Hooker Valley track

Absolutely gorgeous but so busy. Easy, mostly flat and then about 100 stairs up and down to the first bridge. Worth it just to go to the first bridge which is about a 30 minute walk! Second bridge still closed. Come as early as you can to avoid the crowds, can’t enjoy the views because there’s so many people trying to get past you all the time. We came about 10am - in hindsight probably one of the busiest times. Still easy to park at this time though, the car parks long been filled, but plenty of space along the road. There were some lovely clean flushing toilets there too. The scenery is gorgeous, the track is nice, but the popularity is not lol - if you’re able, do the sealy tarns track, and definitely go to Tasman glacier down the road which was slightly quieter.

Something we learned immediately after arriving: you need to pay the parking upfront. The Hooker Valley trail can be done in 1hr (according to the signs). However, we wanted to take it easy and take pictures, so we needed 2hrs total. If you want to take it easy budget at least 2hrs. Using the QR code from the parking you can remotely pay for additional time. The trail is beautiful and absolutely worth a visit.

Hooker Valley Track, Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is an easy, well-maintained walk that feels like stepping into a living postcard. The flat trail crosses charming swing bridges and winds through alpine landscapes to Hooker Lake, offering breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. During my visit, I heard a distant, rumbling sound I couldn’t understand at first—then I saw it: a glacier calving, as huge chunks of ice broke off and tumbled into the lake. It was awe-inspiring, a reminder of nature’s quiet power and beauty. This track is suitable for all fitness levels and gives you a front-row seat to some of New Zealand’s most dramatic alpine scenery.

The valley is absolutely beautiful, with very diverse landscapes. The walk itself is interesting and enjoyable, passing rivers, small streams, and rocky riverbeds. In the distance, you can see snow-capped mountains, which makes the scenery even more stunning. The weather was perfect during our visit, and spending one to two hours walking through the valley was incredibly relaxing and enjoyable. It was a wonderful experience that made us feel both happy and refreshed. Need to pay for parking, around 6-7 nzd per day

What a Great place! Definitely worth the drive which is about 45 minutes from Lake Pukake. Only 1 suspension bridge is open due to construction ahead. You can still enjoy what's left of glacier and maybe visit the village next to it. It has good toilets and there is camper van registration.

Due to the second swing bridge maintenance (until August 2026), this track has been significantly shortened to about one third of its original length. While it’s still an easy walk, it’s considerably more crowded than the Kea Point track, and you don’t get the stunning glacier and Mt. Cook views that make this trek famous. If you’re visiting while the maintenance is ongoing, I’d recommend doing the Kea Point track instead. It offers better views and a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds.

This trail was soooo gorgeous. Don’t miss it!! At the moment (Dec 2025 and definitely in 2026) the trail is closed after only about 1.5 miles due to a bridge collapse and current re-build. It’s soooo worth going the first 1.5 miles though. Try to go during clear weather to see the peaks. Stunning. We went at sunset, it was very chilly (dress with layers / hat for the wind), but sooo worth it, just beautiful to see golden light on the peaks and a lottttt less people around. We then camped at the adjacent campground which was perfect.

Visited Hooker Valley in September 2025, and it was one of the most stunning walks we’ve ever done in New Zealand! The trail is well-marked, flat and accessible, making it perfect for all ages. Along the way, we crossed three beautiful suspension bridges, each offering unique perspectives of the surrounding mountains and rivers. The scenery is constantly changing, from braided glacial rivers and tussock-filled valleys to snow-capped peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook. The highlight of the walk is Hooker Lake itself, with its turquoise waters and icebergs floating gently on the surface. The view of Mount Cook reflecting on the lake was breathtaking — truly a picture-perfect moment. Even though it was early spring, the air was crisp and refreshing, and there were still patches of snow that added to the dramatic landscape. We spent time at the lake, taking photos and enjoying the peacefulness of the area. The trail is about 10 km return but it feels easy thanks to the well-maintained path and gentle terrain. Hooker Valley Track is a must-do for anyone visiting Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. It’s accessible, scenic and offers some of the best alpine views in New Zealand. Highly recommended for nature lovers and photographers alike!

We parked at the trailhead located next to the White Horse Carpark, a quick 3-4min drive from Hermitage Hotel. NZ DOC estimated the walk as 3-4hr return, which was pretty accurate to our experience. There are maps available breaking down the segments of the trail, and their times, from bridge to bridge, as a helpful waypoint guidance. The walk was flat path, with very minimal elevation gain- we were walking on a very rainy, windy day-and the flatness of the valley walk, between the mountains, created a very intense wind tunnel- we often had to stop, shielding from the wind-but this made for a very fun experience. Arriving at the swing bridges, the icy rivers below were gorgeous light blue breathtaking views- then the arrival at the final glacier lake was worth the long trek. A delightful walk to enjoy Hooker Valley.

