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Hiking the Hooker Valley Track in New Zealand
The Hooker Valley Track is one of New Zealand's most popular day hikes. An easy hike with incredible views of the Southern Alps, glacial streams and majestic Aoraki (Mount Cook). When it comes to incredible day hikes, the Hooker Valley Track is honestly hard to beat, both in terms of views and easy access. Located in the incredible Mount Cook National Park, the Hooker Valley Track winds up the glacial valley and crosses several scenic suspension bridges over glacial streams with ice-capped mountains on each side. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about the Hooker Valley Track, including...
Hiking the Hooker Valley Track in New Zealand
The Hooker Valley Track is one of New Zealand's most popular day hikes. An easy hike with incredible views of the Southern Alps, glacial streams and majestic Aoraki (Mount Cook).
When it comes to incredible day hikes, the Hooker Valley Track is honestly hard to beat, both in terms of views and easy access.
Located in the incredible Mount Cook National Park, the Hooker Valley Track winds up the glacial valley and crosses several scenic suspension bridges over glacial streams with ice-capped mountains on each side.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about the Hooker Valley Track, including some useful tips to help you make the most of the hike.
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Where is the Hooker Valley Track New Zealand?
The Hooker Valley Track follows the Hooker River up the Hooker Valley in Mount Cook National Park. The trailhead is accessible near White Horse Hill Campground, located at the end of Mount Cook Road.
BEST HELICOPTER EXPERIENCE IN NEW ZEALAND: BOOK THE MOUNT COOK HELICOPTER FLIGHT HERE
How to get to the Hooker Valley Track
To get to the Hooker Valley Track you have to drive down one of New Zealand's most beautiful roads. Mount Cook Street. This road branches off State Highway 8 (Tekapo-Twizel Road) at the intersection just before Lake Pukaki.
The road to Mount Cook National Park is paved and well maintained. However, it occasionally closes in winter due to storms.
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GUIDE TO IMAGE ABOVE: Peters Lookout on the road to Mount Cook
GPX file
Here is the GPX recording of the track I recorded. I recorded this track with my Garmin GPS watch. You probably won't need it for navigation.
GPX file: Download
My Strava: Visit
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Transportation options
Luckily, you can get to the Hooker Valley Track without a car by booking a shuttle bus. There are a few companies that offer this service. I found Cook Connect to be one of the most popular options.
They have pickup locations in Glentanner, Twizel and Lake Tekapo. Transfer prices range from $41 round trip.
Tip: If you don't have a car and want to save money, you can easily hitchhike to Mount Cook National Park, as there is only one way there and one way back.
What to Expect on the Hooker Valley Track
The Hooker Valley Track is an easy track suitable for different fitness levels. The route is mostly flat, with only around 100m of elevation gain spread over the 10km route.
The trailhead is located right next to the White Horse Hill Campground parking area, on the right side of the road as you enter the large parking area.
The trail climbs up the Hooker Valley, with views of Mount Cook, which is visible along the entire length of the walk.
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Shortly after the descent you will reach a moraine viewpoint with informative signposts explaining the alpine geology, courtesy of the DOC.
There are a total of three swing bridges on the Hooker Valley Track. The first crosses the Hooker River and offers excellent views of Mueller Lake.
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After the second swing bridge, you'll notice the landscape turns into a tussock plain, with wooden walkways preventing hikers from trampling the native grassland.
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After a final river crossing over another spectacular swing bridge, the trail leads hikers to Hooker Lake. On a clear day it seems as if you are walking straight towards Mount Cook itself, which looms just behind a small hill.
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RELATED: 6 BEST DAY HIKES IN MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
Hooker Lake
Hooker Lake marks the end of the Hooker Valley Track. From here you'll have incredible views of New Zealand's highest mountain and sweeping views across the glacier-studded lake.
You can also walk further to the lake's shore, where you can get a closer look at the huge chunks of ice making their way to the source of the Hooker River.
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From here the Hooker Valley Track takes the same route back to the car park. This time the view of the Sealy mountain range predominates.
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Klook.com
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Too cloudy?
Bad weather seems to be more common in this region than a clear day. When we visited, we waited for days for a good opportunity to hike the Hooker Valley Track.
However, if you're short on time, don't skip this hike just because of light cloud cover. Remember that this is an alpine region and the weather changes very quickly. Sometimes this can be a blessing, especially when the clouds part perfectly for a brief moment, revealing the magnificent peaks and glaciers of this incredible destination.
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Camping in Mount Cook National Park
By far the best place to stay in Mount Cook National Park is the White Horse Hill Campsite.
There are 60 unpowered pitches here and you'll need to arrive early in peak season to secure a spot. It is not possible to book online as it operates on a first come, first served basis.
Fees are $15 per night per person.
Alternatively, those who prefer a room or hotel can stay in nearby Mount Cook Village. Popular options include the famous Alpine Lodge and Mt. Cook Lodge.
More photos from the Hooker Valley Track in New Zealand
Here are a few more of my favorite photos from the hike. We were very lucky to have good weather to get some clear shots!
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MORE THINGS NEAR MOUNT COOK AND LAKE TEKAPO
I hope you enjoyed this quick and easy guide to hiking the Hooker Valley Track in New Zealand.
If you have track updates or questions, help fellow travelers by leaving a comment below.
For now, check out more guides and articles about Mount Cook and the incredible Lake District. Also, get more hiking inspiration by checking out this guide to the 6 best hikes in Mount Cook National Park and this guide to the 31 best hikes in New Zealand's South Island.
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