But Earth Sciences New Zealand principal climate scientist Dr Andrew Lorrey said it was only temporary.
It has been 50 years since the ESNZ did its first aerial survey of the Southern Alps glaciers, and researchers carrying out this year’s end-of-summer snowline and glacier survey were surprised to see retained snow on some of the glaciers, he said.
‘‘This year’s survey showed some glaciers with snow and ice footprints that weren’t quite as small as what we’ve seen in the past two years.
‘‘But it’s only a stay of execution and not a reversal in the long-term decline of ice coverage here.’’
Dr Lorrey said the annual survey began in 1977 and was undertaken each March, after the end of summer.
ESNZ researchers teamed up with scientists from Wellington’s Victoria University and the Department of Conservation to take thousands of photos from a light aircraft.
The aerial photos were then studied to reveal changes in the terminus and snowline position for each glacier, compared with previous years, he said.
Some of the photos were used to build 3D models that track ice volume changes.
Together, the results revealed how much of the previous winter’s snow remained to contribute to long-term glacial ice retention.
Last year was New Zealand’s fourth-warmest on record.
Dr Lorrey said although it ranked lower than some recent years, every year in the past decade was among the warmest.
Globally, the World Meteorological Organisation said 2025 was 1.43°C above the pre-industrial baseline, and a warmer planet meant less ice.
Our glaciers are one of the more visible signs of a warming climate, he said.
‘‘Glaciers are an important part of New Zealand’s environment, economy and identity.
‘‘They underpin tourism, deliver meltwater carrying nutrients into rivers and lakes, and feed the hydro-electric lakes that power much of our renewable electricity.
‘‘Years like this are few and far between, and when they happen, it isn’t enough to reverse the damage that’s been done in the years prior.
‘‘To limit the continued trend of glacier decline, climate warming needs to be halted quickly,’’ he said.
