Most individuals fall in love with Aoraki/Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park as quickly as they drive in – the street is legendary for its beautiful views of the Southern Alps and Lake Pukaki. Listed below are 6 superior trails to take a look at when you’re there.
An important place to remain at Aoraki Mount Prepare dinner is proper within the coronary heart of Mount Prepare dinner village, waking as much as among the most breathtaking scenes conceivable out of your hostel window.
While it’s straightforward to move a day simply sitting on the balcony, studying your e-book and absorbing the environment, I might extremely suggest that you simply get out and expertise one (or extra) of the strolling tracks. I’m a Mount Prepare dinner fanatic – having accomplished each single path, so listed below are my prime picks.
Hooker Valley Observe: hottest path at Mount Prepare dinner
Time: 3-hour return from White Horse Hill automotive park (4-hour return from the village)
Problem degree: Simple/Medium
Observe circumstances: Uncovered, however largely flat
Undoubtedly the preferred path within the space, and there’s an excellent purpose why! Hooker Valley offers the backdrop for these iconic Mt Prepare dinner photographs you will notice plastered throughout social media. Come cloud or shine, the views are at all times phenomenal. You’ll cross not one, however THREE massive swing bridges earlier than reaching the attractive glacier lake, the place you’ll be surrounded by the Southern Alps (it’s additionally an superior place for a picnic).
I might suggest doing the Hooker Valley Observe within the morning throughout the summer time months. Right here’s why.
- The solar shall be shining immediately onto the glacier lake and also you could be fortunate sufficient to see a mirrored image of Mt Prepare dinner within the water. That stated, the glacier lake is a sight to behold at any time of day, so don’t fear for those who can’t get began till the afternoon! Through the winter it’s finest to simply observe the nice climate (as it may possibly change in a second) so maintain a watch out for a transparent sky and get on the market!
- The Hooker Valley monitor is a extremely popular stroll – there are usually fewer individuals out and about within the morning than within the afternoon.
- It’s a very uncovered monitor and through summer time the solar might be very sturdy throughout the afternoon, making a mere 3-hour stroll really feel like a 7-hour hike.
Sealy Tarns Observe
Time: 3-4 hour return from White Horse Hill automotive park
Problem degree: Medium/Laborious
Observe circumstances: Uncovered and uphill
This monitor begins from the identical automotive park because the Hooker Valley monitor, however it will be significant that you simply select properly between the 2! While you could be deceived by the primary quarter-hour of flat terrain, you want to be ready for a a lot more durable path that’s composed of 2200 steps and a 450m elevation acquire. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! The views up there are fairly unbelievable although, so I’d say it’s effectively price it for those who’re in good condition.
One final tip: Don’t go up there except it’s a transparent day – you don’t wish to make investments all of that vitality to see nothing however clouds!
Kea Level Observe
Time: 30-minute return from White Horse Hill automotive park
Problem degree: Very straightforward
Observe circumstances: Flat
In case you’ve acquired some spare time after the Hooker Valley stroll and wish to see the magical Mount Prepare dinner from a special angle then that is the proper monitor for you! It takes simply half-hour return however don’t be fooled by the quick time it takes – the views are nonetheless simply as unbelievable:
Mueller Hut Observe: multi-day hike at Mount Prepare dinner
Time: 7-8 hour return from White Horse Hill automotive park (most individuals cut up this between 2 days)
Problem degree: Laborious
For all of the diehard hikers on the market, this monitor is for you! It’s a continuation of the Sealy Tarns monitor as much as the very prime of the mountain. You’ll undoubtedly must hop off the Stray bus for this one because it’s not attainable to finish in only one afternoon. Lots of people select to separate the stroll between two days and camp in a single day in Mueller Hut (bookings required), however you may select to do a spherical journey in at some point. I feel it’s price staying in a single day if there are areas out there although – there’s nothing fairly like watching the sundown and rise once more over the valley.
Except you’re extraordinarily skilled and carry crampons, avalanche gear and an ice axe with you in your travels (sure, it’s that hardcore), then you definitely’ll must do the Mueller Hut stroll in summer time. Be sure you are absolutely outfitted with sufficient meals, water and security tools with loads of detachable layers in an effort to alter to the fixed temperature modifications. Good luck!
Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier lookout tracks
Time: 1 hour from Tasman Valley automotive park
Problem degree: Simple/Medium
Observe circumstances: Uphill, however not steep
I did this stroll on a cloudy day and nonetheless thought every part seemed majestic, so it’s undoubtedly one to contemplate if the climate isn’t in your favour. Your first cease would be the Blue Lakes (they’re truly inexperienced) and then you definitely’ll meander up the steps to the lookout over the glacier lake. It’s a brief monitor and has nowhere close to as many steps because the Sealy Tarns, so it’s nice for a fast morning/afternoon journey.
Tasman Glacier river and jetty tracks
Time: 1 hour from Tasman Valley automotive park
Problem degree: Simple
Observe circumstances: Uncovered, however utterly flat
Simply my favorite stroll in your complete nationwide park, which additionally occurs to be one of many quickest/best. In case you simply plan on sticking to minimal time on the Stray bus and don’t fancy strolling for hours on finish, then that is the monitor for you! You gained’t see Mt Prepare dinner as clearly right here, however you’ll nonetheless see a good looking glacier lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains.
In contrast to the Hooker Valley, these walks are finest skilled afterward within the day because the solar shines on the Tasman Glacier lake throughout the afternoon. It additionally tends to be a lot quieter than the lake at Hooker Valley, which implies you possibly can take photographs and eat your picnic in peace.
For anybody who needs a extra glamorous expertise of Mt Prepare dinner then you possibly can at all times catch a scenic flight over the glaciers or hop on a boat to stand up shut and private with the icebergs on the lakes. You’ll be able to even discover the world on a 4WD tour and for those who’re extra of an evening owl then there’s at all times stargazing to contemplate! Lengthy story quick, it is a Stray cease to not be missed.
For more information in regards to the space, learn Stray’s Mt Prepare dinner vacation spot information.
Which monitor at Aoraki Mount Prepare dinner will you select?
As you possibly can see there are many mountaineering choices in Aoraki/Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park? Which monitor will you go for? Or which one in case your favorite mountaineering monitor? Tell us within the remark part.
