As you head down the path from the public shelter, the path will split in two with the Governors Bush Walk.

Follow the sign for Red Tarns (left) and you will come to Black Birch Stream over which there is a bridge to cross. After the bridge, the path is steep and has steps most of the way. At first, you will be surrounded by a thick forest which will peter out the higher you go to reveal the views of the valley. 

Above halfway up the track, there is a small stream between two rocks. It is extremely refreshing to wash your hands and face with—especially after working up a sweat! As this water comes from the mountains, go ahead and have a drink from it as well.

Red Tarns track is quite unique because it is the only track that lets you see the waterfall from which Black Birch Stream flows. As you’re climbing, you’ll start seeing it to your right once the trees clear. 

At the top of the track, there is a bench waiting for you so you can soak in the views and/or the fading sun. You can happily watch Mount Cook turn pink from the top of Red Tarns.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Mt Cook, South Island, New Zealand
  • Time needed: 2 hour walk
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Bikes allowed: No
  • Route: Return
  • Elevation: 300m
  • Wet Feet: Yes, after snow or heavy rain
  • Toilets: There are toilets at the public shelter, located at the start of the walk.
  • Dogs: No, dogs are not allowed in the Mount Cook National Park.
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes, very good
  • Last Updated: April, 2020

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Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

The track offers a panoramic view of the village and the mountains, as well as a view of the otherwise-hidden Black Birch waterfall.

Track Quality

The track is maintained and cared for by the Department of Conservation.

Hazards

Steps

Transport

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is only accessible by care or tour buses including GreatSights, Clark’s and the Cook Connection. There is no public transportation within the National Park.

Water

The public shelter has drinkable tap water.

Driving Instructions

The start of the walk is the public shelter, which has a car park.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

The Hermitage hotel offers a buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel also has an a la carte restaurant for dinner, and a cafe that runs from 8:30am to 4:30pm. There is also a gift shop and museum in the hotel. The Mount Cook Lodge and Motels has a pub and grill that opens at 3pm and serves food until 10pm. The Old Mountaineer’s Cafe runs from 10am to 7:30pm but shuts between 3:30pm and 5:00pm. These are all located in the village.

Area & Trail History

The national park and its famous mountain gets its name from Maori legend. Aoraki and his three brothers, the sons of Rakinui, the Sky father, set out on a discovery of the Earth Mother in their canoe. The canoe was struck by a reef. The brothers climbed onto the top of the canoe and they froze and turned to stone. The South Island of New Zealand represents the canoe, while the brothers are the Southern Alps—the tallest being Aoraki (Mount Cook). European settlers changed the name of the mountain from Aoraki to Mount Cook, but the mountain was once more renamed Aoraki Mount Cook to acknowledge its Maori heritage. The mountain has also been climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary, who went on to climb Mount Everest. The Red Tarns Track itself does not have any significant history.

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