The Hooker Valley track is a 10-kilometer family-friendly walk through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, ending at New Zealand’s largest mountain – Mount Cook.
I’ve walked the Hooker Valley Track many times, and in this guide, I’ll tell you the best time to go, what to take, and where to stay.
WALK THE HOOKER VALLEY TRACK
Table of Contents
- Location and Accessibility
- Best time to visit the Hooker Valley Track
- Highlights of the Hooker Valley Track
- Difficulty Level and Fitness Required
- What to Pack
- Where to stay
- Conclusion
Location and Accessibility
You’ll find the Hooker Valley Track on New Zealand’s South Island – a five minutes drive from Mount Cook Village, with the closest major airports in Christchurch and Queenstown.
Mount Cook Village itself is located at the end of one of the most stunningly scenic drives you might ever experience and is a trip in itself. The Hooker Valley Track begins just outside the village at White Horse Hill Campground, a DOC campground with plenty of room to park your car.
You can access multiple walks from the campground, such as the challenging Sealy Tarns and Muller Hut track, the easy-as Kea track, and the Hooker Valley Track.
Best time to visit the Hooker Valley Track
The Hooker Valley Track is most accessible during the summer months thanks to longer days and less likelihood of ice and snow. However, the Hooker Valley track is often accessible throughout the winter and is much quieter.
I recommend you begin the Hookey Valley track at sunrise or late afternoon for two reasons. First, the route will be much quieter. Secondly, the mid-day sun is directly above Mount Cook, which isn’t great for photography.
Highlights of the Hooker Valley Track
The Hooker Valley Track snakes its way from the White Horse Hill campground across the Hooker River and towards the Hooker Glacier and Mount Cook. At 3724 meters (12,218 feet), Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain.
Moreover, Mount Cook is a genuinely impressive-looking mountain and, for much of the walk, is in full view as you approach it and the glacier that sits beneath.
But before you arrive at the glacier and pop your lunch box, you’ll cross three swing bridges that bounce and roll with your footsteps, thus giving children an ideal opportunity to torment their parents.
Difficulty Level and Fitness Required
The Hooker Valley Track is 5 kilometers (3 miles) long, thus a 10-kilometer (6-mile) return trip from the White Horse Hill Campground. The Hooker Valley track is not technically difficult or dangerous and is well-maintained. The terrain includes rocky sections, steps, bridges, and boardwalks.
In the winter, the Hooker Valley Track can become icy and slippy. In extreme weather, the track may be closed and the bridges locked. But, if you can access the path, stick to it, as it will keep you out of the way of the area’s many avalanches.
Overall, it should take a moderately fit able-bodied adult or child between 3-4 hours to complete the Hooker Valley Track.
What to Pack
While the Hooker Valley Track is a relatively short walk, you should be prepared for changeable conditions,
- Factor 50 Sun Block, Sun Hat, and Sun Glasss. The sun in New Zealand is no joke.
- A Good pair of walking boots or shoes with good grip and sufficient ankle support.
- Prepare for changeable weather by packing multiple layers of clothing, such as a base layer, jumper/fleece, wind block, and raincoat.
- Bring your Food and water – there are no cafes on the Hooker Valley Track.
- First Aid Kid – hope for the best, plan for the worst.
Where to stay
The nearest accommodation to the Hooker Valley track is based in Mount Cook Village. However, accommodation is limited, and I strongly recommend you book ahead, particularly in the summer months.
I like to stay at the Mount Cook Aoraki Motels because they are modern, well-serviced, and quiet. In contrast, the Hermitage Hotel is the beating heart of Mount Cook Village and includes a shop, cafe, bar, restaurant, and museum. The restaurant is worth a visit for the spectacular views of Mount Cook. Book Now
Conclusion
The Hooker Valley Track is an accessible, moderately-energetic, family-friendly way to soak in some world-class scenery. However, the route can be busy in the summer and slippy with ice in the winter. Therefore, despite the Hooker Valley Track’s modest length, ensure you’re prepared with sufficient clothing and footwear.
WALK THE HOOKER VALLEY TRACK
Have you walked the Hooker Valley Track? Why not leave a comment below?