Less Talking, More Walking

Mueller Hut Route

In 2012, we spent three months exploring New Zealand, where trails are tracks and hiking is tramping. Sometimes we camped in our tent, and sometimes we stayed in huts provided by the Department of Conservation (DOC). In March, we spent two days and one night on the Mueller Hut Route in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. John was 59 and I was 57.

The track is initially well formed but later becomes an unmaintained, rocky and quite steep route. But the higher we got, …

Mueller Glacier Lake seen from the Mueller Hut Route in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Mueller Glacier Lake seen from the Mueller Hut Route in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

… the better the views.

Mount Cook (12,316 feet) seen from the Mueller Hut Route in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Mount Cook (12,316 feet) seen from the Mueller Hut Route in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

The track bends around the Sealy Range, providing changing views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Seen from the Mueller Hut Route in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Seen from the Mueller Hut Route in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

The Mueller Hut is well situated and offers incredible views of Mount Sefton (10,338 feet) and the Mueller Glacier.

The Mueller Hut in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
The Mueller Hut in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

At one point, we were startled by a deep rumbling sound. We watched an avalanche on Mount Sefton.

Avalanche on Mount Sefton seen from the Mueller Hut in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Avalanche on Mount Sefton seen from the Mueller Hut in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

We had a lovely view of Mount Cook in the golden evening light.

Mount Cook seen from the Mueller Hut Route in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Mount Cook seen from the Mueller Hut Route in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

The next morning, John, along with several others, got up early and hiked up nearby Mount Ollivier in time for sunrise. I got up later and enjoyed my tea and the view from the warmth of the hut.

Mount Sefton, Mueller Hut and Mount Cook seen from Mount Ollivier in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Mount Sefton, Mueller Hut and Mount Cook seen from Mount Ollivier in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Once the sun was up, nearly everyone else returned to the hut to get warmed up. However, John stayed up there longer. He said the views, especially of the Tasman River valley below, kept getting better as the sun got a bit higher.

Early morning view of the Tasman River valley from Mount Ollivier in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Early morning view of the Tasman River valley from Mount Ollivier in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Our time at the Mueller Hut provided us with our best opportunity to observe keas, an improbable alpine parrot. These cheeky birds are extremely intelligent, curious and frequently destructive. They will also steal anything. I saw one grab a toothbrush out of a fellow’s mouth.

One of several keas who spend their days looking for something to steal from unsuspecting trampers at the Mueller Hut in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
One of several keas who spend their days looking for something to steal from unsuspecting trampers at the Mueller Hut in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

This may have been a short trip, …

Mount Cook and Hooker Lake in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Mount Cook and Hooker Lake in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

… but what it lacked in length, it made up for with views.

All photos from this trip are on Flickr.

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