Catch the Sunrise at Kea Point

Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

4.5/5

based on 2 reviews

Save

View all 4 photos

All 4 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Description

Added by Alex Souza

Easy, 2.3 mile roundtrip) hike to a beautiful overlook. First light on the tallest mountain in NZ, Mt. Cook/Aoraki (12,316 ft.). Stunning glacier fed lake.

Wake before the sun rises and make the short half hour hike from the White Horse Hill Campground to Kea Point. This easy to follow trail leads to a beautiful overlook with views of Mt. Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps. You won't be disappointed as you watch the sun rise behind Mt. Cook and light up the glacial peaks like birthday candles. A photographers paradise when the weather's in your favor.

The weather here is notorious for changing at a moments notice so always bring layers and a waterproof shell in case you have to high tail it back to the car.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography

Hiking

Easy Parking

Lake

River

Scenic

Catch the Sunrise at Kea Point Reviews

Explorer

Tiffany Young

Explorer

Catch the Sunrise at Kea Point

10/12/20

I camped out at the White Horse Hill Campsite for a night and the next morning I took this easy walk to Kea Point before heading to the next place. From the campsite, it was easy to walk to a trailhead NW. This trail connects to the Mueller Hut track and a track to the village. Kea Point had a slight gain in elevation, but nothing to sweat about. Clear path and really peaceful. You'll get to a small viewing deck of the amazing area (the Footstool, the glacial wall, Mount Sefton, and of course, Aoraki.)

5.0

Maggie Evans

Catch the Sunrise at Kea Point

04/08/16

I think I've been spoiled with NZ's epicness since I almost rated this hike as average. After spending time up at Mueller hut and along the Hooker Valley track, this short hike might not 'wow' you the way it should considering it offers views of a glacial lake, river, mount cook, wild flowers and peaks all around. Definitely a must do if you don't have time to go up to mueller hut.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Muller Hut

One of the most spectacular hikes in New Zealand next to New Zealand's highest mountain - Mount Cook (aka Aoraki).5.2km one way, it is a tough ascent. The first part of the track ascends to Sealy tarns. This involves climbing zig zag stairs where you will be rewarded with a spectacular view over Hooker valley and can even enjoy lunch at a large picnic table. Many walkers choose to stop the hik...

Hike to Sealy Tarns

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...

Climb to Mueller Hut

This trek begins in the gateway town of Mount Cook Village, which is a must-visit destination in its own right, and serves as the jumping off point for most Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park ventures. Drive to the White Horse Hill Campground (follow the signs for the Hooker Valley) and park in the day use area. The trail begins at the back of the parking lot (the end opposite to the road entry) w...

Hike to Hooker Lake

Once in Mount Cook Village follow the signs to the White Horse Hill Campground where you'll find the start of the Hooker Valley Track. Alternatively, you can camp in the campground and begin the hike before sunrise for the best experience. The sign says that the one-way hiking time is 1 hour and 35 minutes, however, Hooker Lake can easily be reached in 1 hour or less. The path is extremely well...

Climb Mt. Ollivier

Start on the track from the White Horse Hill campground. Follow the track up almost 2,000 steps until you reach Sealy Tarns. From here the track continues steeply up the mountain until you reach the ridge. Continue over the ridge until reaching the hut. From here continue up the ridge to the summit of Mt. Ollivier.WARNING: In the winter/spring season this track has deep snow and alpine equipmen...

Climb Mt. Wakefield

The route begins on Tasman Valley Road right after it crosses over the Hooker River heading towards the Tasman Valley. Right after the bridge at Hooker corner there will be a small cutoff on the left side (as you head towards the Tasman). This gravel cutoff is where the trail starts up Mt. Wakefield and you can park your car (no camping allowed).The first hour or so is a battle up through thick...

Catch the Sunrise at Kea Point

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Catch the Sunrise at Kea Point Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to Muller Hut

Hike to Sealy Tarns

Climb to Mueller Hut

Hike to Hooker Lake

Climb Mt. Ollivier

Climb Mt. Wakefield

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps