The Hooker Valley Track is one of the most awesome hikes in New Zealand. Hooker Valley is within the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand. The national park is on New Zealand’s South Island and is absolutely worth a visit.
We did it on a cloudy day, and even with limited visibility we were amazed at the jaw dropping mountain scenery.
The Hooker Valley hike is one of New Zealand’s most popular treks. The flat terrain makes it easily accessible for almost all fitness levels and hiking experience.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know before you embark on this breathtaking experience.
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One of the suspension bridges of Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Hooker Valley Walk Description
Break down:
- Distance: 10 km return trip
- Difficulty: easy
- Time: +- 4 hours
The Hooker Valley Track leads walkers through the Tōpuni area towards Aoraki/Mount Cook. The Tōpuni area is sacred to Ngāi Tahu iwi and holds great value and significance to the people.
Hikers will cross three swing bridges during the 10 km route. The first swing bridge will lead you over Mueller Lake where you are able to hear the avalanches on Mount Sefton in the distance.
Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
The second swing bridge will take you over Hooker River and lead you between old moraine ridges and humps. The third and final swing bridge takes walkers to East Hooker and the source of the Hooker River.
The track ends with an awe-inspiring view over Hooker Lake. Watch as icebergs float around you, with a backdrop of the Southern Alps and Mount Cook.
Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
The track is well-tread, even, and flat. Hikers of any level can complete this track and enjoy it. You’ll want to stop and take in the views as often as possible. The snow-capped mountains are postcard perfect.
My favourite thing about this hike was that there were awesome views all throughout. It’s not like most hikes were on the way up you see very little, and are then amazed by the epic view from the peak.
For the whole time that you’re trekking along Hooker Valley Track you will enjoy sweeping mountain views. Hooker Lake and its icebergs at the end of the track are just the cherry on the cake.
Hooker Lake with the icebergs floating in it
How to get to Hooker Valley Track
The nearest town to the starting point is Aoraki Mt Cook Village which is a short 10-minute drive away. The track starts at the end of Hooker Valley Road at the White Horse Hill Campground and car park.
Top Tip: Read the signs carefully at the hike’s entry. Lots of trails leave from the same starting point and you want to make sure you’re on the right path.
Alpine memorial at the start of the Hooker Valley Track, New Zealand
Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Places to stay near Hooker Valley Track
The nearest towns to Hooker Valley are Aoraki Mt Cook Village (2 km), Twizel (56 km), and Tekapo (96 km). We stayed in Mt Cook Village on our New Zealand road trip. It is definitely worth spending a night or two there.
The surrounding landscape is absolutely stunning and there is plenty to do apart from hiking Hooker Valley. Travellers can boat around the Hooker glacier, hike around Tasman Valley, take scenic flights, star-gaze, and relax in saunas.
Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Budget Option
We stayed at the YHA in Mount Cook and loved it. YHA is a hostel perfect for groups or solo travellers. There is a great vibe among the people staying there and easy to socialize with and swap stories.
The location is ideal! It is close to all of the tours and activities, just 200m from Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. It is difficult to believe the views around the hostel are real. They are so perfect it feels like they’ve been painted.
Guests can choose between dormitory or private rooms. When you’re not relaxing in your room, there is an amazing fireplace to cuddle up in front of in the shared living room. There is also a sauna to get toasty in.
Click here to book your stay at the YHA in Mount Cook!
Higher Range Option
If you prefer more private accommodation then Aoraki Court Motel is a great choice for you. Each patio at the motel has quintessential mountain views that will leave your jaw-dropping every time you look out at the scenery.
The rooms are equipped with kitchenettes so that you can make yourself feel at home by preparing and cooking your own meals. If you aren’t up to cook, there are various different dining options just a short three-minute walk away.
Click here to book your stay at Aoraki Court Motel!
Hooker Lake in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Best time of day to hike Hooker Valley New Zealand
The best time of day to hike Hooker Valley is either at sunrise or just before sunset. The track is quieter, especially in the early morning, and the views are heightened by the dawn and dusk lighting.
Best time of year to hike Hooker Valley
Hooker Valley is exceptional all year round. The most popular time of year to visit is during New Zealand’s summer months (December-February). While these months are the warmest, they are also the rainiest.
It is important to remember that these mountains are snow-capped all year round. With global warming and the weather patterns becoming more uncertain it is continuously more difficult to predict what the weather will be.
Hooker Valley Track, New Zealand
Hooker Valley Track New Zealand Weather
New Zealand is considerably colder and wetter than you might expect. It is always a good idea to have warm clothing, even in summer. This is a breakdown of the temperatures you can expect from each season in Hooker Valley.
Summer (December-February)
Summer days in Hooker Valley can be anywhere from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. Temperatures plummet in the evenings to an average of 10 degrees, so remember to pack layers.
Autumn (March-May)
The autumn months are drier and milder than the summer. The temperatures average between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius during the day but can easily go down to negative digits.
Autumn can have those ‘four seasons in one day’ days so be prepared for anything.
Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Winter (June-August)
Winter in Hooker Valley can get cold. Although there is an average of 10 degrees during the day, minus degree temperatures are common at night.
However, Hooker Valley is a winter wonderland and the quieter time of year means more snow for you to play with.
Spring (September-November)
Spring sees milder temperatures with averages of 15-20 degrees in the day. The rain is not as frequent as it is in summer but you can expect sporadic showers in the day.
Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
What to pack for your Hooker Valley Hike
Although the hike is relatively easy there are a few things that you will need. This is a short packing list of all the essentials to take with you.
- Plenty of drinking water
- Comfortable sturdy walking shoes
- A water/windproof jacket (regardless of the season)
- Warm hat or beanie
- Gloves
- Layered clothing
- Sunscreen
- Head torch
- Snacks
Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Final thoughts: is Mount Cook Hooker Valley worth hiking?
Definitely! The Hooker Valley Track is arguably New Zealand’s most popular hiking trail and it’s easy to see why. The flat terrain means that it’s not particularly challenging and is part of whatt makes the trek so enjoyable.
The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has 19 peaks over 3000 metres, with Aoraki/Mount Cook being its highest. You’re surrounded by mountains the entire hike and everywhere you look gorgeous views will meet your eyes.
The cherry on top of an already amazing hike is experiencing the floating icebergs on the lake at the end. What a magical reward at the end of a day of trekking!
I hope you find this guide useful in planning your own Hooker Valley Track hike!
Looking for more New Zealand travel tips? Check out these guides!
- Roy’s Peak hike – everything you need to know
- The best Milford Sound tour + cruise options from Queenstown
- Everything you need to know about hiking Mt John Summit Track
- Ultimate guide to hiking Queenstown Hill
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