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Sealy Tarns Track, Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
The Sealy Tarns Track is known as New Zealand's "Stairway to Heaven". Take the steep climb to see the perfect reflection of the mountain lakes of Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley. The Sealy Tarns Track is a half-day hike with incredible views of the Hooker Valley, Mount Cook and the moraines below. Known as the Stairway to Heaven, this trail climbs steeply and includes over 2200 wooden steps as you climb the 550m to the mountain lakes. This guide will help you plan your hike and answer any questions you may have. alt=“SEALY TARNS TRACK NEW ZEALAND”> alt=“STAIRWELL…
Sealy Tarns Track, Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
The Sealy Tarns Track is known as New Zealand's "Stairway to Heaven". Take the steep climb to see the perfect reflection of the mountain lakes of Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley.
The Sealy Tarns Track is a half-day hike with incredible views of the Hooker Valley, Mount Cook and the moraines below. Known as the Stairway to Heaven, this trail climbs steeply and includes over 2200 wooden steps as you climb the 550m to the mountain lakes.
This guide will help you plan your hike and answer any questions you may have.
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Where is the Sealy Tarns Track?
The Sealy Tarns Track is located in Mount Cook National Park, very close to the White Horse Hill Camp Site. This is the same area where you can start the Hooker Valley Track and Mueller Hut hike.
In fact, the Sealy Tarns Track forms the first section of the Mueller Hut Track. So if you're looking for the trailhead, just look for the signs on the left pointing to Sealy Tarns or Mueller Hut.
How to get to the Sealy Tarns Track
The best way to get to the hiking area of Mount Cook National Park is to drive yourself here. There is a large parking lot here where you can park your car for free. However, this parking lot can get very busy during peak season, so plan to arrive early.
Luckily, if you don't have a car, you can still get to the Sealy Tarns track by booking a shuttle bus. There are a few companies that offer this service. I found Cook Connect to be one of the most popular options.
They have pickup locations in Glentanner, Twizel and Lake Tekapo. Transfer prices range from $41 round trip.
Tip: If you don't have a car and want to save money, you can easily hitchhike to Mount Cook National Park, as there is only one way there and one way back.
What to Expect on the Sealy Tarns Track
From White Horse Hill Campsite you must follow the signs for the Sealy Tarns / Mueller Hut / Kea Point Track.
After about 10 minutes of walking you will come to a junction where you turn left to continue on the Sealy Tarns Track. The right path leads to a small moraine viewpoint known as Kea Point.
Shortly after joining the Sealy Tarns Track you begin your long, steep climb. This is quite monotonous as you climb the 2200 vertical wooden steps to the mountain lakes.
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The route is quite exposed, meaning it is important to be prepared for bad weather. On a clear day, you can break the monotony by turning around and admiring the ever-improving view behind you.
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After about an hour and 2220 steps later you have reached the Sealy Tarns. This is a wooden bench here that is great for relaxing and enjoying the view.
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If you have time, I strongly recommend continuing the Müllerhütten route. This is one of my favorite alpine hikes in New Zealand and definitely worth the overnight stay. Read the full guide to the Müllerhütten hike here.
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RELATED: 6 BEST DAY HIKES IN MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
Sealy Tarn's Reflections
To put it simply, a mountain lake is a small mountain lake or pond. Because of the fresh mountain air, mountain lakes are great for taking reflection photos.
The Sealy Tarns route is particularly popular because these tarns allow you to take some great reflective photos of Mount Cook.
For better photos, try to go deep to maximize the mountain reflection in the mountain lake.
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Quick tips
Below I've also put together some quick tips to help you plan a day of hiking on the Sealy Tarns Track.
Packing list
Here are some essentials for completing the Sealy Tarns hike.
ACCOMMODATION CLOSE TO MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
After or before the night hike, you can either camp at White Horse Hill Campsite or stay in a hostel or lodge in Mount Cook Village.
Campground fees for White Horse Hill Campground are $15 per night per person. This is a great cheap option as it allows you to easily explore all the other hikes and activities in the area.
Alternatively, those who prefer a room or hotel can stay in nearby Mount Cook Village. Popular options include the famous Alpine Lodge and Mt. Cook Lodge.
MORE: 11 EPIC MOUNT COOK VIEW LOCATIONS – THE BEST PLACES TO SEE MOUNT COOK
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE SEALY TARNS HIKE
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MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT
- Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
- Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
- Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
- Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
- Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
- Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
- Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip
For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.
If you would like to use any of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs deductions of images on We Seek Travel.
MORE HIKES ON THE SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
I hope this short guide to hiking the Sealy Tarns Track in New Zealand's South Island was helpful. If you're looking for more travel inspiration or hikes in the South Island, why not check out some of the links below.
Alternatively, get more hiking inspiration by checking out this guide to the 6 best hikes in Mount Cook National Park or the mega guide to the best hikes in the South Island!
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