Looking for a true "off the beaten track" experience in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park? While the crowds stick to the valley floor, Mount Sebastopol offers a chance to step off the maintained trails and onto a real alpine summit. It’s the perfect "first peak"—a fun, achievable day that blends classic hiking with an introduction to airy scrambling.
The Experience
The journey begins on the well-worn track to Red Tarns, gaining roughly 300 vertical metres. From there, the trail disappears. With your professional guide, you’ll navigate an unmarked route through rugged, uneven terrain as the village shrinks below you.
Safety: To ensure your confidence on the steeper parts, your guide may use a rope for security - allowing you to focus on the movement and the view rather than your feet.
At 1,468m, the summit provides a breathtaking, 360-degree panoramic of the giants of the Southern Alps.
Quick Facts
Duration: 4–6 hours return (pace depends on your fitness).
Gear & Food: We provide all the technical gear you’ll need, plus a high-country picnic lunch to enjoy at the top.
Logistics: Meet at Alpine Guides' base at 08:30. Advance bookings are essential for this guided mission.
Mount Sebastopol is the closest peak to Mount Cook Village.
The summit gives uninterrupted views down the length of the Tasman Valley to Lake Pukaki, and across to the glaciated peaks at the head of the Tasman Glacier.
Kea are common visitors up here.
Total height gain is 750 metres (approx. 2,475 ft).
In cooler months, there may be some snow on the upper route, and your guide will provide crampons.
The descent is by the same route, with a possible scree-run for those keen for some adventure.
The round trip takes on average 4-6 hours.
This is an adventurous hike, with plenty of uphill travel. Previous trekking/hiking experience is essential.
Our walks involve leaving marked and formed trails. You must be confident with uphill and downhill travel, on stepped, and natural surfaces.
• You must have good aerobic fitness
• Be able to walk for at least 5 hours over the day, carrying a small backpack (4 to 5 kg).
Please bring :
We have rain jackets, pants, gaiters, backpacks, and hiking poles free to use.
