Picturesque Aoraki Mount Cook is a magnet for visitors from across New Zealand and the world.
However, recent photographs show hordes of people ignoring safety signs and walking across the frozen glacial lake.
Visitor and marine scientist James Nikitine, who took the photos, told Breakfast there was a "huge sign" warning people to stay off the lake.
Nikitine said his sons were "appalled" at seeing the people go against the safety instructions.
"The ice is probably 10 to 15, maybe 20 centimetres thick at this time of year or maybe more depending on the temperatures which vary.
"The lake is quite deep, I think it goes down to about 130 metres but, regardless of the depth of the lake, it’s more about where we are and in this particular case, we are really far away from everything. Aoraki Mount Cook is really remote, and we’re talking about families ... "
The behaviour has prompted warnings from the Department of Conservation (DOC).
DOC senior ranger Niamh Espiner told Breakfast the risks were "pretty serious".
"At best, you might slip over and really injure yourself, and as you've heard, you're quite far from help where this lake is located.
"This is an alpine lake, a glacial lake. Right at the base of Aoraki Mount Cook — the tallest mountain in New Zealand. It is an alpine environment, and the thickness of the ice the people are walking on, it can vary a lot due to a number of factors.
"We can't guarantee that it is going to be thick enough for you to walk on. So, if it were to crack and someone was to fall through, the consequences would be very serious."
Espiner confirmed there were two clear signs which warned people to not walk on the ice, depicting the hazards.
She added if someone were to fall into the lake, hypothermia would set in within minutes — and the person would have to be rescued by air.
"The message to visitors is be prepared. When you go out into the outdoors, we really want you to have the best possible experience on your public conservation land.
"We want you to get out there and see Aotearoa New Zealand. But just before you head out, stop, take a minute to think about your own safety. Are you prepared? Have you got suitable footwear [and] clothing, in summer, sunscreen and water, in winter, warm clothing?
"Stop and take a minute [to think] about your own safety before you head out."
SHARE ME