HIKING HOOKER VALLEY TRACK

The Hooker Valley track is located in the very heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. It's a track that's well known for its beautiful Aoraki views, picturesque swing bridges, glacier views and iceberg filled lake. It is the most popular hike in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and is enjoyed by 10’s of thousands of people annually.

Track overview

The Hooker Valley track is an easy track, suitable for hikers of most abilities with a very gentle amount of incline (approx. 124m) over 5kms. It’s not a loop track, so you walk out the way you go in, making it just over 10kms round trip. However, it’s approachable and walkers are able to complete the hike at their own pace. We recommend you allow 3 hours to complete so you can take your time, enjoy the views and take plenty of photos.

Getting there

Begin your hike at the White Horse Hill Campground car park located at the end of Hooker Valley Road. Off State Highway 80. If you are staying in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village you can walk along Kea Track to the start of the Hooker Valley Track which is about 3km or drive and park at the White Horse car park, this will take about 5 minutes from the Hermitage Hotel.

Walking the track

Start the track through open grassland with an option for a slight detour near the start to visit the Alpine Memorial, a memorial to the mountaineers who have died in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park over the years. After about 700 metres you will arrive at Mueller Lake lookout just before the first swing bridge.

There are three swing bridges on the track, walkers can also expect boardwalks and wide valley floors as they adventure closer to the glacial lake. Listen out for Mount Sefton’s rumbles as small avalanches pop. Once you pass over the third swing bridge it’s a small incline before the track leads to the Hooker Lake and the most spectacular view of mighty Aoraki.

Best time of day to walk the Hooker Valley

The Hooker Valley is a beautiful hike at any time of day, but it’s particularly special at sunrise as the sun rises behind Aoraki/Mount Cook, making it glow. The glacial lake also reflects Aoraki until the sun pops over the mountain, turning the grey-blue lake into a shocking turquoise colour. If you are visiting in summer, an early start is recommended to beat the crowds.

Best time of the year to walk the Hooker Valley

You can access Hooker Valley track year-round, although the second swing bridge might close in excessive wind. The track is particularly beautiful to walk in winter and it is possible for those of at least average fitness to walk it if covered in snow. It is always important to note that you are in an Alpine climate and the weather can change quickly, even in summer. It’s not unusual to experience strong wind, high rainfall, heavy snowfall, and rapid changes in temperature at any time of the year. Check out our webcams to see what the weather is doing today.

Our top tips for hiking Hooker Valley

Don’t rush, take your time as you soak up the sights & serenity.
Take your phone/camera as there are lots of photo opportunities!
Be mindful of the weather. Suncream and rain jackets are great to pack year-round.
Take snacks and water. Stop into the Sir Edmund Hillary Café before your walk and grab some snacks or lunch to go. There is a big picnic bench at the lake or plenty of rocks to chill on. Don’t forget to take your rubbish with you though!
If you’re going in summer, the early bird gets the worm. Hit the track early before it gets too busy. Book a night at the Hermitage Hotel or the Mt Cook Lodge and Motels so you can be up early and ready for a sunrise hike.
Need to refuel after? Pop into the Hermitage Hotel and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Café for lunch and a coffee.