The Hooker Valley Track is a hiking trail in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park that takes you through stunning alpine mountain scenery within New Zealand’s Southern Alps. You will hike past views of snowcapped mountain peaks and glaciers, across three swing bridges, and past two glacial lakes (Mueller Lake and Hooker Lake). The track ends at Hooker Lake with Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak, dominating the background. You get amazing New Zealand views throughout the entire track.
These incredible mountain vistas are very accessible. The trail is well-maintained, easy to follow, and consists of a combination of gravel paths and boardwalks. It is more of a walk than a hike, making it a great option for people of all ages and fitness levels. The entire walk takes between 3 to 4 hours roundtrip, including stops for photos.
For more ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park see our Guide to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and our Guide on Helicopter Tours from Franz Josef/Fox Glacier.
Hooker Valley Track Stats
Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 miles) roundtrip (out-and-back)
Total Ascent: 290 meters (950 feet)
Lowest Elevation: 760 meters (2,500 feet)
Highest Elevation: 895 meters (2,935 feet)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time: 3 to 4 hours
Hooker Valley Elevation Profile
Hooker Valley Track Map
Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
Hooker Valley Trailhead
From the Aoraki / Mount Cook village, take Hooker Valley Road which will end at a large parking area. At the car park you will find a campground, a shelter, bathrooms, the Hooker Valley Track trailhead, and the Mueller Hut Route trailhead. The Hooker Valley Track trailhead is well marked.
Even though the parking area is large it does fill up and the trail can be crowded, even in the winter. To get ahead of the crowds, plan for a morning start.
The Hooker Valley Track trailhead is only a 5-minute drive from the Aoraki / Mount Cook village.
You can also walk to the trailhead from the village. Take the Mueller Hut Route trail which starts near The Hermitage Hotel and follow it to the White Horse Hill Campground and Car Park. This will add about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) and 30 minutes of hiking each way. This distance and time are in addition to any other distances and times stated in this hiking guide.
Hooker Valley Track
Step-By-Step Trail Guide
The Hooker Valley Track is a well-maintained, easy to follow track in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. It is a mostly gravel track, but it does have a few boardwalks that take you through a marshy area. You also cross three swing bridges and Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, dominates the background as you approach Hooker Lake at the end of the trail.
In the summer you can look for icebergs floating in the glacial lakes (Mueller Lake and Hooker Lake). And in the winter these glacial lakes freeze over.
It is important not to try to swim in the glacial lakes or walk on any frozen portions of these lakes. Glacial lakes are extremely cold and dangerous.
The Hooker Valley Track is advertised as one of the best walks in New Zealand, and it does not disappoint. It is a great hike for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Freda’s Rock and the Alpine Memorial
The trail starts from the parking lot at the end of Hooker Valley Road. Near the trailhead you will find bathrooms. There is also a bathroom facility about halfway along the trail.
Hooker Valley Track parking lot
You get to enjoy beautiful snowcapped mountain scenery even at the trailhead. And as you hike, listen for the crackling sound the glaciers make as they slowly move.
Hooker Valley Track trailhead
Almost immediately you will come to a very short spur trail on the left that takes you to Freda’s Rock. It is a larger bolder named in honor of Emmeline Freda Du Faur, the first woman to climb Aoraki / Mount Cook. When she returned from the summit of Mount Cook on December 3, 1910, she had her picture taken in front of this boulder to commemorate her historic achievement.
Freda’s Rock
Shortly past Freda’s Rock you will see another spur trail on the left where you can climb up to the Alpine Memorial. As stated on the memorial, it is dedicated “To the memory of mountaineers and guides lost to the hills”.
Alpine Memorial
From the Alpine Memorial you also get a great view overlooking Mueller Lake, Hooker Valley, and the surrounding mountains.
Mueller Lookout
Just before you reach the Hooker River and the first swing bridge, you will see the Lake Mueller Lookout on the left. The lookout offers a stunning view of Mueller Lake and the surrounding mountain peaks.
Lake Mueller
View of the first bridge from the Lake Mueller Lookout
PRO TRAVEL TIP: According to the New Zealand Department of Conservation, the Hooker Valley Track is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies from the trailhead to Lake Mueller Lookout.
Swing Bridges on the Hooker Valley Track
From the Lake Mueller Lookout you now descend down some steps built into the track to the first swing bridge.
View from the first bridge
As you hike between the first and second swing bridges you are walking across an old glacier moraine.
As you are walking keep an eye out for an unmarked set of steps on the left that lead up to a viewing area. This observation area offers a similar view as the Mueller Lake Lookout, but everything in the view is a bit closer.
View from the observation area
You will then come to the second swing bridge.
After crossing the second swing bridge you will be walking towards Aoraki / Mount Cook. On a clear day it will be in view for most of the remainder of the track. You will also cross a set of boardwalks that take you over a marshy area.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: There are bathrooms and picnic tables between the second and third swing bridge.
