Hello and welcome! I'm an over fifty menopausal woman with a reasonable fitness level. I wouldn't say I'm unfit but I'm also not going to run any marathons anytime soon! I have short skinny legs so I figure this means I have to take more steps than a long legged person haha. But I'm very grateful for my little legs as they have taken me on a lot of hiking and photography adventures.
So basically what I'm saying is, if I can do it then so can you :)
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Kea Point track, Aoraki Mt Cook, South Island, New Zealand
I've been a little bit reluctant to post about the Kea Point track at Aoraki Mt Cook as I feel like it's a bit of a hidden secret. And I would hate the walk to get as busy as the Hooker Valley walk (which at times can feel like a state highway). But I'll take the risk as it's too good not to share.
Kea Point is named after New Zealand's native bird the kea, presumably because there are keas in the area. In all the times I've visited the area, I have never seen a kea there. But here is a cool picture I took of a kea during a picnic by the viaduct near Arthurs Pass. (by the way you can purchase this photo plus more HERE). Keas are very intelligent but also very cheeky little birds. They love to steal your car keys and even your gopro! Search 'Kea Steals Gopro' on youtube for an amazing video!
Anyway the Kea Point track is an easy short track for a fantastic view of Aoraki Mt Cook. A great track for families and a quick walk if you don't have a lot of time. You may be staying in the campground and are planning to walk the Hooker Valley track the next morning but need a little taster of that magnificent mountain because you just can't wait til the next day.
The 'in between' track you could say.
BUT. It's also a great track in its own right. An amazing reward for minimal effort so to speak.
For the numerous times I have walked the track it's been from the carpark by the White Horse Hill campground. This is the main car park for the start of a few tracks with the most popular being the Hooker Valley track. So the car park can get VERY busy.
The other option is to start the track from the Aoraki Mt Cook village. I haven't done that but I believe it adds another hour or so onto the walk.
The sign from the White Horse campground car park directs you through a little forest path and then head up the steps on the right.
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Which then comes out at a clearing with beautiful scenery of the mountains and a sign warning of avalanche risks. Avalanches are not very likely on the Kea Point walk but it always pays to be aware of all risks when hiking in the mountains.
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That's all the signs for now and the track starts to steadily climb. There are sometimes a few loose stones and rocky bits so I like to keep an eye on where I'm putting my feet. A twisted ankle always ruins a good day out.
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Don't forget to stop and look around once in a while. And just take in the surroundings. Breathe the fresh air. And look up on the mountain to your left to see if you can pick out the people brave enough to climb all those steps to the Sealy Tarns haha.
Before we know it, we're at the end of the track!
At the end of the track there is a viewing platform and a couple of information panels.
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If you look over the lake to the right you can just see one of the swing bridges that's on the Hooker Valley track. I zoomed in with my camera for a better look!
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Aoraki Mt Cook is always the star of the show but don't forget to look around and appreciate the other mountains too. This is Mt Sefton.
People have asked me where the photo in my 'Mariella's Adventures' heading was taken. (OK I lied. Noone has actually asked me that haha. I mean does anyone even read these blogs?!)
It was here at Kea Point standing in front of Mt Sefton.
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We usually hang around just soaking up the views and the serenity for a while, maybe even with a cup of tea and a picnic and then make the trek back. The views going back are also spectacular with views towards the Hermitage Hotel.
And that's it. A nice easy short walk with beautiful views of Aoraki Mt Cook and the surrounding mountains and a lake - what more could you ask for?
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My top tips for walking the Kea Point Track
- Take a pair of binoculars so that you can look up at the people slowly trudging all those steps up to the Sealy Tarns.
- Wear your hiking boots or good walking shoes. I mean you could wear your jandals / sandals / birks but I wouldn't recommend it as you might roll your ankle on some of the stones and that would just ruin your day.
- Put on your sunblock as there is no shade on the walk or at the end of the walk.
- Take a sweater or jacket with you. It might be a nice warm day when you start your walk but in the mountains the weather can change within seconds.
- Early morning or late evening is the best time of the day as the sun is in a better position for taking photos.
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~ PLEASE NOTE: We completed this walk in April 2024 so there may be some changes in how I have described it here. ~
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