How to Hike the Hooker Valley Track in New Zealand

My guide to the Hooker Valley Track, an easy walk with incredible views of the Southern Alps, glacial streams and the majestic Aoraki (Mount Cook).

When it comes to incredible day hikes, it’s honestly hard to beat the Hooker Valley Track in terms of both views and ease of access. In fact, this is one of New Zealand’s most popular day walks.

Located in the incredible Mount Cook National Park, the Hooker Valley track winds up the glacial valley, crossing several scenic suspension bridges over glacial streams with ice-capped mountains on every side.

After doing this walk many times on my trips to New Zealand, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about track, including how to get here, what to expect, trail directions, and more based on my personal experience.

Where is the Hooker Valley Track?

The Hooker Valley Track follows the Hooker River up the Hooker Valley within the Mount Cook National Park. The trailhead is accessible from near the White Horse Hill campsite, located at the end of Mount Cook Road.

To reach the starting point, head towards Mount Cook Village, and continue driving until you reach the end of the road. Here, you'll find the White Horse Hill Campground and car park, which serves as the main access point for the trail.

Moraine Viewpoint

Soon after the first bridge, there’s a viewpoint with informative signs about the area’s alpine geology, courtesy of the DOC. It’s a good spot for a quick rest and some photos.

Second Swing Bridge

Another 1.3 kilometers along, you arrive at the second swing bridge. This section of the river is more turbulent, with impressive rapids and large boulders.

The bridge itself is sturdy but can be closed in adverse weather. If this bridge is closed, you won't be able to reach Hooker Lake, the highlight of the track. You can still walk up to the moraine viewpoint but will need to turn back from there.

About 1 kilometer past the second bridge, we reached Stocking Stream Shelter, which has toilets and benches.

After the second swing bridge, you will notice that the landscape changes to a tussock plain, with wooden boardwalks preventing hikers from trampling the native grassland.

Third Swing Bridge

The final swing bridge is about 700 meters further. This bridge offers spectacular views of Mount Cook, especially on clear days. The track continues past the bridge and gently climbs the last 600 meters to Hooker Lake.

On a clear day, it'll seem like you're walking directly toward Mount Cook herself, towering just behind a small hill.

Arriving at Hooker Lake

Hooker Lake marks the end of the Hooker Valley track. From here, you'll have incredible views of New Zealand's tallest mountain and far-spanning views across the glacier-dotted lake.

You can also walk further to the shore of the lake, where you can get a closer glimpse of the huge chunks of ice making their way to the source of the Hooker River.

From here, the Hooker Valley track leads back to the car park, the same way you came in. This time, the predominant view is of the Sealy mountain range.

What if it's Too Cloudy?

Bad weather seems to be more common than a clear day in this region. I've done this hike a few times but the first time we visited, we waited days for a good opportunity to hike it and see good views of Mount Cook.

However, if you are low on time, don't skip this hike just because of a bit of 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 grandiose peaks and glaciers of this incredible destination.

More Things to Do at Mount Cook National Park

Camping Near the Hooker Valley Track

By far, the best place to stay overnight at Mount Cook National Park is the White Horse Hill Campsite.

Here, there are 60 unpowered sites and you'll need to arrive early in peak season to secure a spot. It's not possible to book online as it operates on a first-come-first-serve basis.

More Photos From the Hooker Valley Track

Here are some more of my favourite photos from the hike. These are spread out in different visits so you have a good idea about the variety of what to expect. We were very fortunate to have good weather on most visits to be able to capture some clear shots!

If you have any track updates or questions, make sure to help other travelers out by leaving a comment below.

For now, why not check out some more travel guides and articles around Mount Cook and the incredible Lake District?

• 36 Amazing Places to Visit in the South Island - my most comprehensive travel guide that is useful to help you find the best places to visit on your trip to the South Island
• Top Things to Do in Queenstown: Explore Queenstown's top hikes, epic adrenaline activities, and hidden gems.
• South Island's Best Hikes: I hiked over 50 trails in New Zealand. Here's my curated list of the most breathtaking hikes across New Zealand's South Island.
• Arthur's Pass Travel Guide: Dive into the heart of Arthur's Pass with my guide to the best places to visit.
• Best Mount Cook National Park Hikes: A hiking guide to the most scenic trails beneath Mount Cook.
• Best Views of Mount Cook: Discover the top spots to witness New Zealand's Aoraki peak in all its glory.
• Epic Things to do at Milford Sound: Explore 21 unique ideas get inspired to visit Milford Sound!
• Catlins' Hidden Gems: Uncover the Catlins' best-kept secrets, from waterfalls to wild coastlines.
• Accommodation Resources: Plan where to stay in Queenstown and discover the amazing Tekapo Lake Hotels.