HIKING KEA POINT TRACK

Looking for a short walk with a big reward? The Kea Point Track is one of the best short walks in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. In less than an hour, you’ll be standing high above Mueller Glacier lake, with panoramic views of some of the Southern Alps' most iconic peaks—including Aoraki/Mount Cook itself.

Whether you’re starting your day or winding it down, this track offers the perfect dose of fresh mountain air, scenery and stillness.

Track Overview

Distance: 3.4km return
Time: 1 hour return
Difficulty: Easy
Start Point: White Horse Hill Campground (2.5km from The Hermitage)
Toilets: Available at White Horse Hill car park
Track Type: Well-formed gravel path with gentle inclines
Season: Walkable year-round (check for ice or snow in winter)

Getting There

The Kea Point Track begins at White Horse Hill Campground, just 2.5km from The Hermitage. You can drive (parking is available) or enjoy a scenic walk from the hotel. There’s clear signage marking the start of the trail.

Walking the Track

The walk starts gently, winding through alpine scrub and grassland. As you climb, you’ll pass through the old moraine from past glacier movement, surrounded by views of Mount Sefton, The Footstool, and the Mueller Glacier moraine wall.

The trail leads to a viewing platform perched above Mueller Glacier lake. Here, you’ll get uninterrupted views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain, along with the surrounding peaks of the Southern Alps.

Best Time of the Day to Walk Kea Point

Early morning offers crisp air, long shadows, and often the clearest skies. Late afternoon and early evening bring golden light and fewer people—perfect for photographers or those after a quieter experience.

Best Time of the Year to Walk It

Summer to early autumn (December to April) provides longer daylight hours and generally stable weather. Winter adds dramatic snow-covered landscapes and quieter trails, but the track may be icy. Be sure to check in at the DOC Visitor Centre or The Hermitage for conditions before heading out.

What to Bring

Even for a short walk, it’s important to come prepared:

Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
Warm layer or windbreaker
Water bottle
Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
Camera or phone for photos
Gloves and a beanie in cooler months

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is an alpine environment, so remember, weather can change quickly in the mountains, layers are key.

Our Top Tips for Hiking Kea Point

Take snacks and water. Stop into the Sir Edmund Hillary Café before your walk and grab some snacks or lunch to enjoy at the lookout—it's one of the best spots in the park to soak it all in.
If you’re going in summer, the early bird gets the worm. Hit the track early before it gets too busy. Book a night at the Hermitage Hotel or the Mt Cook Lodge and Motels so you can be up early and ready for a sunrise hike.
Keep an ear out for avalanches on Mount Sefton. They're safe from this distance, and the sound is unforgettable.
Watch for kea, the curious alpine parrots the track is named for—just don’t feed them.
Want to do more? Combine Kea Point with the Hooker Valley Track for a full morning or afternoon of spectacular walking.