The Mueller Hut is one of the more accessible alpine huts within Aotearoa. Boasting views over several glacial lakes and Aotearoa’s highest peak, Mt Cook, it has some of the best scenery from a hut and is definitely one of the best overnight hikes in the South Island.
Time to complete
2 Days
Accommodation style
Back-country hut OR Camping
Track type
Out and back - Return via same track
Distance
19km
Difficulty
Medium - Advanced
Bookings required
Yes
Spend the night at the spectacular Mueller Hut
Marvel at the dramatic Mueller and Tasman glaciers from above
See the famous Sealy Tarns
Climb the small peak Mount Ollivier behind the hut
Incredible views of Aoraki Mount Cook, Aotearoa’s tallest mountain
Boasting views over several glacial lakes and Aotearoa’s highest peak, Mt Cook, it has some of the best scenery from a hut and is definitely one of the best overnight hikes in the South Island. It’s perilous location has seen 4 huts destroyed or removed over the years and the current hut has seen planning and investments to ensure it lasts much longer.
I had this spot on my list for a fair few years and on two separate occasions I couldn’t make the journey due to weather so be sure you check in with the DOC office before setting out, regardless of the season and forecast!
Track condition
-The walk is mostly up hill with a mixture of stairs and rocky paths
-Route finding over the range is generally quite easy walking between poles with some rock hopping to be undertaken in small sections
Optionals
-Mt Ollivier behind the hut at almost 2000m is an easy climb from the hut
There are a good amount of carparks at the trailhead located next to the camp ground.
Trail start/finish location: White Horse Hill Campsite
-Huts:
Mueller Hut is a modern ‘Great Walk’ quality serviced hut with great facilities. Gas cookers provided.
-Camping:
It is possible to camp in a few spots around the hut however it is very exposed
-Booking:
Note bookings are required in the warmer months
-Back-country hut pass:
Can not be used
I went here in May and had relatively balmy weather however even in winter the temperature can drop. Always be prepared for the worse even with a favourable forecast given the mountainous terrain.
Summer Alpine | Example packing list
Spring / Autumn Alpine | Example packing list
Given the elevation and location it can be unsafe even with crampons and ice axes. Check in with the local Department of Conservation office before attempting and they can inform you of any track closures and avalanche danger.
Department of conservation website | AorakiNational Park Weather
9.5km | 2.5-4 Hours
1.25-2hr | Sealy Tarns
The track starts with a small flat section but this quickly changes to a relentless climb up many many stairs with only a few small flat sections towards the end. Total elevation gain is 600m to the Tarns. There is a further 400m elevation gain to Mueller Hut.
1.25-2hr | Mueller Hut
Heading up from the tarns the orange poles need to be followed. There are no longer stairs but a mixture of switchback paths, rocks that form natural steps, and some large boulders to navigate across in one small section. Just before the ridge is a scree slope that needs to be sidled and a final small slope up to the ridge. The track really flattens out here for a while crossing over rocky terrain with sporadic gravel paths between before a final small elevation gain to the Hut.
Optionals
-Climb up Mt Ollivier behind the hut (30-45min return)
9,5km | 2-4 Hours
4-5hours
Day 2 involves heading back to the carpark via the same trail. It’s much quicker heading down but in wet weather care should be taken.
Aoraki Mt Cook
Loo with a view
A diverse landscape with pristine alpine lakes and several mountain passes to navigate
A great walk journey from alpine peaks to the sea
