The Hooker Valley Track was one of our best day walks while visiting Mount Cook

This is the second time we’ve walked the awesome Hooker Valley Track, this time the sun was out so we got stunning photos.

We had an amazing time we got to enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, crossed three fun swing bridges, and witnessed the beauty of icebergs floating in the Hooker Lake – OMG, it was truly awesome!

It took us about 1 hour 30 mins on a good quality track to walk the 5 km (10 km round trip) easy hike along the Hooker Valley walk. The views of Mueller Glacier, Hooker Lake and Aoraki/Mount Cook are just amazing.

We visited in the spring

Not in the dead of winter, so we missed out on seeing even more snow. However, it was an excellent time as there were still icebergs to see and it was not so cold.

We started the walk from the car park at White Horse Hill Campground and climbed steadily up to Hooker Valley, where we enjoyed some stunning views of the surrounding Mount Cook mountains.

We found picnic tables just past the second swing bridge and at the Hooker Lake lookout, we took a break at both and enjoyed the views.

See below for way more details on our whole walk on the Hooker Valley Track.

Quick Facts about the Hooker Valley Track walk

  • Location: Mount Cook, South Island, NZ
  • Distance: 10 kms
  • Time needed: 1 hour 30 minutes one way – 3 hrs return
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Mountain Bike: No
  • Wheelchair Access: No
  • Route: Double back
  • Elevation: 877m
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Are there toilets on Hooker Valley Track? There are toilets at White Horse Hill and the DOC visitor centre as well as a helicopter serviced toilet block to service the huge number of tourists located 3.5 km point along the track!
  • Are dogs allowed on the Hooker Valley Track? Dogs aren’t allowed on this track so keep them home
  • Mobile Coverage:  Cellphone connection is possible for most of the track
Hooker Valley Track with snow capped mountains in the background, just beautiful
Hooker Valley Track with snow capped mountains in the background, just beautiful

Summary points about the Hooker Valley walk

Walk Highlights

We loved walking below the Mount Cook Range and sitting beside the Hooker Glacier Lake watching the icebergs floating by, this was our biggest highlight. Although the 3 swing bridges were pretty cool too.

Track Quality

Except for all the rocks on the track it was a very enjoyable walk. A warm jacket and a hot coffee made our day!

Hazards

Getting caught out in bad weather. The second swingbridge on the Hooker Valley Track may be closed if winds are in excess of 80 k/hr or in a significant flood due to previous storm damage in March 2019. Be prepared, make sure you take the right gear in case the weather turns bad.

Transport

There is no public transport to this walk, you'll need to drive to the Hooker Valley yourself.

Water

We picked up some fresh water at the Hermitage campground at the start of the walk.

Driving Instructions

The nearest towns are Aoraki Mount Cook Village (2 km), Tekapo (96 km) and Twizel (56 km). The track starts at the campground, which is located just off Hooker Valley Road.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

The Hermitage Hotel, (2 km from the start of the walk) has takeaways and a small store for campers, we didn't try it out as we bought our own food with us. Or stay the night and really enjoy the restaurant offerings.

Area & Trail History

Mount Cook National Park is 70,111-hectare park. The Southern Alps was set up as a reserve in 1885 and 1887, but it was not recognized as a National Park until 1953. Mount Cook National Park has an average rainfall: 4000 mm a year, 149 days of rain days per year, 1528 hours of sunshine per year and a temperature of around -10° C to 30° C.

The first people to try and climb Mount Cook, was an Irishman and two Swiss men in 1882. It took three kiwis to reach the summit of Mount Cook in 1894. There are about 40 species of birds in Mount Cook National Park, and you will know about the mountain parrot or better known as the Kea.


As you walk up to the Hooker Glacier Lake and look at the water flowing past you, think about that hot shower and hot meal you had last night. The electricity came from this water after it flowed into one of the largest hydro storage lakes in the South Island, Lake Pukaki. The Tasman, Murchison and Mueller glaciers also flow in to this lake.

