Red Tarns Track

Follow the track downhill from the public shelter to cross the bridge over Black Birch Stream and then climb steeply to the Red Tarns. The vegetation changes as you ascend from the valley floor to a superb panoramic viewpoint of the valleys below, the village and Aoraki/Mount Cook.

The tarns are named for the red pond weed that grows in them. An aptly placed seat allows you to recover your breath and enjoy the views. This is a magnificent spot to view the sunset in summer.

The track is steep and mainly stepped. There is a 300 m height gain.

The track starts at the public shelter on Bowen Drive, in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.

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.

Drone use on conservation land