The hike up to the summit of Mt. Wakefield in the majestic Mt. Cook area of New Zealand is a challenging one but also very rewarding for the amazing views. This epic day trek is for hikers with experience and is quite challenging with rugged scree ridgelines, thick bush, tree roots and very narrow paths, but it offers jaw-dropping views of glaciers, valleys, and the towering peak of Mt. Cook in the distance. The trail begins where the pin is located in this guide. Look for a pullover just past the bridge on the Tasman Lake Road, and you will set a pathway that leads into the scrub. The track begins with a steep climb through thick scrub, leading to a narrow rocky ridge that winds its way to the summit. With stunning panoramas and thrilling scrambles along exposed sections, this hike is a must-do for experienced hikers and photographers wanting a different view over Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Photography info: to get the photo location I took these shots at you don't need to go to the summit of Mount Wakefield, you can see this view of Mount Sefton and Mueller Lake not far past the climb and rocky plateau which you'll tackle after a flatter area of grass and moss which is a good spot to pitch your tent. I had full plans to camp up here but the thick snowfall that the park had experienced the few days prior meant that I wasn't prepared for the minus degree temperatures, so I went there and back in the same day.

I took these shots in the later afternoon but this spot is actually perfect for sunrise with the peaks being lit with the early morning sun. Take your wide angle (16-35mm) and mid range zoom lens with you (24-70mm or similar).

As mentioned, this hike isn't easy and is very steep, and is also in an alpine area that gets a lot of snow, so please check the weather forecast beforehand and only attempt if you are experienced.