Mueller Hut
Mueller Hut At 1800 metres on the Sealy Range, Mueller Hut provides a 360-degree panorama encompassing glaciers, ice cliffs, vertical rock faces and New Zealand’s highest peaks.
The track and hut is amazing, it takes 3-4 hours to reach the hut. It is a challenging Hike (8/10 for me 😃). 2200 Stairs to hell 😀 is just a first part of the hike to Saily Tarns and after that it gets more tricky- all loose gravel, large rock and snowy ridge to climb over to reach to the top. No real track just organge poles marking the way to the hut but it well-maintianed. This is just small taste of what the Aoraki/ Mt Cook National Park has offered. We encountered a bit deep snow above the steps in our early- Jan. Due to the heavy fog, we didn't get good view of Mt Cook on the way up. However, the Hut was really fantastic and the views were superb. I can't imagine how stunning they are in a clear day.
Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. –Unknown
There were Kea birds on the walk, they were friendly and one came within a meter of us.
The last few hundred metres to Mueller Hut was across firm packed snow and very steep. Take extra care, well, I understood how ill-equipped could kill you when hiking
It was pretty hard to locate the pole some times in the fog
The moment when we thought we lost and the hut magically appear in front of us....yay !!!!
We decided not stay overnight at Mueller Hut and continued to hike to another hut in a day 😲 Luckily, when we got down the weather got clearer and rewarded with gorgeous views.
View over Hooker valley and Muller lake.
Recommend essential things to bring : gears, waterproof shoes, jacket, pants, backpack, headlamps, cooking utensils, foods, cups, cards/ games if you want to stay overnight at the hub. Sleeping bag is a must as no heating in the hub. Definitely check the weather at DOC center before going 😄.
Ball Hut
Ball Hut is a 4.3 kilometer out and back trail located near Mount Cook Village, Canterbury, New Zealand that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and bird watching. This is a standard 3-bunk hut in the Aoraki/Mount Cook area.
Book in advance or Carry a tent as the hut may be full during the peak season
It was unbelievable when 3 of us (girls 😂) made 2 peaks in a day and it was the most unforgettable experience in my life.
We passed by lovely Tasman glacier on our route to the Hut; well, just another beautiful natural wonder of the Canterbury region.
Tasman lake- You can hear the sound of crumbling glacier while walking along the track, one of my best experience on the track 😘
Although I didn't sleep well at all that night, my impression of this experience was great. Wake up in the mountain, see magnificent scenery and tranquillity, relax and admire the majestic wonders and beauty of this landscape. What a jorney !!!
So many amazing places in NZ definitely worth a visit ❤️. Especially, the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a stunning place to drive, walk around and hike.
My previous posts about New Zealand if you want to check out:
Working & Hoiliday in NZ's Tips
Scenic Road Trip In New Zealand
The Charming Beauty Of Four Seasons In New Zealand
NZ's South Island :
Cherry Blossoms, Miyazu Gardens, Nelson
Queenstown and Coolest Attractions Surrounding To See For Free Pt1
More Spectacular Views To See Around Queenstown, New Zealand (Pt2- 26 Photos)
NZ's North Island
Local Farmers Market-Hawke's Bay
Rose Garden, Hastings-Hawke's Bay
Castlepoint Lighthouse and Cape Palliser