You will then come to the third swing bridge.
After crossing the third swing bridge keep an eye out for a short spur trail on the right that takes you to an alpine tarn. This is a great place to catch the reflection of Mount Cook in the water of the tarn on a clear day.
Hooker Lake
The main trail ends with a view overlooking Hooker Lake with Mount Cook as the backdrop. There are picnic tables here and you can walk down to the shore of the lake. In the summer look for icebergs in the lake. And in the winter the lake freezes over.
Do not swim in Hooker Lake or try to walk on any frozen portions of the lake. It is a glacial lake that is extremely cold and dangerous.
Hooker Lake
Overall, this is a stunning hike with gorgeous alpine mountain scenery suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It can be a magical experience during the summer or winter season. For more information on the hike, go to New Zealand’s Department of Conservation website.
For another great hike to consider in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, take a look at our Tasman Lake Hiking Guide.
What to Bring
I recommend wearing hiking shoes. Waterproof hiking shoes would be even better in the event of bad weather. The trail can get wet and muddy when it rains, and the trail can be slippery when it snows, so bring proper footwear for those conditions. Under perfectly dry conditions you could get away with wearing sneakers that have a good grip. But you never know what the weather will be ahead of your visit, so it is best to be prepared for the worst.
The Hooker Valley Track is exposed to the sun, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Bring food and water. You might consider bringing items to have a picnic at some point during the hike. Picnic tables are located between the second and third swing bridges and at Hooker Lake.
Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket so you are prepared for various weather conditions. This is an alpine region so weather changes can occur rapidly.
If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails.
Safety
Do not swim in Hooker Lake or Mueller Lake. These glacial lakes are very cold, and hypothermia can set in quickly.
Do not try to walk on Hooker Lake or Mueller Lake if they are frozen. The ice can easily give way causing you to fall in.
Do not climb on icebergs as they are not stable and can tip over.
Check the weather forecast ahead of your hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Hooker Valley Track located?
The Hooker Valley Track is located in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park on the South Island of New Zealand.
How do you get to the Hooker Valley Track trailhead?
The Hooker Valley Track trailhead is located next to the parking lot at the end of Hooker Valley Road. It is a 5-minute drive from the Aoraki / Mount Cook village. You can also walk to the trailhead from the village. Just follow the Mueller Hut Route trail which starts near The Hermitage Hotel and follow it to the White Horse Hill Campground and Car Park. This will add about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) and 30 minutes of hiking each way.
Is the Hooker Valley Track worth hiking?
Yes! Hiking the Hooker Valley Track is worth it, and we highly recommend it for anyone visiting Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. It is an easy to moderate track that crosses three swing bridges and takes you through stunning mountain scenery with views of glaciers, glacial lakes, and Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
When is the best time to hike the Hooker Valley Track?
The Hooker Valley Track is open year-round with the summer and winter seasons offering different experiences. In the summer look for icebergs in the glacial lakes. In the winter the glacial lakes freeze over. The track can close at the first or second swing bridge during any time of year in the event of severe weather. And the road to the trailhead can close in the winter due to snow.
Can you swim in Hooker Lake?
Swimming in a glacial lake, such as Hooker Lake, is not allowed and is considered very dangerous. Walking on frozen parts of Hooker Lake is also considered very dangerous and is prohibited.
Can you swim in Mueller Lake?
Swimming in a glacial lake, such as Mueller Lake, is not allowed and is considered very dangerous. Walking on frozen parts of Mueller Lake is also considered very dangerous and is prohibited.
Can I hike the Hooker Valley Track with a dog?
No, dogs are not permitted on the Hooker Valley Track.
Is the Hooker Valley Track accessible?
According to the New Zealand Department of Conservation “The first 700 m of the Hooker Valley Track is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.” This makes the turnaround point the Mueller Lake Lookout which is just before the first swing bridge.
Can I fly a drone in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
You have to obtain a permit from the New Zealand Department of Conservation before flying a drone within Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.
If you have any questions about the Hooker Valley Track, let us know in the comment section below.
More Information New Zealand Travel Guides
AORAKI/MOUNT COOK: 15 Wonderful Things to Do in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
TASMAN HIKES: Tasman Glacier View, Blue Lakes, and Tasman Lake Hiking Guide
DIAMOND LAKE HIKE: Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain Track: Best Routes, Map & Trail Stats
ROYS PEAK TRACK: How to Hike Roys Peak Track in Wanaka
SOUTH ISLAND ITINERARY: One Week South Island Itinerary: 4 Road Trip Routes
NEW ZEALAND BUCKET LIST: 50 Epic Things to Do in New Zealand
HIKING GEAR: Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike
We have TONS more information about New Zealand in our New Zealand Travel Guide, including Auckland, Queenstown, Wanaka, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Franz Josef, Christchurch, Wellington, Taupō, and the Milford Sound.
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