This track is one of the most underrated tracks (and one of our favourite) in Aoraki Mt Cook. The track takes you up the mountain side to the red tarns, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views across the Mt Cook National Park. Prepare for a lot of stairs as this track is mostly stairs, with a few gravel sections in between, however it's only approximately a 1 hour climb uphill, with a 300m elevation gain. There is a bench seat to sit on to soak up all the views and have a well-deserved rest after climbing all those stairs (hello burning thighs and calves!). The track gets its name from the group of red tarns (small alpine lakes) named for their unique red algae and there is a boardwalk track that takes you around the lakes. On a still day, you can see the peak of Mt Cook reflected in one of the tarns (unless the tarn is frozen over in winter). This small track around the tarns is only 200m and is flat. The hike is approximately two hours round-trip.

Things to know:

• In winter, this track may be covered in snow and ice which can be slippery.

• It can get super hot on the track during summer and there isn't much shade, so it's best done first thing or late afternoon. We did spot a couple of streams along the track in summer which we found nice to splash the cold water on us to cool off.

• The track has an elevation gain of 300m.

• The nearest toilets to the track are at the Public Shelter on Bowan Drive, where the carpark is.

• As well as stairs, there are some gravel parts of the track and one area which is a giant slab of rock which you need to navigate. It's not on a huge incline so you won't need to bring your rock climbing gear ;)

Track name: Red Tarns Track

Getting there: Follow the track downhill from the public shelter until you reach the bridge over Black Birch Stream. Head over the bridge and this is where the track begins.

Parking: Parking for this track is at the Public Shelter on Bowan Drive in the Mt Cook Village