Mueller Hut New Zealand: A Must-Visit Destination For Trekkers
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Introduction
Mueller Hut is one of the most popular trekking destinations in New Zealand. Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, it offers stunning views of the Southern Alps and the Mueller Glacier. The hut is named after the first director of the park, Sir William Pember Reeves. The trek to Mueller Hut is a challenging one, but the breathtaking views make it worth the effort. In this article, we will take a closer look at Mueller Hut and why it is a must-visit destination for trekkers.Getting There
Mueller Hut is located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, which is about four hours' drive from Christchurch. The nearest town to the park is Twizel, which is about an hour and a half's drive away. From Twizel, you can take a shuttle to the White Horse Hill Campground, which is the starting point for the trek to Mueller Hut. The trek itself is about 1,000 meters of elevation gain and takes about four to six hours to complete.The Trek
The trek to Mueller Hut is challenging, but the views along the way are breathtaking. The trail starts at the White Horse Hill Campground and follows the Hooker Valley Track for about an hour. The trail then splits, and you can either take the left-hand track to Sealy Tarns or the right-hand track to Mueller Hut. The Sealy Tarns track is steeper, but it offers stunning views of the Hooker Valley. The Mueller Hut track is longer but less steep, and it offers views of the Mueller Glacier and the Southern Alps.Sealy Tarns Track
The Sealy Tarns track is a steep climb up a series of switchbacks. The track is well-maintained, but it can be challenging for those who are not used to hiking. Along the way, you will see stunning views of the Hooker Valley and the surrounding mountains. After about two hours of hiking, you will reach Sealy Tarns, which is a small alpine lake. From Sealy Tarns, you can either continue on to Mueller Hut or return to the White Horse Hill Campground.Mueller Hut Track
The Mueller Hut track is longer but less steep than the Sealy Tarns track. The trail follows a ridge and offers stunning views of the Mueller Glacier and the Southern Alps. Along the way, you will pass through alpine meadows and rocky outcroppings. After about four hours of hiking, you will reach Mueller Hut, which is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters.The Hut
Mueller Hut is a basic alpine hut that can accommodate up to 28 people. The hut has bunk beds, a small kitchen, and a toilet. There is no running water at the hut, so you will need to bring your own water or melt snow. The hut is open from November to April and can be booked online through the Department of Conservation website. The hut is popular, so it is recommended that you book well in advance.The Views
The views from Mueller Hut are simply stunning. From the hut, you can see the Mueller Glacier, the Southern Alps, and the Hooker Valley. The hut is located above the treeline, so there are no trees to obstruct the view. At night, the stars are also visible, and the lack of light pollution makes for excellent stargazing.Tips for Hiking to Mueller Hut
If you are planning to hike to Mueller Hut, here are some tips to help you prepare:- Bring plenty of water or a water filter, as there is no running water at the hut.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop rapidly at higher altitudes.
- Bring a headlamp, as the hut does not have electricity.
- Book the hut well in advance, as it is popular and can fill up quickly.
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