Hooker Valley Track Map

Here are our detailed points of interest along the Hooker Valley Track walk

View of Mount Cook from the road on the way to Hooker Valley Track
View of Mount Cook from the road on the way to Hooker Valley Track
Road sign to Hooker Valley on a beautiful sunny day with Mount Cook in the background
Road sign to Hooker Valley on a beautiful sunny day with Mount Cook in the background

Where does Hooker Valley Track start?

The track starts at the beautiful White Horse Hill Campground, located a couple of kilometres from Mount Cook National Park. The beginning of the walk is just off the car park at the end of Hooker Valley Road.

As you drive up to the Hermitage village take the road to the right out to the Hooker Valley and campground. The track will be easy to find, just follow all the other walkers. You can stay the night at the Hermitage Hotel before setting off on your walk, it’s very nice. 

Walker in front of us on the Hooker Valley Track with Mount Cook views
Walker in front of us looking up the track with Mount Cook views

Start of the walk

The walk starts off on a well maintained track, but that was short lived. It only took us 35 minutes to reach the first swing bridge, then the track turned to rocks and more rocks. Just before the swing bridge is the turn off to Mueller Lake, we started the Hooker Valley Track walk at 3 pm so as not to miss out on the sunlight shining on Hooker Lake, we gave Mueller Lake a miss.

The view looking up the Hooker Valley was so spectacular we forget to look where we were putting our feet, hence the sore toes at the end of our walk.

Walking along the track with views of Mount Cook snow capped mountains
Walking along the track with views of Mount Cook snow capped mountains
Looking at the Hooker River from the track
Looking at the Hooker River from the track

Great photo ops of the first swing bridge

Looking down on the first swing bridge from the track above in Hooker Valley
Looking down on the first swing bridge from the track above in Hooker Valley
Looking down on the first swing bridge from above on the Hooker Valley Track
Great view of the first swing bridge on the Hooker Valley Track
Great view of the first swing bridge on the Hooker Valley Track

Once you’ve taken in the breathtaking sights from the lookout, the track leads you down a few steps and onto the wicked swing bridge. The views from this bridge are absolutely fantastic, and you’ll have a chance to gaze down at the roaring Hooker river below.

For those looking to keep it short and sweet, this spot is only 1 kilometer in, making it a perfect natural turnaround point for a quick and delightful walk. 

Walking along the rocky track in Hooker Valley
Walking along the rocky track in Hooker Valley

The second swing bridge - WOW

Looking down on the second swing bridge from the track above in Hooker Valley
Looking down on the second swing bridge from the track above in Hooker Valley
The second swing bridge with great views on the Hooker Valley Track
The second swing bridge with great views on the Hooker Valley Track

The next swing bridge is just a bit over 1.1 kilometers away, but the walk there is an absolute treat! As you continue, you’ll be treated to even more jaw-dropping views of the majestic mountains and the winding river. Plus, the walk keeps things easy with a gentle, well-graded gravel path. 

From this swing bridge to Stocking Stream was only 15 minutes of rock walking.

Walking over the second swing bridge on the Hooker Valley Track

Walking on the stunning boardwalk

The boardwalk is fantastic, look at that view!
The boardwalk is fantastic, look at that view!
Wicked views of the boardwalk with mountains in the background on the Hooker Valley Track

Just a few hundred meters past the second swing bridge, you’ll find yourself walking alongside the river on the boardwalk, and that’s when you’ll catch your first spectacular glimpse of Mount Cook.

This spot is an absolute gem for taking photos, especially if you’re fortunate enough to have a clear, unobstructed view of the entire mountain, which we did today. But don’t worry if you don’t get that perfect shot right away – mountain weather can change quickly, so there’s a good chance you’ll get another go on your way back. 

