Climb the 'stairway to heaven' to Sealy Tarns, and enjoy spectacular views and alpine flowers.
Dubbed the 'stairway to heaven', 2,200 steps take you straight up to the freshwater lakes of Sealy Tarns. This energetic walk provides spectacular views of the Hooker valley and peaks of the area, including Aoraki/Mount Cook. An abundance of alpine flowers in summer and the views from the tarns make the effort worthwhile.
The track is steep and stepped. There is a height gain of 600 m.
The track branches off the Kea Point Track, in Aoraki/Mount Cook village.
The Kea Point Track starts on Terrace Road near the Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre, or at White Horse Hill Campground at the end of the Hooker Valley Road.
In winter this track can be extremely icy; ice axe/crampons may be required to access the tarns, avalanche risk may exist. Call in to the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre for advice on conditions.
No unauthorised drone use in the national park
Unauthorised use of drones is prohibited. You must have a permit to fly a drone.
DOC does not generally approve permits to fly drones in this national park and we do not recommend you apply for one.
