Last Updated: 23rd Jan 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Red Tarns & Governors

Red Tarns Track, Governors Track

Mt Cook Village, Canterbury

Submitted by David Haunschmidt

Last Updated: 23rd Jan 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

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

Share your photos

Send to phone

View other trails

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.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

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 :)

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Learn about Fastest Known Times.

View your Fastest Known Times

Missing your time?

You and Red Tarns & Governors

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

Be the first to submit a review for Red Tarns & Governors!

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

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.