The Sealy Tarns Track is one of the most incredible walks I've ever done. It will leave your legs burning (okay, on fire), but every single step is worth it for what's at the top. I am not often speechless (seriously, ask Mathew!), but the views were too impressive for my brain to comprehend.

The track is very well maintained but steep—really steep! If you've done the Tongariro Crossing, I'd loosely compare it to the "Devil's Staircase" section on that trail. Or, if you've hiked Roy's Peak, I'm pleased to tell you it's not as hard as that!

Although there’s almost no flat ground to catch your breath, it's doable for anyone who can walk uphill for 1.5 hours or has enough determination to make it to the top! If you're travelling in a group and worried about the distance, I recommend suddenly taking up professional photography and "stopping to take a photo" every 5 minutes. You'll be at the top before you know it!

Track overview

Difficulty: Hard

Length: 6km return

Time: 3 hours return

The track starts from the same place as the White Horse Hill DOC campsite. You can also walk from Mount Cook Village, but it adds extra distance. The first section is flat and easy before you reach the Kea Point turnoff. If you want to check out Kea Point (3km return), I recommend doing this first. The views from Sealy Tarns are unreal and seeing Kea Point afterwards might leave you a little disappointed if you do it the other way around.

The track turns into a steady uphill climb through the bush from the junction before reaching a bench. This is your official warning sign that the real workout is about to begin! From here, it’s 2,200 steps to the top!

Even though it’s tough, it’s so, so rewarding. Every time you look back, the scenery gets more jaw-dropping, and soon Hooker Lake and the entire Hooker Valley will come into view. If you need an excuse to stop, there’s a rocky viewpoint just over 1km up. If you push on, the last section is less steep (not flat, but it feels like it in comparison).

Finally, you’ll reach the top, where a stunning alpine tarn reflects the mountains. There’s even a picnic table, making it one of the most scenic lunch spots in the world!

If you want the "Instagram famous" shot, there is a small, well-trodden trail from the left-hand side of the picnic table to the edge of the tarn. If you do walk down here, PLEASE keep to the track.

The descent is easy, though it can get icy in winter. If the climb sounds too intense, try Red Tarns Track instead—it’s half the height but still offers incredible views.

Safety warnings

I do not recommend attempting this track outside of the Great Walk season unless you're very fit and a confident hiker. This part of the country is wet and covered in ice and snow from March to November (and often other times of the year, too). It's an exposed mountain range and should be treated with caution. DOC's official guidance is to check the conditions as it gets incredibly icy, and an ice axe and crampons may be required to access the tarns.

If you're not confident, choose alternative walks such as the Hooker Valley Track (reopening mid-2026), Key Point or Tasman Glacier.

Please read my hiking safety tips for more info :)