Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the public shelter on Bowen Drive in the village, follow the footpath south and down to the bridge over Black Birch Stream. Across it the Red Tarns Track climbs steeply, mostly on steps, through scrub and tussock to a group of small tarns on the hillside above the village, named after the red pondweed that grows in them. A seat by the tarns looks across the village to the Hooker Valley and Aoraki/Mount Cook; it is a favourite place at sunset. Return the same way.
It is 3.7 km there and back with 313 m of ascent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: short but steep, mostly on steps.
The steps can be icy or snowy in winter. DOC rates the track as simple avalanche terrain, but the slopes beyond the tarns towards Mount Sebastopol are more serious ground: turn at the seat, as this walk does. The weather changes quickly here in any season, so carry a warm layer even for a short walk.
The walk starts in the village itself, so there is no car park fee: the car park beside the public shelter is free, and DOC asks drivers to use only the marked parking areas in the village. Once you are in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village you need no car.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The tarns take their name from the red pondweed that grows in them
- The track gains about 300 m in under 2 km, most of it on steps
- From the seat by the tarns the view runs across the village to the Hooker Valley and Aoraki/Mount Cook
- The walk starts in the village itself, so there is no car park fee
Getting there
Start: Public shelter car park, Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. -43.73677, 170.09651
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Public shelter car park: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
