Tramping the Mueller Hut Route, New Zealand

On my way

A trek for any seasoned hiker (called tramping in New Zealand) is the Mueller Hut Route on Sealy Range which is at 1800 meters or to put it in perspective is half the distance to the summit of the Aoraki/Mount Cook ( which on a good clear day you will see during this journey). There are six different grades of tracks but i have opted for the toughest and as the brochure says...complete self sufficiency  is required. The paths consisted of alpine scrub, herb fields, a challenging steep/rocky and muddy unformed routes, plus also meant i had to cross unbridged rivers or streams. To help you guide your way please follow the orange markers!! ( every few hundred meters) as its tempting to wander off to see the alpine flowers & parrots (Kea), vertical rock faces etc, but you need to respect nature for the delicate ecosystem and for your own safety. Now from the National Park visitors centre you'll get to the Sealy Tarns onto Mueller Hut in approx 4hours. So if planning an overnight stay you can book ahead this cabin (this is the latest of five built which two were swept away

by a wet snow avalanche's) but you will need to bring your own gear for cooking/eating  and of course food, but it has most other amenities (holds up to 28 adults)

  and also provided are bunkbeds, solar powered lights and gas stoves. From here you will get to see great panoramic views of glaciers, ice cliffs and some of New Zealand's highest peaks which one, Mt Ollivier was Sir Edmond Hilliary's first summit before Everest. Myself i decided to return same day, so it took 6-7 hours in total but what an experience that i would recommend to anyone!

Need to respect nature