{"id":687,"date":"2021-11-15T15:48:14","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T15:48:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mueller-hut-hike\/"},"modified":"2024-08-19T16:37:23","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T15:37:23","slug":"mueller-hut-hike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mueller-hut-hike\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Planning Steps To The Mueller Hut Hike In Mount Cook National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mueller-hut-hike\/#A_brief_history_of_the_Mueller_hut\" >A brief history of the Mueller hut<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mueller-hut-hike\/#1_Mueller_Hut_the_hike_description\" >1. Mueller Hut: the hike description<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mueller-hut-hike\/#2_The_hut_amenities\" >2. The hut amenities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mueller-hut-hike\/#3_Is_staying_overnight_in_Mueller_Hut_worth_it\" >3. Is staying overnight in Mueller Hut worth it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mueller-hut-hike\/#4_Making_reservations_for_the_Mueller_hut\" >4. Making reservations for the Mueller hut<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mueller-hut-hike\/#5_Camping_at_Mueller_Hut\" >5. Camping at Mueller Hut<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mueller-hut-hike\/#6_What_can_you_see_along_the_Mueller_hiking_trail\" >6. What can you see along the Mueller hiking trail<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Near the tallest mountain in all the land, in a country far far away, lay a mountain hut unlike no other. It was&nbsp;named Mueller Hut <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hut was named after the nearby Mueller Glacier.&nbsp;The glacier&nbsp;in turn was named after a Danish born Australian scientist who was exploring and documenting some of Australia&#8217;s less frequented ranges, makes perfect sense right?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_brief_history_of_the_Mueller_hut\"><\/span>A brief history of the Mueller hut<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-27-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Mueller Hut Hike - A guide to Mount Cook&#039;s Best Day Hike\" class=\"wp-image-13750\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-27-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-27-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-27-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-27.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Originally built in 1914<\/strong>, the Mueller hut was used as a shelter to explore the glacier. In 1947 it had to be replaced due to deterioration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Between 1947 and 1953 there were 2 more Mueller Huts that were destroyed by avalanches. The longest lasting hut was then built quite close to the one&nbsp;existing today. It was replaced on its 50th birthday in 2003 and the present-day hut was&nbsp;erected.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learning from mistakes, the new hut boasts a robust metal frame on top of a sturdy platform and an incomparable view. Although the way leading to the hut may be treacherous at times,&nbsp;<strong>it&#8217;s certainly one of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/\">the best hikes on the South Island of New Zealand.&nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12086015699\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Mueller_Hut_the_hike_description\"><\/span>1. Mueller Hut: the hike description<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13751\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Outhouses near the Mueller hut<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The route begins at the White Horse Hill Campsite<\/strong>&nbsp;which is a few kilometres past Mount Cook Village. The trail is well signposted and&nbsp;<strong>starts on the same, wide, well maintained track as the Kea Point Lookout.<\/strong>&nbsp;After around&nbsp;10 minutes in, it breaks away to the left. Look out for the sign!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This first section of the trail visits the Sealy Tarns.&nbsp;<strong>It\u2019s a steep start that gains elevation via seemingly never ending staircases.<\/strong>&nbsp;It\u2019s a real knee buster and is&nbsp;very exposed to the elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The next part of the trail between the Sealy Tarns and the pass is just as steep, but on a thinner rocky pathway as opposed to staircases.<\/strong>&nbsp;It can be tricky in parts so just take your time. You\u2019ll know you\u2019re close to the pass when you reach a large boulder field. Take care in wet weather as the rocks can become slippery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The whole route&nbsp;after the Sealy Tarns is marked by&nbsp;<strong>poles with orange triangles<\/strong>&nbsp;on them. Follow them to stay on the right path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-9-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13752\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-9.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Aerial view of the Hooker Lake and Mount Cook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The last section is between the pass and the hut. It\u2019s much more gradual and only takes around 30 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The total length of the track one way is&nbsp;<strong>5.2km, gains 1050m<\/strong>&nbsp;of elevation and should take&nbsp;<strong>3-4 hours on way<\/strong>&nbsp;on average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-22-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13753\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-22-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-22-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-22-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-22.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mueller hut and Mount Cook at sunset<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12086018399\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_The_hut_amenities\"><\/span>2. The hut amenities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-23-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13754\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-23-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-23-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-23-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-23.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The hut has 28 bunks in two separate rooms, a large communal kitchen, a huge deck and potable rain water. It also has several hobs with gas provided.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the summer months it houses a volunteer warden that makes sure everyone has arrived safely and generally maintains all the facilities including&nbsp;<strong>two long drop toilets.&nbsp;<\/strong>Go back to the photo with the rainbow above to know what I am talking about.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The amenities in the winter are varied and should not be relied on.<\/strong>&nbsp;Avalanches are a major concern here, for a winter ascent, don&#8217;t venture out without the necessary equipment and knowledge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12086137599\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Is_staying_overnight_in_Mueller_Hut_worth_it\"><\/span>3. Is staying overnight in Mueller Hut worth it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mueller Hut is busy<\/strong>, I&#8217;m not going to sugar coat it and if you think this will have a negative effect on your enjoyment then maybe you should consider an overnight stay in a different hut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s over 1000 backcountry huts in New Zealand, so the choice is plenty.&nbsp;If you are after stellar views, check out an article about some of&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-backcountry-huts-in-new-zealand\/\">my favourite backcountry huts in New Zealand<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Saying this, the last time I was there was mid March 2018. Due to bad weather, my partner and I were 2 out of 6 people who made it to the hut that day.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily for us the next day the weather cleared and I got to experience first hand what all the fuss is about. No matter how many steps and snorers you&#8217;ll need to battle against, the views will generously compensate for the suffering!&nbsp;<a href=\"javascript:\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-7-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13755\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-7.