Arriving at Hooker Lake

Bit of rock walking getting close to Hooker Lake
Bit of rock walking getting close to Hooker Lake
Arriving at Hooker Lake with icebergs
Arriving at Hooker Lake with icebergs

20 minutes of walking over even bigger rocks will see you at Hooker Lake, it’s truly fantastic.

Make sure you get to Hooker Lake before you lose the sun otherwise you might freeze. Now turn around and go back the way you came. This is where we saw those amazing floating icebergs. We really enjoyed this walk.

We made sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no food or drink options along the walk.

Arriving at Hooker Lake with the track in front
Arriving at Hooker Lake with the track in front

Amazing icebergs on Hooker Lake

Stunning floating icebergs in Hooker Lake
Stunning floating icebergs in Hooker Lake

We were lucky enough to see these awesome icebergs in Hooker Lake. We picked the best time of the year to walk this track in September, when it’s not too cold and still plenty of snow around.

Zoomed in view of the iceberg on Hooker Lake
Zoomed in view of the iceberg on Hooker Lake

Hooker Valley Track Weather

It can be really cold most of the year, even in summer. The weather can change quickly so make sure you’re prepared, even if its sunny. We did a quick weather check before we headed out, and decided it was best to pack a rain coat as well.

The track can be quite icy and slippery in winter, make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes, a good rain jacket and walking poles would be handy too. 

Pretty view from the second swing bridge with the Hooker river in front on a lovely sunny day
Pretty view from the second swing bridge with the Hooker river in front on a lovely sunny day

My tips to get the best out of your day walking the Hooker Valley Track

  1. Stay in Mount Cook Village: If Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley Track are at the top of your list, consider splurging on accommodation in Mount Cook Village at the Hermitage. It might be pricier than Twizel, but it allows you to track the weather more accurately. If you’re staying outside the area, you can always call the DOC office in Mount Cook for a real-time weather update.
  2. Check the Weather Early: Ideally, choose a clear day for this walk to enjoy the best mountain views. Keep in mind that the weather can change rapidly. We’ve gone from a full whiteout to clear skies in just 10 minutes and vice versa. If it’s overcast at Hooker Valley, you can head to the Tasman Valley and try the Tasman Glacier Track, which is often clear when Hooker Valley isn’t. Then, return to Hooker Valley later.
  3. Avoid the Crowds: The Hooker Valley Track can get extremely busy, especially in the summer. For a more peaceful experience, consider going early in the morning or catching the sunset. Just remember to allocate enough time, as you’ll likely stop a lot to soak in the breathtaking views and snap photos.
  4. Sunset at Hooker Lake: Hooker Lake makes for an excellent sunset spot, and walking back in the dark is quite manageable. However, be aware that some sections of the track might be in shadow before sunset, so this might not be ideal if you want brightly lit photos for your first visit. It will also be very cold so rug up!
  5. Pack for Changing Weather: Be prepared for the unpredictable weather in the Mount Cook region. Always carry rain gear and warm clothing, even in the summer. It’s not uncommon to experience snow during the warmer months. On the flip side, the weather can clear up surprisingly quickly, so a little patience can be rewarding.
  6. Weather Apps, use With Caution: Don’t solely rely on your phone app for weather updates, as it can be less accurate for Mount Cook. 
  7. Plan for More Than One Day: If Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley Track are high on your agenda, allocate more than one day for your visit. Sometimes, the mountains remain hidden behind clouds for a couple of days, only to reveal themselves in all their glory on the third day.

Remember, flexibility is key when exploring the Hooker Valley Track, as Mother Nature often has her own agenda.

Hope you enjoy the walk as much as we did! Let us know if the comments section below.

Where should I stay for Hooker Valley Track?

The closest place to stay near Hooker Valley Track is at Mount Cook Village.  There is a great choice of accommodation ranging from the high end Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook to alpine chalets. 

You’ll find a great selection of places to stay at Mt Cook Village here.