Sealy Tarns Stairs
Also known as: Stairway to Heaven
Sealy Tarns - "the stairway to heaven" with Aoraki/Mt Cook reflected in the tarns
The route
The line through Aoraki/Mount Cook NP, New Zealand - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Nov-Apr (snow-free)
Alpine wind and cold; icy steps in shoulder seasons
Snow-free ~Nov-Apr; icy steps otherwise. Confirm.
On the trail
~2,200 built steps up to a tarn shelf
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
Kea (alpine parrot - will raid packs/cars), NZ robins, tomtits
Popular
Continue to Mueller Hut (see HK-NZ-0006); turn around at the tarns
Getting there & staying
White Horse Hill, Mount Cook Village
Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Mount Cook Village; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
No permit; Aoraki/Mt Cook NP; the day-hike portion of the Mueller Hut route
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
The endless steps, cold, ice
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.