Complete Three Famous Hiking Trails in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand in One Day Without Pain.

1. Hooker Valley Track Difficulty: Easy Distance: 10 km (round trip) Time: About 3 hours This is the most popular hiking trail in Mt. Cook, offering views of glacial rivers, three suspension bridges, and spectacular valley scenery, ending at Hooker Lake where you can see the reflection of Mt. Cook in the lake. The trail is flat and well-maintained, suitable for all ages. 2. Sealy Tarns Track Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Distance: 5.8 km (round trip) Time: About 3-4 hours This trail features 2,200 steps, earning it the nickname 'New Zealand's Stair Master.' It offers views over Hooker Valley and ends at Sealy Tarns, an alpine lake with stunning reflections of Mt. Cook on clear days. Though short, the trail is steep and physically demanding. 3. Kea Point Track Difficulty: Easy Distance: 3 km (round trip) Time: About 1 hour This is the easiest option, starting from White Horse Hill Campground and following a flat path to Kea Point Lookout, offering views of Mueller Glacier and Mt. Cook. It's perfect for those with limited time or average fitness. How to Complete All Three Trails in One Day? Suggested Itinerary: 1. 8:00 AM: Start with Hooker Valley Track, spending 3 hours round trip to enjoy the stunning views of Hooker Lake. 2. 11:30 AM: Take a break at the parking lot, rehydrate and have some food. 3. 12:30 PM: Challenge Sealy Tarns Track, spending about 3-4 hours to reach the top and enjoy the views. 4. 4:30 PM: Return to the ground and recover. 5. 5:00 PM: Finish with the easy Kea Point Track, ending the day with views of Mt. Cook at sunset. 6. 6:00 PM: Return to the parking lot, completing a perfect day of hiking! This itinerary is suitable for physically fit hikers. If it feels too strenuous, you can opt for Hooker Valley + Kea Point for a more relaxed experience.