April 01, 2026

#climate: Aotearoa’s Southern Alps glaciers are melting at a rapid rate

Matthew Tukaki Posted On April 1, 2026

Fifty years on from the first aerial survey of Aotearoa’s Southern Alps glaciers, scientists say a cooler end to summer has provided only a brief pause in ongoing ice loss.

Researchers from Earth Sciences New Zealand, working alongside Victoria University of Wellington and the Department of Conservation, completed their annual end-of-summer survey, observing some retained snow on a number of glaciers.

While conditions this year meant some glaciers were not as reduced as in the previous two years, scientists say the overall trend remains unchanged, with long-term glacier retreat continuing.

The survey, which began in 1977, involves taking thousands of aerial photographs each March to monitor changes in glacier size, snowline levels and ice volume. These images are also used to build three-dimensional models, helping researchers understand how much winter snowfall contributes to long-term ice retention.

The findings come as Aotearoa continues to experience warmer conditions. Last year was the fourth warmest on record nationally, and globally temperatures remain well above pre-industrial levels.

Scientists say glaciers are one of the most visible indicators of climate change, and their decline has wide-reaching impacts. They play a key role in tourism, supply nutrient-rich meltwater to rivers and lakes, and support hydroelectric generation.

Despite this year’s slight reprieve, researchers warn that isolated cooler seasons are not enough to reverse decades of ice loss, and say urgent action to address climate warming is needed to slow the long-term decline.