Icebergs, glacial lakes, and mountain views all within a three hour walk from the car park. The Hooker Valley Track is located in the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park on the South Island of New Zealand and is an easy hike that delivers BIG!
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Quick Overview
Located in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park this is an achievable 16km day hike that’ll take you around three hours, depending on how many times you stop for photos!
Never been to New Zealand? If you’re planning on visiting the South Island put the Hooker Valley Track at the top of your list! The photo opportunities alone are worth the trip – this is one hike that you’ll be talking about for a long time.
Hooker Valley Track Quick Facts
Distance: 16km
Duration: 3 hours
Nearest town: Aoraki Mt Cook village
Don’t forget! Always check the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) website when planning any trip to make sure conditions are safe and routes are open.
About the Hooker Valley Track
The Hooker Valley Track is a great day hike for people who are visiting New Zealand and want to do a hike, but aren’t necessarily hikers. With good shoes, decent fitness and a couple of litres of water, this is a great afternoon hike to get a glimpse of the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.
You will work in the valley of enormous mountains, can enjoy Hooker Lake at sunset, and impress your mates with photos of yourself in front of glacier. And you’ll be back at the car within three hours. It’s so good it almost sounds fake!
While the walk is easy, it is 16km long so provided your fitness levels are up to that – you’ll absolutely love it.
Read more: Remember to leave no trace
How to Get to Hooker Valley Track
Fly to Christchurch or Queenstown and drive to the Mount Cook National Park via State Highway 80. Turn off at Hooker Valley Road and follow it to the end to reach the White Horse Hill campground and car park. Nothing left to do except get started!
Skill Level
Beginner
The Hooker Valley Track is an easy walk, but does require some level of fitness. The other tracks in the area range from beginner to expert so do some research before setting off.
Essential Gear for Hooker Valley Track
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Suitable alpine clothing – do not underestimate how cold it can get!
- Gaiters – if there have been any recent heavy snowfalls
- Sunscreen
- Food and water
- Camera
Read more: Packing List for a Day Hike
What It’s Like Hiking the Hooker Valley Track
We parked our camper van in the White Horse Camping Ground at about 3pm on a beautifully clear winter’s day. I really wanted to get to Hooker Lake for some photos at sunset.
The sign at the start of the Hooker Valley Track said to allow 2-4 hours return. We loaded up my wife’s backpack with water and some snacks, mine with camera gear, and set off along the well-maintained track.
While I say that this must be the best easy walk in the world, let me clarify a few things. I’ve done a fair bit of hiking in Australia and now New Zealand and I think that this walk would be very easy for anyone of moderate fitness and hiking experience.
And no I haven’t done every walk in the world, but from the moment we climbed over the small hill behind the campground I was constantly picking my jaw up from the ground.
Walking Between Giants
The scenery and views are something else! You’re walking along the valley between two huge mountains – Mount Sefton (3151m) and Mount Wakefield (1740m) and the valley leads towards the base of Aoraki/Mount Cook (3724m). You cross the Hooker River, via Swing Bridge three times, and with each crossing, the drop-down to the river below seems to get bigger.
Hooker Lake in all its glory
Icebergs on Hooker Lake
The highlight for me was Hooker Lake, where the track ends. This glacial lake at the base of Aoraki/Mount Cook is a beautiful greyish blue and at the time we got there it had dozens of icebergs floating on the surface. They varied from the size of my backpack to the size of a small house.
Whilst I was taking sunset shots, one of the large icebergs split in half, each section tipping over creating a mini tsunami that crashed against the shore. As the light faded we were the only people left at the lake. There was barely a breath of wind, I was surrounded by giant mountains, looking over a lake full of icebergs, I was thinking to myself it doesn’t get any better than this!
Icebergs on Hooker Lake
We walked back to the campground in the dark. We use good quality 200-lumen headlamps which make hiking in the dark a breeze. We were accompanied by dozens of brushtail possums (a pest in New Zealand) and the sounds of avalanches crashing down the mountains. The walk took roughly 1.5 hours each way – this will vary depending on how many photos you stop to take – count on that being a lot!
Was it an easy hike?
As I said at the start, for anyone of moderate fitness and hiking experience, this is an easy walk. A good pair of hiking boots, water, food, and a camera are your essential items. Also, ensure that you’re equipped for a few options weather-wise. Weather can change quickly up here!
We went at the end of winter and it was cold! Make sure you wear adequate layers and remember that conditions can change very quickly (I left my gloves in the camper and could barely move my fingers by the time we got back). In summer make sure you take sunscreen and insect repellent.
The views from the road are pretty speccy too!
Tips for the Hooker Valley Hike
- Before you leave, make sure to check the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) website to make sure conditions are safe and the track is open
- Make sure your camera has spare batteries and your phone is charged
- Take plenty of layers – even if you’re only out there for three hours, the weather can (and does!) change in an instant
FAQs Hooker Valley Hike
Is the Hooker Valley Hike suitable for beginners?
Yes. This is a great hike for beginners, provided you have good fitness and have broken in your hiking boots. At three hours in length, it’s relatively short and the terrain is forgiving.
Where is the Hooker Valley Track located?
The Hooker Valley Track is located in the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. The closest town to the starting point is Aoraki Mt Cook village.
Is the Hooker Valley Track a good place to go for sunset photography?
This might just be the best place I’ve been for sunset photography – it’s pretty special. Definitely recommend checking this out if you enjoy a nice sunset. Just make sure you are prepared with batteries and torches for the return trip in the dark.
What are the highlights of the Hooker Valley Track ?
For a small hike this one sure does pack a punch! You’ll get to cross swing bridges, see a glacier, and walk beside the stunning Hooker River. On clear days you’ll also be treated to stellar views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Want more places to see on New Zealand’s South Island?
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