HIKING RED TARNS TRACK

Red Tarns Track is a rewarding uphill walk with one of the best views in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Starting just behind the village, this local favourite climbs a series of steps to a peaceful alpine basin. At the top, you’ll find small tarns coloured red by native pondweed – and a spectacular view over the Hooker Valley and up to Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Track Overview

Distance: 2 km return
Time: 2 hours return
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate – steep and steady climb
Elevation gain: Approx. 300 metres
Start/End Point: End of Bowen Drive, Aoraki/Mount Cook Village
Toilets: Available at White Horse Hill car park
Track Type: Gravel, boardwalk and steps
Season: Walkable year-round (please check weather conditions in winter)

Getting There

The Red Tarns Track begins at the end of Bowen Drive, in Mount Cook Village. From The Hermitage, it’s about a 15-minute walk along the village roads. The track starts with a small footbridge crossing Black Birch Stream, then heads straight into the climb.

Walking the track

This walk is short but packs a punch. The track zigzags its way uphill via a well-formed staircase, gaining around 300m in elevation. Native bush and alpine grasses line the path, with the occasional opening offering a preview of the views to come.

After around 45–60 minutes of steady climbing, the track levels out into a high alpine basin. Here you’ll find the red-hued tarns that give the track its name. On a still day, they mirror the surrounding mountains – including the dramatic face of Mount Sefton and, straight ahead, Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Take time to catch your breath and soak it in. There are benches at the top for a well-earned rest before heading back down the same way.

Best time of day to walk

Sunrise and sunset are both excellent times to walk this track. In the morning, the first light catches the peaks while the valley is still in shadow. In the evening, the soft colours of sunset light up the sky above Aoraki.

Best time of year to walk

While this track can be walked year-round we think Autumn is one of the best times to walk the Red Tarns Track. The crisp, clear air often brings stunning visibility, and the surrounding landscape is painted in rich autumn hues. Sunrises and sunsets are especially magical at this time of year, with soft golden light illuminating the peaks and reflecting beautifully in the still tarns. It's a quieter season too, making the experience feel even more special.

What To Bring

Although not a long walk, with its steep incline in an alpine environment, it's important to go prepared:

Comfortable hiking shoes or good trainers, in winter, make sure your shoes have good grip
Pack an extra layer, although you might heat up while walking, it will be cooler at the top
Plenty of water
Camera or phone for photos, if you're going at sunrise or sunset, you don't want to forget these
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 your time, it's a steep climb, but there are benches along the way to take a breather and soak up the views
Take snacks to enjoy at the top. The views at the top shouldn't be rushed. Stock up at the Sir Edmund Hillary Café before your walk.
Watch for kea, the curious alpine parrots, just don’t feed them.
If you still have some energy left, you can continue your hike up further to the Sebastopol Ridge above.

Keen to continue the leg burn with another hike that delivers on elevation? We recommend you check out Sealy Tarns. It’s an Aoraki/Mount Cook hike not to be missed.

If you want to make the most of your time in the National Park and enjoy more of the hikes on offer book your stay now!