We hiked the marked track to the viewpoint just under 1400m (around 700m elevation from Arthurs Pass village)
It’s far less busy than Avalanche Peak, with quick viewpoints.
We were alone for the entire journey (except dozens of folk on the Devils Punchbowl section, a very worthy, short add on to this trip)
It’s steep rock scramble, best saved for a dry day to save slippery-ness. Take care with your footing on the way down.
The first view point comes fast and others soon follow.
There’s several valleys to look up and down.
It was super windy on our hike, so we stuck to the track. For the experienced, there’s an unmarked option to Mt Aicken itself.
Most view stops involved a South Island Robin popping in to say kia ora. The birdlife on this walk was tops. We saw countless very friendly Robins, plus Keas, Rifleman, Bellbirds and a band of Brown Creepers.