Hooker Valley Track – Ultimate Guide

The Hooker Valley track is the most popular day hike to do in Mt Cook National Park. If you only have one day and one hike to choose from, this should be the hike you complete! 

I can guarantee you will love this hike; the scenery is breathtaking. And with such an easily accessible hike, why wouldn’t you? 

In this blog I will give you all the information you need to hike the Hooker Valley Trail and some tips and tricks to avoid the crowds!

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Where is it?

The Hooker Valley track is a 3-4 hr return track, located in Mt Cook National Park. Roughly a 3hr drive from Queenstown or 4hr drive from Christchurch. The track starts at either the White Horse Hills campsite or the carpark. You can also complete this hike by using the tail from the Mount Cook Village. 

Where to Stay

You have two options where you can stay in this national park; at White Horse Hills campgrounds or in the Mt Cook Village. 

If you are in a campervan, White Horse Hills campgrounds is your best option. Staying here will cost $15NZD pp/pn, and its best if you book online during peak periods. You can pay in person on the day of arrival, but as this is the only campsite in the National Park, it books out quickly. 

TIP: the best camping spot is located at the end of the campgrounds. Follow the road around until you see the bathrooms, on your left there are two individual spots that have some bushes which will give you privacy. 

Some options for Mt Cook Village 

• Aoraki Court Motel
• Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge
• Aoraki Alpine Chalet

The Hike

The hike is very easy to complete. As it’s a valley walk, it is very flat. The track follows along rivers, over rivers and through the mountain range, before ending a beautiful lake. Hopefully with views of Mt Cook!

The Hooker Valley Track is 10km return, and although flat, you will want to give yourself as much time as possible. Mainly because you will be in awe the whole walk. You pass over 3 swing bridges, each giving beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. You return on the same track. 

The trail is very clear, and is a mix of dirt paths, steps (only a few) and boardwalks. 

How hard is the hike?

Very easy. This hike is suitable for anyone with any fitness levels. I barely broke a sweat completing this walk, as there isn’t really any ascents or descents. The footing is flat, and the path is very well marked. You do cross over a few high swing bridges, so if you don’t like heights, these parts might be a bit tricky for you! 

In saying this, some people do struggle with the trail. The best way to ask yourself if you can complete this hike, is if you can walk at a steady pace in the park or city for roughly 2hrs. Have a rest, then walk again.

Highlights of the Track

1. Mt Cook/Aoraki 

If you are hiking on a clear day, you will get plenty of views of the highest peak in New Zealand! Standing at 3,724m it is an impressive sight to see. You see this mountain as you drive into the National Park but you’ll get a up close look at it at the end of this trail.

2. Hooker Lake 

This is where the trail ends, and this lake is absolutely stunning. On a clear day, you will get reflections of the surrounding landscapes. On a cloudy day, it is still equally as beautiful. This lake is a new addition to the valley, as it started to form in the 1970’s, after the Hooker Glacier started retreating. 

In winter this lake can freeze over, so in summer you are likely to see icebergs floating on the surface. 

3. The Swing Bridges

These are undoubtably some of the most beautiful swing bridges in New Zealand. You will cross over 3 during this track, the most impressive in my opinion being the last! The last swing bridge is in the perfect position for views of Mt Cook. Stop here for a photo op! 

Best time to Hike the Track

I believe the best time is for sunset. This is when I hiked this trail, and watching Mt Cook light up in a golden glow was out of this world. The other benefit of hiking during this time is there is a lot less people on the track, so you are more likely to have spots to yourself. As a photographer this was wonderful, as it meant I could set up my tripod without getting in the way of people or them getting in my way. 

Another option, I’ve heard sunrise is beautiful. This is when Muller Lake is most likely to be its calmest, to get those mirror shots. Keep in mind, if you are hiking for sunrise or sunset, you will be hiking one way back in the day, so bring a good torch! 

I wouldn’t recommend going in the afternoon, or late morning. This is when the track floods with day hikers, and it becomes very busy. 

My Thoughts

The Hooker Valley Track is in my top 5 favourite hikes of New Zealand. The views are breathtaking, the trail is easy and its overall a very pleasant walk. I would do this hike 4 more times if I had the chance. Hiking for sunset was the best thing I did, and having this hike to myself at the end, made me feel special – like nature was putting on a show just for me. 

Also make sure to check out the Sealy Tarns track while in the National Park!

Some Tips

• Hike early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds 
• Bring water with you
• In summer bring a hat and sunscreen – there isn’t much shade on the track 
• Bring a jacket, it can get chilly on the trial 
• There are bathrooms at the halfway point 
• Bring lunch, there are multiple tables to stop and have a bite 
• Give yourself plenty of time, it’s a gorgeous hike with heaps to see – you will need it! 

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