Hike to Sealy Tarns

Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

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Added by Lauren Schusterman

Distance: 4km (2.5 miles) roundtrip. Duration: 3-4 hours roundtrip. Elevation gain: 540 m (1,770 ft). 1,810 steps up to the tarns. Extremely steep. Beautiful views of Mueller Glacier Lake, Mt Cook (on a clear day), and the surrounding Alps. Great workout. Walking distance from Mt. Cook Village.

From the car park follow the trail as it begins fairly flat on a gravel trail. After five minutes or so you will see a sign that points you, left, towards the Sealy Tarns track. After following this trail for around 10 more minutes, as it goes slowly uphill, you will come to the base of the steps. From here it is essentially a staircase of 1,810 steps winding up the side of the mountain. As you quickly gain elevation the views get better and better.

Eventually you will reach the tarns (in winter they may be covered completely by snow but the views are still well worth the hike). While this hike does not require any technical skills and is done by many people, it is extremely steep and a reasonable level of fitness is necessary to complete the track.

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Alex Tande

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Hike to Sealy Tarns

05/22/16

The hike up to Sealy Tarns certainly offered incredible views! Lots of steps which my body didn't enjoy all that much, but well worth it. We continued up past the Sealy Tarns to Mueller hut, the views were epic. For sure would recommend heading up this way.

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Hike to Sealy Tarns

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Hike to Hooker Lake

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