Hiking the stunning Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is truly living the dream. Short and easy at only a bit over three hours + return and relatively flat in many parts, the track takes you on a journey to the glacial fed Hooker Lake complete with floating icebergs.
Heading toward the Hooker Valley Track on a sunny day from the Mt Cook Village/Hermitage Hotel area
The trail can look completely different depending upon the weather. I did the full trail on an overcast day, and the day I was leaving to go home, the sky was cornflour blue.
Regardless of the weather, the Hooker Valley Track is scenic, easy and fantastic to walk. There are about 3 swing bridges which cross gushing blue-grey water, and a combination of long boardwalks and gravel tracks.
The variety and scenery is wonderful and there is not a dull moment on this walk. The trail is relatively flat with some small inclines, however, it is a very easy trail to walk. Along the way you will walk past Mueller Glacier Lake.
You will cross streams over the swing bridges which is always fun. The walk is most rewarding from a scenery point of view.
The end of the track (before you return home), is a highlight with the pristine Hooker Lake showing reflections of the mountains. There is a large picnic table and benches to sit and eat lunch, rest or just marvel at the view before you. I found it absolutely beautiful, and a memorable part of my NZ South Island trip, so much so I intend on going back to do this track again one day.
The Hooker Valley Track is 10km and takes about 3 hours or more (return). However, if you are a very slow walker or unfit or love continually stopping for rests, views or photographs, then allow up to 5 hours. I am one of those people who likes to take my time and maximise my time in the area. Either way, remember to pack a picnic, drinks and a rain coat in your back-back! I strongly recommend doing the entire walk, not just a part of it or you will miss many of the highlights.
How to get to the Hooker Valley Track
If you are staying at or near The Hermitage Hotel (as I was) in Mount Cook Village, just walk out of the hotel and stroll down the Kea Point Track (also scenic), but turn off when you see the signs to Hooker Valley. This adds about an extra 20 minutes each way to the trip as opposed to driving to the campground start point. You will eventually veer right before the White Horse Hill campground and right again around the campground. Again, just follow the signs to the Hooker Valley – you will be on the track.
Otherwise, leave from the White Horse Hill Campground carpark and follow the signs to the Hooker Valley track.
Tell me in the comments below, are you one of those hikers who rushes through tracks at break-neck speed, or do you take all the time in the world to breath in the scenery and stop to rest?
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