Last Updated: 23rd Jan 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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Red Tarns & Governors

Red Tarns Track, Governors Track

Mt Cook Village, Canterbury

Submitted by David Haunschmidt

Last Updated: 23rd Jan 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

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Open

Grunt Factor: 11 ?

Gnarl Factor: 34 ?

4.4km

Length of run

475m

Total Ascent

460m

Total Descent

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

10%

75%

15%

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +21.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -21.2%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

2:00

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:35

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Start from the public shelter on Bowen Drive, in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. Follow the DOC signs for Governor's loop track which takes you up through forest and down to the trail junction with Red Tarns track.

Take a right and cross the bridge to ascend to Red Tarns. At the top there is a short loop of the red Tarns lakes with some info signs.

Descend the way you came and continue straight at the junction with Governor's to take you back to the Shelter where you started.

Views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding mountains. Enjoyable single track through forest.

Transport and parking:

Free parking at the shelter.

Distance from Mt Cook Village:

0 km

Driving time from Mt Cook Village:

4 minutes

Dog friendly:

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

Both are well marked DOC routes with signage. If in doubt, also present on map/devices.

Cellphone Coverage:

Generally good.

Suggested Gear List:

Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

Water available at the start/end at the DOC shelter. Follow their advice on suitability for drinking.

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Mt Cook Village
Excellent cafe with reasonably priced food and good views :)

Trail Legend

David Haunschmidt

has completed Red Tarns & Governors once in the last year.

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.