Red Tarns Track (and beyond)
Type: Out and back
Distance: 3.6 km (2.2 miles) (more if go beyond)
Elevation change: 335 meters (approximately 1099 feet) (more if go beyond)
Optional: you can continue hiking up off-trail
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| Red Tarns |
In the afternoon, we hiked to Red Tarns. This track start at Mount Cook Village. This Village has some hotels and cottages. No campers can stay these and still can hike.
On this track, again, there are a log of stairs to the tarns. Literally there are continuous steps. The hike starts with crossing river with bridge and immediately the first set of stairs show up. Then, stairs stairs stairs. Very soon the forest part finished and you will go beyond the bush line. There are continuous gorgeous mountain views. Ah. So. Pretty. I felt I was paid off way beyond by coming all the way to New Zealand. Also it was lucky to have two consecutive perfect sunny days in Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park.
Only thing I realized what I need to be careful on a sunny day in New Zealand is....UV!!!
Usually I don't get a sign of sunburn, such as red skin. I just get tanned color of skin on the next day of hike if I don't put enough sunscreen. On this day I found that my arm where I forgot to put sunscreen was becoming red. Wow. UV is extremely strong in NZ. I heard that there are holes somewhere at south on the ozone layer (near antarctica), and it affects NZ (however, I don't know very well). From this day I put sunscreen everywhere frequently.
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| Above Red Tarn |
The original destination was Red Tarns, but we saw a hiker going up further from Red Tarns. Not clear, but there was an abandoned or some used trail was seen from Red Tarns. I got interested. I suggested Mr.N going there and he said no. After a break at Red Tarns, I suggested again and Mr.N agreed on going. It is not an official track, but it seems some hardcore people go. If you are good at finding a trail, you will see the track on the right picture. During we climb this portion, a group of 7-8 was descending. It was obviously a guided group: a guide, probably New Zealand local guy, and probably international hikers (they seemed late 60s or 70s: impressive doing unofficial track).
Mr.N asked a guide guy, "Do you know where this trail go?"
The guy kindly answered, "It doesn't really go anywhere, most people go to tarns at the top, it is really pretty there."
Mr.N thanked, "Great, thank you very much."
The guy replied, "No worries."
He was very friendly and nice. All NZ people said, "no worries" in response to "thank you". During the trip 100%, no exception, people said it.
It is obviously NZ English and I loved it.
AND....above Red Tarn was amazing. Both me and Mr.N's one of the highlights of the entire NZ trip is this region. It is very secluded, peaceful, and beautiful.
First, There was a view of Tasman Glacier Valley. One of the greatest spots to see in Mount Cook/Aoraki National park. From that point, nobody was there and we were able to see the view very peacefully. I took off shoes and enjoyed the view by laying down on the grass. Comfy. Priceless!
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| Tasman Glacier Valley |
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| Pretty Tarn |
Also there are many tarns in this meadow area. Snow and glacier mountains over the numerous tarns in the meadow was really pretty.
After we enjoyed the view we came down to the Mount Cook Village and and headed for the final small hike of the day. It is nice to have a long daylight. The sunrise is 5:20 a.m, and the sunset is 9:20 p.m. in December in NZ, meaning a lot of time for hiking.
Tasman Glacier Lookout
Type: Out and back
Distance: 1-2 km (1.6-3.2 miles)
Elevation change: 100 meters (approximately 328 feet)
This is a short hike without minimal elevation change. It is very popular for all level of hikers. We came here around 5 p.m., so it was not crowded. Probably normal hikers who don't camp but stay at hotel are already headed out for dinners.
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| Tasman Glacier |
In this hike now we saw Tasman Glacier Valley close. From the basin above red tarn, we looked way down the Tasman Glacier Valley. It is a different angle. Glacier is massive and cool. The lake color is grayish because it is very close to glacier.
Still immense, but the glacier size is rapidly shrinking due to global warming. The place I took picture was all covered with ice before. Sad. The future of NZ glaciers are unknown, but they are shrinking way faster than expected.
Ball Hut Route (CLOSED: as of 2019 December)
Type: Out and back
Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles)
Elevation change: 120 meters (approximately 394 feet)
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| Leaving Aoraki |
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| Free campsite with full moon |
This is the track along the Tasman Lake toward the glacier. We had planned to do as a day hike, but due to 2019 December storm, the track was washed out. Due to this situation, we did all the attractive hikes in Mount Cook/Aoraki in 2 days.We decided to leave this area in the evening and camped in the free camping area from 1 hour away from the Aoraki. Driving near Aoraki National Park was pretty. These are very New Zealand-ish view. Beautiful mountains and pretty meadow with sheep. Cute sheep were resting after dinner. Lucky sheep.
On this day we luckily found free camping area. Even after sunset around 9:20 p.m., full moon was there and still we didn't need to use headlamps at all.
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