

Kevin P
12 April 2011

I have treked up to the Dart Glacier a few times when living down south and must say that it is a glorious part of the country. A must see for those who like the great outdoors!