My wife and I hiked this trail on a rainy day in March. We got soaked and we never saw Mt. Cook, which was hidden by clouds, and it was still 110 percent worth it. The New Zealand DOC estimates the hike as 3-4 hours out and back, and it's accurate. We clocked it at 9-10 miles from the trailhead at the Hermitage Hotel. You also certainly don't have to do the whole track to get some great photos. We parked (free) by the Hermitage Hotel, grabbed a map from the concierge, and had a drink at their bar afterward (not free). The hotel also has a shop stocked with any gear you might feel compelled to buy before hiking. There also are restrooms located within the hotel off the lobby. The elevation gain is marginal and most of the trail is pretty flat. We were just fine in running shoes, and the only reason I'd be cautious about footwear is that parts of the trail (especially bridges and wooden causeways) can be slippery. The rest of the trail is dirt and gravel. There are no amenities, so bring water, snacks, etc. The DOC also has resources, including a posted sign on the trail, on what you should bring to have a safe, fun hike. This was a must-do on our New Zealand itinerary, and even without Mt. Cook in view it was one of the most beautiful hikes we've taken.

Hiking in the mountains, the Hooker Valley Track is an easy hike. Perhaps if you're not afraid of heights, this would be easy for you. However for those who are scared, you might want to be conquering your fears when doing this hike. Go across stable bridges above rivers, there's that lush green of flat lands and boulders of rock faces around watching your every move. I'd say hike at your own risk and wear sunscreen because the rays down here are more powerful due to no pollution. The hike is easily accessed, though not paved, probably the only time you're wet is if it's raining or if you decide to jump in the lake at the end. It's a good way for family to exercise their legs after driving for long periods of time. Be respectful of the land, pick up after yourself. It's not a peaceful or beautiful hike if rubbish is seen. Oh and, bring water. Enjoy!!!

After visiting my two favorites lakes in New Zealand, we drove to Mt. Cook. The drive from Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook was amazing - first half of the drive is along the circumference of the turquoise blue Lake Pukaki and the second half of the drive is towards the face of the glacier covered Southern Alps. It had become cloudy that afternoon and we could hardly see the peak of Mt. Cook. I was really hoping the clouds would clear away at least for a little to make way for our hike. But in vain. With every passing minute, the clouds became darker and darker and it started to drizzle. I knew exactly what trail I wanted to hike - The Hooker Valley Trail! No no, there's no hooker in the trail. I have no clue why it was named so. Kinda embarrassing to even tell people that I loved the Hooker Valley Trail; every time I got to emphasize that it is a hiking trail. After parking the car, we packed up our bags with jackets, umbrellas, water, bananas and started on our hike. I looked behind every now and then to catch glimpses of Lake Pukaki. It almost seemed like it was warm and sunny near Lake Pukaki, just a few kilometers away from Mt. Cook. The weather didn't make up its mind - it rained every alternate minute and I was tired folding in and opening the umbrella every other minute. Sigh. The views of the surrounding glacier covered mountains were breathtaking. After a while, I felt like a teeny tiny ant, surrounded by these gigantic, white mountains all around me. After a while, we came across a viewpoint to see the Mueller Lake and the Mueller Glaciers. We continued walking, crossing the Hooker River on a suspension bridge. How fun! I'm used to walking on suspension bridges in Lynn Canyon, Vancouver and in Arenal Hanging Bridges in Costa Rica, but it always a scary experience for me. The hike to the Hooker Glaciers did not have one suspension bridge, but three! Although I was bummed that the weather was overcast, the cloudy weather did make the scenery look quixotic. We continued walking until the trail ended in the mouth of the Hooker Lake with glaciers in the background. What I loved the most was the little ice bergs floating on the Hooker Lake. How cool is that?! I love seeing icebergs, so this was really a dream come true for me! By the way, when you are in Mt. Cook National Park, don't miss out the short hike to the Tasman Glaciers, New Zealand's longest glaciers.

The track itself is extremely lengthy compared to the Tasman glacier track, and due to lack of time, we only did half of it, but you can definitely tell the end will very well be rewarding. If you're afraid of heights and some motion sickness be sure to go with a friend as there are three hanging bridges. Also ensure to have sufficient time, about 3 to 5 hours depending on your pace.