Red Tarns Track is a short but steep hike located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. This trail travels part way up Sebastopol to a group of tarns. This out and back hike is 2.3 miles long and gains 1,082 feet of elevation.
This hike starts from the Governors Bush Track parking area. There are bathrooms at the trailhead. Begin hiking south on Governors Bush Track. You will be walking along preserved bush. This is the only flat portion of the hike.
After 0.2 miles, you will come to a junction and go left onto Red Tarns Track. Another 0.1 miles will bring you to a bridge over Black Birch Stream. Begin hiking steeply uphill. There are many stairs on this section of the hike. There is also a bench part of the way up the trail that is a great place to stop for a rest. As you trek up the steep trail, you will be rewarded with better and better views of Hooker Valley.
After 0.7 miles of switchbacks and stairs, you will reach the Red Tarns. There are a few informational signs here. The tarns get their name from a red colored pondweed that grows here. It is quite rare to find this weed growing at such a high altitude. Past the tarns, you will be able to see up to the summit of Sebastopol. Mount Oliver is visible to the west. You also have stunning views of Mount Cook Village, Hooker Valley, and Mueller Lake. On a clear day, Mount Wakefield and Aoraki/Mount Cook are visible. After you have taken in the views and walked around the tarns, retrace your steps to return to the parking area.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is open for hiking year round. There are no associated fees to hike here. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
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