Sealy Tarns Track, Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Sealy Tarns Track, Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

The SEALY TARNS Track is known as New Zealand "Stairway to Heaven". Take the steep climb to see the perfect reflection of Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley.

The Sealy Tarns Track is a half -day hike with incredible views of the Hooker Valley, the Mount Cook and the moraine below. This path, known as the "stairs to the sky", rises steeply and comprises over 2200 wooden levels while climbing the 550 m to the mountain lakes.

This guide will help you plan your hike and answer all the questions you could 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 in which you can start the Hooker Valley Track and the Mueller Hut hike.

In fact, the Sealy Tarns Track forms the first section of the Mueller Hut Track. So if you are looking for the starting point, simply look for the signs on the left side that indicate Sealy Tarns or Mueller Hut.

How to get to the Sealy Tarns Track

The best way to get to the hiking area of ​​the Mount Cook national park is to drive here yourself. There is a large parking space where you can park your car free of charge. However, this parking lot can be very full in the high season, so they plan to arrive early.

If you don't have a car, fortunately you can still get to the SEALY TARRNS route by booking a shuttle bus. There are some companies that offer this service. I found Cook Connect as one of the most popular options.

You have pick -up locations in Glentanner, Twizel and Lake Tekapo. The prices for transfers range from $ 41 back and forth.

TIP: If you don't have a car and save money, you can easily hitchhike to the Mount Cook National Park, as there is only one back and forth.

What you can expect on the Sealy Tarns Track

Hiking route and back
Duration: 2-3 hours Retour
Sealy Tarns Elevation: 1310 m AMSL (550 m altitude)
Medium (steep)

From the White Horse Hill Campsite you have to follow the signs to the SEALY TARNS / MUELLER HUT / KEA POINT Track.

After about 10 minutes on foot, you come to a crossing where you turn left to continue on the Sealy Tarns Track. The right path leads to a small viewpoint of the moraine, which is known as Kea Point.

Shortly after you have joined the Sealy Tarns Track, start your long, steep climb. This is pretty monotonous when you climb the 2200 vertical wooden levels to the mountain lakes.
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The route is quite exposed, which means that it is important to be prepared for bad weather. On a clear day you can break through the monotony by turning around and admiring the ever better view.
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After about an hour and 2220 steps later, they reached the SEALY TARNS. This is a wooden bench here that is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the view.
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If you have time, I strongly recommend that you continue the Müllerhütten route. This is one of my favorite alpine hikes in New Zealand and definitely also worth the overnight stay. Read the full guide to the Müllerhütten hike here.
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Connection: 6 Best day hikes in Mount Cook National Park

Sealy Tarns Reflections

The Sealy Tarns route is particularly popular because you can take some great reflective photos of Mount Cook with these mountain lakes.

Try to go deep for better photos to maximize the mountain reflection in the mountain lake.
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quick tips

In the following I have also put together some quick tips that should help you plan a hiking day on the Sealy Tarns Track.

start to see the sunrise
Check the weather updates for the Mount Cook National Park
In winter, get set on an icy, slippery trail
inform someone about your intentions
Hold your backpack easily
Be prepared for quick weather changes

Packing list

Here are some important things for the end of the SEALY TARRNS hike.

water bottle
sunscreen
Mueslirliegel or other trail snacks
robust boots or trailrunner
light clothing
Rain jacket
Warm layers for the top
camera

Accommodation near the Mount Cook National Park

After or before the night hike you can either camp on the White Horse Hill Campsite or stay in a hostel or a lodge in Mount Cook Village.

The campsite fees for the White Horse Hill campsite are $ 15 per night and person. This is a great, cheap option, since you can easily explore all other hikes and activities in the area.

More: 11 Epic Mount Cook View Locations-The best places to see Mount Cook

More photos of the Sealy Tarns hike

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My camera and photo equipment

• Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
• drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
• landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
• all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
• Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
• landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
• Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip

A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.

If you want to use one 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 from pictures on WE Seek Travel.

Further hikes on the South Island of New Zealand

I hope that this short guide for hiking on the Seally Tarns Track on the South Island of New Zealand was helpful. If you are looking for further travel savings or hikes on the South Island, take a look at some of the links below.

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