Hooker Valley Track Hike – All You Need to Know About the Best Mount Cook Walk
New Zealand’s South Island isn’t short of epic walks, but the Hooker Valley Track hike is a showstopper. This relatively easy walk in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park feels like stepping into a fantasy movie set. In fact, parts of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed in the area. After years of talking about it, we finally got to experience this iconic 10-kilometre walk, which undoubtedly lived up to the hype. Here’s everything you need to know about the Hooker Valley Track – how to complete the trail, what you will see, essential tips and track photos to inspire you to go on the best Mount Cook walk.
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Table of Contents
Hooker Valley Track Highlights
- Towering Mountains: Being surrounded by towering peaks and getting up close to New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, is an absolutely exhilarating experience.
- Swing Bridges: We’ve been on plenty of New Zealand swing bridges and love the thrill, but the views from the three swing bridges along the trail are absolutely jaw-dropping. Icy rivers and rushing glacial waters make for perfect Instagram moments.
- Hooker Lake: The grand finale. At the end of the 5 km one-way Hooker Valley Track, you will arrive at Hooker Lake and see Aoraki/Mount Cook and a glacier at the edge of the lake.
- Hooker Glacier: The Hooker Glacier originates on the slopes of Aoraki/Mount Cook and flows southward, eventually reaching Hooker Lake. Even from a distance, the Hooker Glacier looks incredible. Its icy blue surface, rugged ice formations, and deep crevasses stand out against the surrounding landscape, giving it the feel of a remote, frozen world.
- Icebergs: If you’re lucky, you might spot floating icebergs bobbing on the surface of Lake Hooker. Our walk was on a warm summer morning in mid-December, and we only saw one iceberg. Still, that was pretty cool!
How Long Does the Walk Take
One of the Mt Cook short walks, the Hooker Valley track time is typically about 3 hours to complete. It is a 10-kilometer return trip. We are not fast walkers; this is what it took us and what the DOC signs indicate at the start of the walk.
We recommend you allocate an extra half hour minimum to pause for photos and to appreciate the stunning views of the lake, glacier and Mount Cook at the end.
If you are a fast walker and do not plan on stopping, you could finish the return walk in under 2.5 hours.
How Easy is the Track?
The path is mostly flat, with only a 100-meter elevation gain from start to finish. There are a couple of places with stairs, but nothing too challenging.
We found the track easy, however those who are very unfit may find walking 10 kilometres a bit tough.
Along the way, we saw people strolling, others jogging, families with children, and elderly walkers taking their time.
For those who may struggle with longer distances or are short on time, even a short walk along a section of the track will reward you with epic scenery.
READ NEXT – Top 10 Things to Do in Mount Cook in One Day
The Day We Finally Did the Mount Cook Hooker Valley Track
During our annual pre-Christmas road trip, we stopped a few nights in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Although we had visited Mount Cook before, this trip was extra special because we were there to do the Hooker Valley hike.
We kicked off our walk early in the morning, starting from the White Horse Hill DOC Campground, where we had camped overnight. It is the only campground in Mount Cook National Park.
We named White Horse Hill Campground one of our top campgrounds in New Zealand. Want to know why? Read The Best South Island Campgrounds to find out and check out our list of top campgrounds across New Zealand.
The trail began on a flat gravel path, and with Mount Sefton towering in the distance, its jagged peaks covered in snow year-round. The views of the Mueller Glacier Lake were peaceful, so we paused for a short photo break.
As we continued on the trail, we followed the Hooker River winding through the valley. The mountain views became increasingly awe-inspiring.
The easy path continued along boardwalks, and we crossed three swing bridges offering spectacular views over glacial waters.
We stopped at several lookouts and just before the end of the track, we took the short side trail to Alpine Tarn, where we saw the mountains reflected in the water.
As we reached the end of the trail, we saw people clambered onto huge boulders taking selfies. There was an excitement in the air.
We were lucky with perfect weather, sunny but not too hot. We sat on a rock and ate our snacks while soaking in the epic views of Mt Cook, Hooker Glacier and Hooker Lake.
After about half an hour, we started returning and noticed the trail was getting busier. Groups of 10 or more were making their way in. With the summer heat rising, we watched as overdressed hikers stripped off their heavy jackets. We could not help but secretly smile, glad we decided to start early.
As we neared the end of our return trip, we slowed down and sat on the gigantic rocks lining the trail. We gazed at Mount Sefton to see any avalanches. Although we did not see any, we did hear the distant rumble of six of them, which was quite thrilling and added to the magic of the Mount Cook walk.
On the Bucket List?
This track isn’t about ticking off a box or racing to the finish line, though we must admit it has been on our own South Island bucket list for many years!
We saw a few slow travellers, like ourselves, who spent some time appreciating the views and taking side tracks to explore.
However, we were surprised to see many people get to the end of the track, take their photos, and head straight back. We wondered whether they were ticking items off their bucket list or if time limitations pressured them to fit in as much as possible during their visit.
For many travellers, reaching the end, snapping a quick photo, and moving on are all part of the rush to experience everything!
For us, the Hooker Valley Trail is about immersing yourself in the rugged landscape and savouring every moment.
This track is a must for anyone visiting Mount Cook, delivering unforgettable experiences and photographs.
But don’t forget to slow down and connect with nature. Take the time to observe the unique flora and fauna, and enjoy exploring the less frequented side trails.
A scenic flight is another one for the travel bucket list if you can afford it, and you book in advance. Here’s our top picks from Get Your Guide online booking platform.
Why Hooker Valley Track is a Must-Do
The Hooker Valley Track isn’t just a walk—it’s a bucket-list adventure every New Zealander should experience at least once in their life, and a must-do for international visitors as well.
The best part about the iconic track is you don’t need to be a mountaineer to enjoy it. While there are many extraordinary Mt Cook walks, at just 10 km return, the Hooker Valley walking track is just right for most people.
Whether you’re a seasoned tramper or a casual explorer, this trail is the best Mount Cook walk for its accessibility. Just make sure to wear good walking shoes and take your time experiencing the natural wonders!
If you love glaciers and extraordinary natural wonders, make sure not to miss the Glacier Explorers boat tour. It’s a one of a kind tour and you will likely float past giant icebergs. Read Next!
Essential Tips for Your Hooker Valley Track Walk
Start Early: The trail gets very busy, especially in summer. We started the trail at 6.30 a.m., and it was already buzzing with early starters. If you prefer to be the only one on the track, we recommend you start at dawn.
If you cannot arrive early, consider going very late in the day. From 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., tour buses arrive, resulting in large crowds on the track.
From Mount Cook Village, it is a 5-minute drive to the car park at the end of Hooker Valley Road. There is plenty of carpark space. However, it can get crowded on weekends and summer holidays.
Dress in Layers: The weather can be very unpredictable in Mt Cook. You can easily find four seasons in one day. While the sunny weather was perfect during our walk, an hour after we completed it, a storm came in with a big rain and huge winds. Take a lightweight waterproof jacket and don’t forget your sunhat.
Bring Snacks: There are several tables and chairs at points of the walk, and at Hooker Lake, there is a huge picnic table. We can’t think of a better place to have a picnic. However, at a minimum, bring water and some light snacks for energy, such as nuts and dried fruit.
Respect the Land: Make sure to stick to the paths so you do not damage growing flora, and do not leave any rubbish. There is a toilet before you start the walk and one about halfway to Hooker Lake, so you should not have to wait more than 1 hour to reach a toilet.
Beware the Midday Sun: It can get very hot in summer, and you can get sunburnt. No matter what time of day or year, make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat. Additionally, wear insect repellant as there are sandflies in some areas of the trail.
