Red Tarns Track Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Hike to vibrant red tarns with breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. A challenging but rewarding alpine adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, best light
Red Tarns Track Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Best Time
Clear skies, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to vibrant red tarns with breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. A challenging but rewarding alpine adventure.
"Strenuous for moderate fitness, but well worth the effort for gorgeous views!"
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The track has many steps and can be uneven. Good grip is essential for a safe and comfortable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
It's a strenuous climb with significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated throughout your trek.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Red Tarns
Summit of the track
Vibrant red-hued tarns offering a unique, almost otherworldly landscape against the mountain backdrop.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Various viewpoints along the track
Unobstructed vistas of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps. Absolutely stunning!
The Staircase Challenge
Ascent to the tarns
A steep climb featuring over 1,200 steps, testing your endurance for an epic reward.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Red Tarns Track
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The track has many steps and can be uneven. Good grip is essential for a safe and comfortable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
It's a strenuous climb with significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated throughout your trek.
🌬️ Be prepared for wind
The summit can be very windy. Pack layers, including a windproof jacket, even on a clear day.
📸 Capture the views
The panoramic vistas are incredible. Allow ample time for photos at the top and along the way.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The track has many steps and can be uneven. Good grip is essential for a safe and comfortable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
It's a strenuous climb with significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated throughout your trek.
🌬️ Be prepared for wind
The summit can be very windy. Pack layers, including a windproof jacket, even on a clear day.
📸 Capture the views
The panoramic vistas are incredible. Allow ample time for photos at the top and along the way.
⬆️ Consider the extension
For more adventurous hikers, the track can be extended upwards towards Mt. Sebastopool.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Red Tarns Track for its spectacular, rewarding views and unique red tarns, often calling it a favorite hike in Aoraki/Mount Cook. While many acknowledge the strenuous nature of the climb, particularly the over 1,200 steps, the effort is universally deemed worthwhile. Some note the potential for strong winds at the summit.
"Superb walk.
My favourite to date on my brief SI tour.
Strenuous for this 50 year old of moderate fitness, but well worth the effort.
Gorgeous little 5-10 minute additional loop walk at the top of the trail, with more gorgeous views."
Mark and Cathy Langdon
"One of my favourite tracks and trails around the Aoraki area besides the Governor's Bush and Hookey Valley track.
Worth the hike and steep stairs to enjoy those views at the top!
It's also possible to keep climbing on upwards to Mt. Sebastopool and the summit from the top of this track - Looked like steep scree slopes but possible."
Red Barker
"Good track for Beautiful view"
Lin Davie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Red Tarns Track trailhead is located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, accessible via the main road. Parking is available nearby. It's a popular spot, so arriving early can be beneficial.
Yes, the road leading to the trailhead is a well-maintained public road within the national park. No special vehicle is required.
The trailhead is a short drive from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. You can also consider walking or cycling if you're staying in the village and enjoy a longer approach.
While there isn't a dedicated shuttle specifically for the Red Tarns Track, general park shuttles may operate within Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, which could get you closer to the general area.
From Queenstown, it's approximately a 3-hour drive. From Christchurch, it's about a 4-hour drive. Plan your journey accordingly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and hiking the Red Tarns Track is free. You do not need to purchase any tickets.
The track is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, hiking in the dark is not recommended due to safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee for Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The park is managed by the Department of Conservation and is freely accessible.
While there might not be specific guided tours for the Red Tarns Track, many tour operators offer excursions within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park that might include this hike or similar experiences.
Check the official Department of Conservation (DOC) website for Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for the latest track conditions, weather alerts, and any potential closures.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike typically takes 2-3 hours round trip, depending on your fitness level and how much time you spend at the top enjoying the views.
The track is considered moderate to strenuous due to the significant number of steps (over 1,200) and the elevation gain. It's a good workout!
Restroom facilities are generally available at the main visitor areas and parking lots within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, but not directly at the trailhead itself. Plan accordingly.
It can be challenging for very young children due to the steep steps. However, older children and families with moderate fitness can manage it.
Yes, experienced hikers can continue climbing upwards from the tarns towards Mt. Sebastopool, though this involves steep scree slopes.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. Sunrise and sunset can be spectacular if you're there at the right time.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The tarns themselves offer unique reflections, especially with calm water. The viewpoints along the track provide classic shots of the mountain range.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your shot to give a sense of scale. The steep staircase also provides a great foreground element.
The 'red' color is most pronounced when the water is still and reflects the surrounding landscape. Overcast days can sometimes enhance the color saturation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to pack plenty of snacks and water, and take frequent breaks. The sense of accomplishment at reaching the top can be a great motivator for kids. Consider it a fantastic way to introduce children to the beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park while getting some exercise.
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts
Consider this track as a solid training hike. The elevation gain is significant, and the varied terrain keeps your muscles engaged. If you're looking to push your limits and enjoy spectacular alpine scenery, the Red Tarns Track is a must-do.
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vast landscapes and consider a telephoto lens for isolating mountain details. The steep staircase also offers a compelling foreground element for your shots. Be prepared for wind, which can affect water reflections, but also adds a dynamic element to your photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Red Tarns Track Experience
The payoff at the top is the series of vibrant, red-hued tarns, which offer a unique and almost surreal landscape against the backdrop of the majestic Southern Alps. The panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and its surrounding peaks are simply breathtaking. Some visitors even note that it's possible to continue climbing beyond the tarns towards Mt. Sebastopool for even more expansive, albeit steeper, views.
Travelers often recommend this track for its spectacular scenery without the overwhelming crowds found on other popular routes like the Hooker Valley Track. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a more intimate connection with the alpine environment and a sense of accomplishment after a challenging climb. Remember to check the weather, as wind can be a factor at higher elevations.
Navigating the Steps and Terrain
Beyond the steps, the track can be uneven and rocky in places. The wind can also be a significant factor at higher elevations, so packing layers, including a windproof jacket, is crucial, even on a seemingly clear day. The effort is consistently described as being well worth the effort for the unparalleled views.
For those who enjoy a bit more adventure, the track offers the possibility of continuing your ascent beyond the main tarns. This extension leads towards Mt. Sebastopool, but be aware that this section involves steep scree slopes and is for experienced hikers only. Always be prepared for changing mountain conditions.
Social
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