Mueller Hut Route is one of the most beautiful walks I have done. As the hut was booked out, we camped at White Horse Hill Campsite (which is at the base of the track) and went up to the hut and back within a day. What makes this route awesome is the proximity to the campsite, combined with short distance, large vertical gain and mild track conditions in good weather. It feels like climbing to the top of the world—no mountaineering experience needed!

Check the weather! It seemed pretty doable on the sunny Saturday we attempted it, but the very next day the weather packed in; crampons were necessary on the route and we wouldn’t have been able to do it in such conditions.

Sealy Tarns viewed from above, with Hooker Lake in the background

The last steep section of the track becomes rocky before rounding the corner

Approach to Mueller Hut. One of my tramping companions had brought a longboard up, because why not?

Hooker Valley during the descent, with Aoraki taking pride of place at the head of the valley. The Mueller Glacier moraine wall sits in front.

Other things

We ventured up the Hooker Valley Track the following day.

There was enough clear sky at night to get some nightscape photos.

We stopped shortly before Aoraki to take some photos across Lake Pukaki. The weather forecast was ominous; sure enough, we arrived at the campsite around 10pm to pouring rain.

Mt Sefton viewed from the campsite. This night was clear and windy.