She’s a popular one and for good reason. But before we get into it, here’s a quick disclaimer: this is an alpine track and it does require some proper tramping experience. It’s super popular with tourists and you’ll see plenty of photos online, but don’t be fooled, just because influencers (myself included) don’t show the tough bits, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. This hike gets real, especially in winter.

I’d only recommend tackling it in summer unless you’ve got alpine experience. Snow makes this trail way harder and you’ll need proper gear like crampons and an ice axe, plus the skills to use them safely.

Alright, let’s unpack it. The track starts from White Horse Hill Campground and is 5.2 km each way (10.4 km return) with about 1,000 metres of elevation gain. It kicks off with the 2,200 stairs to Sealy Tarns, which some call the “easy part” but personally, I find that bit the worst. Stairs are such a brain-numbing grind. After that, the fun starts and you hit the rocky section where you’re scrambling over boulders, navigating alpine scrub, and keeping an eye out for snow patches, depending on the season.

I actually liked the rocky part more, you’ve got to concentrate, and the scenery changes up as you climb. It’s steep and relentless, but the payoff? Insane. Once you reach Mueller Hut after about 3–4 hours, you’re treated to massive glacier views, Mueller Lake down below, and of course, Aoraki/Mount Cook looming in the distance. The hut itself sits in such a surreal, high-alpine spot it almost doesn’t feel real.

Most people do this as a day hike, but if you’re up for it, you can stay overnight just make sure to book ahead because it’s $50 a night and fills up fast in summer. Facilities are basic, but honestly, watching the sunset or sunrise from up there would be next level.

Tough trail, but if you’re up for the challenge, it’s hands-down one of my favourites in the South Island. Just respect the conditions and don’t push it if the weather turns.