New Zealand’s Mueller Hut route has an extremely high reward vs effort ratio! Sleeping in a hut perched in the mountains surrounded by glaciers is an experience thought to be reserved only for experienced mountaineers, however in summer the Mueller Hut route is possible for anyone with a decent level of fitness. No equipment needed. But – to enjoy this hike it is best to plan ahead.
Planning
The route is much easier and safer in summer (December–February). In winter (June–August), you’ll need a decent level of mountaineering experience and know how to use an ice axe and crampons, and be aware of avalanche risks. The shoulder seasons are also best reserved for those with more experience as wintery conditions can still be present. Even in summer there will still be snow at Mueller Hut.
Booking a Bunk
In summertime you need to reserve a bunk via the Department of Conservation (DOC)’s website here. Cost is NZ$45 per night per person for adults. In winter you don’t need to book ahead but you still need to pay. DOC also allows you to camp outside of Mueller Hut free-of-charge.
Backup Plan
The Mueller Hut is at 1800 metres, which means the weather up there can be completely different to the weather down at the start of the route. Also, unless you’re experienced, you may get part-way up and decide it’s not for you, which is quite all right, but it’s best to have a backup plan in case that happens (or in case of an injury). I left my tent pitched at the White Horse Hill campground (where I’d camped the previous night), so that I could have slept there if I didn’t make it up to the hut. Make sure to book online first.
Packing
Unsurprisingly, given that it is perched at the top of a mountain, the hut has the bare minimum (wooden bunks with plastic mattresses), so you’ll need to pack your own water, food, sleeping bag, toilet paper, rubbish bag etc. DOC have a good list here. And remember, even if it’s baking hot down at the village, it will be COLD at night up there, even in summer – so pack warm layers!
Checking in with DOC
Everyone attempting the route must check in with the Department of Conservation (DOC) at Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre in Mount Cook Village before they begin the hike. This is so that DOC are aware of numbers in case of a weather event etc.
Start
You can find the start of the route via Kea Point Track, outside the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre or at White Horse Hill car park. Follow this track until you get to the Sealy Tarns turnoff. Start off early in the day so that you have enough daylight hours to reach the hut without having to rush.
Route – Sealy Tarns
The first part of the route can be done as a day hike in its own right. It’s essentially a direct climb up seemingly endless stairs until you reach the beautiful Sealy Tarns (mountain lakes). The views are absolutely stunning though! This is your half-way point and a good spot for lunch.
Route – The Ascent
After Sealy Tarns the route gets a bit trickier, and at points you need to be willing to scramble on hands and feet over loose scree. There are regular orange markers along the entire route to guide you – make sure that you spot the next marker before leaving the current one.
The Hut
The Mueller Hut contains 28 bunk beds. There is a separate toilet building outside with drop (non-flush) toilets. The water is untreated so must be boiled before use.
Route Down
The route down is fairly straightforward. (Although go slow down the scree slope). But I found that the endless stairs right at the end completely ravaged my leg muscles – definitely the worst bit!
After
Mount Cook village is fairly remote. Consider staying another night there or be prepared to drive at least an hour to your next destination. In summer it stays light quite late.
Money in New Zealand (NZD)
The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). To get the best rates, I highly recommend getting a WISE card before you go. This allows you to convert money into NZD (or any other currency!) at the best rates and then use your card as a debit card or withdraw cash in New Zealand without hidden fees. Wise is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).
Get your WISE card here.
Travel Insurance
Make sure that you have travel insurance to cover you for your trip. I can highly recommend Heymondo. I use them to cover me for all my trips and their app is very easy to use.
Purchase Heymondo travel insurance here.
Love this one! We did this as a day hike, but I would have loved to stay up there like you did. It is SUCH a fabulous area isn’t it!
Very impressed when people manage to do the whole hike in one day!! Yes it’s so beautiful up there I’d love to go again one day 🙂