Sealy Tarns Track
Sealy Tarns
Known as the 'Stairway to Heaven', 2,200 steps lead up to small alpine tarns, with Mount Cook, the Hooker Valley and glaciers spread out below.
The Sealy Tarns Track branches off from the Kea Point Track and climbs about 600 m along the Sealy ridge via roughly 2,200 timber and stone steps. It takes about 2 hours one way and 3–4 hours return, and is physically demanding. At the end are several small alpine tarns. On clear days, they reflect Mount Cook. You can look over the Hooker Valley, the Mueller Glacier and Mount Cook Village. It is the best half-day hike for views of Mount Cook. You can continue up to Mueller Hut. Admission is free. Bring plenty of water and a windproof layer. It is not recommended in winter, when the track may be snow-covered.
Opening hours
All day (daytime)
Nearby sights
- Mueller Hut Route
- Kea Point Track
- The Hermitage & Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
- Aoraki / Mount Cook
- Aoraki Mount Cook Scenic Flights
- Tasman Glacier & Tasman Lake
- Peters Lookout
- Lake Alexandrina