Kea Point Track

Getting There

Mount Cook Village sits at the end of State Highway 80, about 100 km north of Twizel. There’s no public transport into the national park itself, so you’ll need a car or a seat on one of the coach services. GreatSights, Clark’s, and the Cook Connection all run services to the village.

From Twizel, head north on SH8, turn onto SH80 at Lake Pukaki, and follow the road alongside the lake for about 55 km. The drive itself is worth the trip, with the turquoise blue of Lake Pukaki alongside you and Aoraki/Mount Cook growing larger through the windscreen around every bend.

The road divides just before the village, with one fork heading to Mount Cook Village and the other to White Horse Hill Campground.

• Village start: Park at or near the Hermitage Hotel. The track begins off Terrace Road, down a short flight of steps and across a stream. GPS: -43.7351, 170.0963
• White Horse Hill start: Follow the campground road to the car park. The track joins the main route from here. GPS: -43.7282, 170.0907
• Parking fees at White Horse Hill: DOC introduced paid parking here from December 2025. Fees are $5 per hour or $25 per day, card only, no cash. If you arrive and leave within 20 minutes, parking is free. An annual permit is available online for frequent visitors. Starting from the village avoids the parking fee altogether.

The Walk Directions

From the village, the first section is a flat, winding path that alternates between well-laid gravel and wooden boardwalks. The landscape moves between patches of subalpine scrub and open grassland, with mountain views opening up regularly. After heavy rain, there’s a stream crossing near the start that can be ankle-deep. In dry conditions it’s just a rock bed.

After 20 to 30 minutes you’ll reach a trail map sign. The path widens from here, and shortly after you’ll hit the junction where the Sealy Tarns and Mueller Hut tracks branch off to the left. Keep right and follow the Kea Point signs.

From the junction the vegetation changes and the track begins to climb steadily. It’s not steep but there’s a consistent incline for the final section. The path narrows and threads through a gap in a rock wall before opening out onto the viewing deck.

At the top, Mueller Lake spreads out directly below, its milky glacial colour coming from fine rock particles suspended in the meltwater. Icebergs from the Mueller Glacier are often visible floating in the lake. Mount Sefton fills the skyline to one side, and Aoraki/Mount Cook rises behind the valley. It’s a good spot to sit and have lunch before heading back.

Return the same way.

What You’ll See

The scenery changes constantly despite the short distance. In the lower section, frost-covered tussock and low alpine scrub line the path. Higher up, the landscape becomes increasingly rocky as you approach the Mueller Glacier moraine wall.

• Mount Sefton dominates the skyline for most of the outward walk, its steep rock faces and hanging glaciers visible almost the whole way
• The Footstool peak sits close by
• Aoraki/Mount Cook comes fully into view near the top, its snow-covered ridges framing the head of the Hooker Valley
• Mueller Lake spreads out from the viewing deck, milky blue with glacial flour, often with icebergs floating in it
• Mueller Glacier moraine wall forms the dramatic backdrop directly behind the lake

The early light on the peaks is something else. If you can get up there in the morning before the clouds build, the colours on the snow and ice are extraordinary.

Good to Know

• Winter conditions: Icy patches form in shaded sections after overnight frosts, particularly in the morning before the sun reaches the path. Microspikes or poles are useful for winter visits. Snow can fall at any time of year at this altitude.
• Weather: Conditions change quickly in alpine environments. Always check the forecast before heading out. The DOC Visitor Centre in Mount Cook Village has up-to-date track conditions, avalanche forecasts, and closure information.
• What to bring: Even in summer, temperatures at altitude are significantly cooler than down in the valley. A windproof layer is always worth packing. In winter, warm layers and waterproof gear are essential, along with sturdy footwear.
• Stream crossing: Starting from the village, the stream crossing near the trailhead can be deep after heavy rain or snowmelt. Check with DOC if conditions are uncertain.
• Wet feet: Possible in the lower section after rain or heavy snowmelt.
• No dogs: Dogs are not permitted anywhere in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
• Drones: Unauthorised drone use is prohibited. A permit is required to fly.

Food and Facilities

• The Hermitage Hotel has a cafe from 8:30am to 4:30pm, a buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and an a la carte restaurant for dinner. The Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe and Bar is a popular spot to warm up after the walk.
• The Old Mountaineer’s Cafe runs from 10am to 7:30pm with a break mid-afternoon. Well known among walkers and a good option for a post-walk coffee.
• Mount Cook Lodge and Motels has a pub and grill open from 3pm.
• Toilets are available at the village public shelter, the Hermitage Hotel, and White Horse Hill Campground.
• Tap water is available at the village shelter, Hermitage Hotel, and campground.

Other Walks Nearby

The Hooker Valley Track is the most popular walk at Mount Cook, but as of mid-2026 the upper section remains closed while a new 189-metre suspension bridge is built over the Hooker River. The new bridge is expected to open in late July or early August 2026. Until then, you can walk as far as Mueller Lake Lookout, roughly a 1-hour return from the carpark, but can’t reach the terminal lake. Check the DOC website for the latest before you go.

The Sealy Tarns Track branches off from the same junction as Kea Point and is a much more demanding climb, but the views from the tarns are outstanding. Allow 3 to 4 hours return.

• Hooker Valley Track
• Mt Cook Walks