11 October 2026
Showers, becoming few and far between in the afternoon, then clearing to fine in the evening.
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1 / 13Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Ball Hut Track
Walk to Ball Hut with superb views of the Tasman Glacier and surrounding peaks.
Distance
10.5 km
Walking time
3-4 hr one way
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Predator control for Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
Outdoor alert
Outdoor alert
Weather outlook
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 9:23 pm
12 October 2026
Fine.
13 October 2026
Showers developing, some heavy, with snow to 2500 metres.
14 October 2026
Rain, with heavy falls. Snow to 2400 metres.
15 October 2026
Snow developing.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Ball Hut Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Ball Hut Track
Begin from the Tasman Glacier car park and walk, bike, or drive (in a suitable 4WD vehicle) along the 4WD track for 5km. to reach Husky Flat which has suffered a large washout adding an hour to get around . To attempt the route around the washout, be prepared for steep and exposed terrain . The route from Husky Flat to Ball Hut requires good backcountry experience and navigation skills. Although i t is unmarked, some old markers may still exist but can be misleading as the moraine wall has slid and moved. From the car park to Ball Hut is 10.5km and takes about 4hrs.
Essential information for Ball Hut Track
To fly a drone requires a concession from DOC. During winter and spring (June - November) avalanches can occur near or on this route, and it will become unstable in rain or snow. Due to its proximity to the main divide this route can be prone to bad weather. Dogs are not permitted
Huts and campsites
Ball Hut is a standard 3 bunk hut. There is a non-flushing toilet and untreated tap water.
Getting there for Ball Hut Track
From Aoraki / Mount Cook Village, follow Tasman Valley Road to the Blue Lakes carpark. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel
Weather and track conditions
Open to very heavy rain from the west which can fall as snow at any time of year. Strong winds from the northwest are also prevalent. Be wary of southerly wind changes which can bring rapidly deteriorating conditions.
Dog access for Ball Hut Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Ball Hut Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.