New Zealand Aurora Australis at Sefton Bivouac, Mount Cook National Park

High up on the Sefton Bivouac, this hut offers incredible views of the nearby glacier below Mount Sefton, Mueller Lake, Hooker Lake and the entire valley.

During the night you might have the chance to see a perfect Milky Way. From end of March on there are chances for southern lights like here, if the forecast is strong enough to reach this region.

From end of March until September / October you might be lucky with the Aurora Australis during the night, if the forecast is strong enough to reach this region. Obviously the Milky Way is beautiful too.


Check your camera settings before the evening and make sure you understand everything. Use a tripod, the manual focus, put of the stabilization, and use the lowest aperture. In comparison to this you can try out what ISO fits to the shutter speed.

This 12.2 km out-and-back trail with 944 meter of elevation is a very challenging hike and requires a certain level of fitness. It includes a rewarding climb. Challenges include steep altitude and exposure in the final stretch. Don´t go if the weather forecast is bad and please inform the visitor center before you go. At the end of the day there is a radio call up in the bivy where you need to answer if everything is alright and how many people are up at the hut.

*Important information: The first part of the Hooker valley track is currently closed due to construction work on one of the swinging bridges. They probably finish the work September 2026. The only chance to go to the bivy is to cross the big river. Please inform yourself is this is possible on your day.