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12086019299\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Making_reservations_for_the_Mueller_hut\"><\/span>4. Making reservations for the Mueller hut<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>During hiking season (Mid November to the end of April) bookings are mandatory. Outside of these dates the hut operates on a first come first served basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>During the peak season, a night in the hut costs 36 NZD per person. In the off season it costs 31 NZD per person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>All bookings for the hut can be made on the Department of Conservations Online Booking Portal<\/strong>. On the day of your stay in the hut, you must visit the DOC Visitor Centre in Mount Cook Village to check in and collect your tickets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the weather conditions are severe you will receive an option to cancel or reschedule your stay. If you decide to cancel your payment will be reimbursed in full.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-25-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13756\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-25-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-25-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-25-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-25.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12086019799\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Camping_at_Mueller_Hut\"><\/span>5. Camping at Mueller Hut<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you didn&#8217;t manage to secure a reservation or the idea of staying in a snore infested bunk room isn&#8217;t appealing. I&#8217;ve got some great news for you. It is possible to&nbsp;stay in a tent near the Mueller hut too!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>There are two options for camping. 15 dollars per person will get you a tent site with a rocky cairn blocking the wind and the use of the hut facilities.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this is still too expensive then you can even pay nothing at all, but you have to camp 200m away from the hut and you aren\u2019t allowed to use the facilities. You still have to check in with the warden if this is your plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I say go with the first option. New Zealand&#8217;s Department of Conservation does an amazing job in maintaining the trails to the hut, so don&#8217;t be a cheap skate and contribute a few bucks. 15 bucks for stellar views like these is nothing!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-14-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13757\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-14-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-14-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-14-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-14.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12086117299\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_What_can_you_see_along_the_Mueller_hiking_trail\"><\/span>6. What can you see along the Mueller hiking trail <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talking about the views, did the hike completely wear you out? Make yourself a cup of&nbsp;hot chocolate and chill on the hut&#8217;s porch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can see Mount Cook perfectly whilst staring out the window or sitting on the balcony. Still got some energy left? Drop your stuff at the hut and continue up to Mount Ollivier for a&nbsp;<strong>360 degree panoramic view of the surroundings.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The route from Mueller Hut to the false summit of Mount Ollivier takes around 30 minutes and involves basic scrambling over large boulders<\/strong>. It\u2019s directly due south of the hut only 500m away and impossible to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The real summit offers views very similar but not as expansive as the false summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The majority of people only visit the false summit but still claim that they have summited Sir Edmund Hilary&#8217;s first mountain.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-29-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13759\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-29-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-29-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-29-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-29.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Whilst standing on either summit of Mount Ollivier, you\u2019ll see Mount Cook to the north and below it the Hooker Glacial Lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Turning anti clockwise you\u2019ll see numerous glaciers clinging to Mount Sefton, the Hooker Range to the west, Mount Sealy and Mount Annette to the south, the northern tip of Lake Pukaki to the south east, then the Tasman Valley out east before your attention is again on Mount Cook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you\u2019re feeling really adventurous you can continue past the false summit of Mount Olivier, to the real summit, then further on to Mount Kitchener. A harder scramble that should only be attempted by more experienced hikers.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mount Ollivier&#8217;s highest peak was one of Sir Edmund Hilary\u2019s first summits and I like to think, that it&#8217;s what ignited a spark that would later see him becoming the first person to summit Everest, amongst many other great mountaineering achievements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-32-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13760\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-32-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-32-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-32-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-32.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Huge avalanche I witnessed from the top of Mount Ollivier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This beautiful backcountry hut in New Zealand isn\u2019t a secret and&nbsp;<strong>booking competition becomes pretty fierce when bookings open at the end of June each year.<\/strong>&nbsp;The sooner you plan it, the better.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However saying that, cancellations do occur so by continually checking the online booking portal you might get lucky. I did that whilst looking for openings on the Milford Track, which is even harder to secure a spot and I managed to get a reservation!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mueller hut is not an easy hike<\/strong>&nbsp;and if you\u2019re not physically able to or don&#8217;t have enough experience,&nbsp;there are plenty of shorter, flatter hikes in Mount Cook National Park you can tackle. You can see them all in&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mount-cook-national-park-guide\/\">my mini guide for visiting and hiking in Mount Cook National Park<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mount Cook Village features on all of my road trip itineraries<\/strong>&nbsp;in my free&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-travel-guide\/\">New Zealand Travel Guide<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;because I just simply believe you shouldn&#8217;t miss it when travelling in New Zealand. Make sure to include it in your plan too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do you have any questions about the hike? Leave them in the comments below! I always answer!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Near the tallest mountain in all the land, in a country far far away, lay a mountain hut unlike no other. It was&nbsp;named Mueller Hut The hut was named after the nearby Mueller Glacier.&nbsp;The glacier&nbsp;in turn was named after a Danish born Australian scientist who was exploring and documenting some of Australia&#8217;s less frequented ranges, &#8230; <a title=\"6 Planning Steps To The Mueller Hut Hike In Mount Cook National Park\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mueller-hut-hike\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about 6 Planning Steps To The Mueller Hut Hike In Mount Cook National Park\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13618,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-687","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-zealand-hiking-and-backpacking","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/687","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=687"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/687\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28040,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/687\/revisions\/28040"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13618"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=687"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=687"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=687"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}