Mueller Hut view of Mount Cook

@joannehollings

New Zealand

•

Canterbury

Perched above the snow line in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Mueller Hut presents one of the most spectacular alpine vistas in New Zealand. It's a realm where the air is as crisp as the crunch of snow underfoot, and the view of Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak, is nothing short of majestic. From this vantage point, photographers and travelers alike are treated to a 360-degree panorama that includes glaciers, vertical rock faces, and the grandeur of the Southern Alps. As night falls, the dark sky reserve opens up a celestial display of stars above, with the silhouette of Mount Cook piercing the heavens.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Moderate

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

Normal lens (24-70mm
Telephoto lens
Tripod for long-exposure and night photography
Extra camera batteries, as cold can drain them quickly
Multilayered clothing to adapt to changing temperatures
High-quality hiking boots with good grip
Sleeping bag and mat if staying overnight at Mueller Hut
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sunglasses and sunscreen for high UV exposure at altitude
Plenty of water and high-energy snacks for the hike

How to get there

S43° 43' 14.5132"E170° 03' 53.4445"

This photo of Mount Cook was taken from Mueller Hut in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The trek is a challenging alpine adventure. Starting from the Mount Cook Village, you'll need to be prepared for a steep, strenuous climb that begins at the White Horse Hill Campground. The journey covers 5 kilometers one way and ascends 1,000 meters, taking an average of 4 hours to reach the hut. The path is well-marked, taking you up the Sealy Tarns track with its 'staircase to heaven'—a series of steps that provide an intense workout with rewarding views at every pause for breath. After Sealy Tarns, the track crosses alpine meadows and scree slopes, demanding good fitness and proper hiking gear.