Hiking the Hooker Valley Track and Exploring Mount Cook National Park - Where to Eat and Stay
- Kylie Harber
- Mar 18, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 23
One of the most stunning and peaceful hikes of my life, hiking the Hooker Valley Track was an incredible experience and one of the highlights of our first visit to New Zealand's South Island.
Even better? It's an easy hike that will reward you over and over again with epic mountain views, rushing waterways and crystal clear creeks. The pristine nature experience you long for.
I loved this hike so much I created a short video of our experience. And below the video, I'm sharing everything you need to know about this enjoyable trail – how long it is, how to get there, where to eat and stay nearby, so you can make the most of your time in beautiful New Zealand.
In my video you'll see glorious Aoraki / Mount Cook, enjoy the scenery and get a feel for the terrain. We even see an avalanche in the distance! It really doesn't do justice to how stunningly beautiful and serene this hike is - you must go in person.
We travelled through New Zealand South Island over two weeks - you can watch all our travel videos from this trip in my New Zealand South Island YouTube Playlist.
Where is the Hooker Valley Track?
The hike is located within Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand's South Island. Here are the driving times from nearby towns:
4.5 hours from Christchurch
3.5hrs from Queenstown
1.5hrs from Tekapo
1 hour from Twizel
How long does it take to hike the Hooker Valley Track?
We finished the hike in 3 hours, and that included plenty of time to pause and admire the views and a rest at Hooker Lake, plus I stopped to take many photos and videos along the way.
How hard is it to hike the Hooker Valley Track?
The track is a fairly easy 10km (6.8mile) return track. You start at the trailhead at White Horse Hill Campground and reaching Hooker Lake is the midway point. This is where you'll see incredible views of Mount Cook (and icebergs floating in the lake). From here you return the way you came.
It is flat in parts with gently undulating sections, some stairs, some short inclines / declines and three suspension bridges - all spectacular to cross although if you're afraid of heights like me, the third one will take your breath away! I felt perfectly safe crossing the bridges (they are solid!), just a little nervous at the view.
We were not fit at the time and it was the perfect first hike to start our 2 week itinerary in New Zealand's South Island. We found it enjoyable and easy.
I'm currently creating hand-drawn and handpainted maps of New Zealand! My city map artworks take many weeks to make. If you'd like to see the artworks when they're completed, pop your email in below to join my mailing list:
Getting to the Hooker Valley Track
Start the Hooker Valley Track from the White Horse Hill Campground – about an hour’s drive from Tekapo. Follow Mount Cook Road (State Highway 80) and turn right into Hooker Valley Road to reach the car park and starting point.
Note that the car park can get busy. We ended up parking on the side of the entry road with many others and walking back to the trailhead. You'll find toilet amenities and plenty of signage directing you where to go.
Food Options near the Hooker Valley Track
There is not much food in the area, so please be more prepared than we were. Remember to pack lots of water and snacks for your hike.
If you're driving from Lake Tekapo, the small town of Twizel is on the way – it's a great spot to stop for a coffee or breakfast and you can pick up some picnic supplies for the day at the local Four Square supermarket.
We stopped at Mint Folk & Co for a hot drink on the drive out from Tekapo (the hot chocolate is a MUST). We started our hike in the morning around 10.30am and finished in the afternoon around 1:30pm. I brought an apple to munch on at the half way point (Hooker Lake).
After our hike, we drove back to the nearby village to enjoy a late lunch. We had a burger at The Old Mountaineer’s Cafe (a 5 minute drive away) - it has a stunning view through large glass windows featuring Mount Cook. It also has a lovely sun drenched deck to enjoy the mountain views, surrounded by pine trees. There was one other cafe in the village from memory - please check opening times and note that the cafes may have reduced meal options.
Where to Stay for the Hooker Valley Track
For the closest place to stay (a 5 minute drive), it is best to base yourself at Aoraki Mount Cook Village. This would be ideal if you want to stay for multiple hikes and accommodation options include the Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook Chalets and Haka House.
You could also base yourself in Twizel. It is a tiny town but has wonderful amenities, cafes, restaurants, supermarket, post office, chemist - all the usual suspects.
We based ourselves in Lake Tekapo for 3 nights to enjoy the dark sky reserve and other Tekapo attractions, choosing a clear sky day for our hike. We stayed in the cosiest little cottage called Mary Hut! We fell in love with the views, deck, heated floors and homely features and never wanted to leave…
Mary Hut, Tekapo:
Tips for the Hooker Valley Track
We visited the Hooker Valley track in March 2023 and had absolutely glorious weather.
Despite the lovely cool breeze, the sun is hot and reflects off all the snow / icy water of Hooker Lake. We got burnt despite taking extra precautions - I recommend wearing a hat, sunscreen and packing plenty of water.
You'll find plenty of resting spots and picnic tables along the way. Reaching Hooker Lake is the midway point, before you return the way you came. The views in both directions are phenomenal!
Try to choose a sunny day for the most incredible, clear views!
Artwork of the Hooker Valley Track
As an artist, my inspiration comes from the places I visit and call home - the places I leave my heart. I specialise in beautiful, hand drawn map artworks and murals! I am very keen to draw my favourite hiking trails - the Hooker Valley Track being one of them.
It is on my wishlist to create a stunning map of the Hooker Valley Track in 2026. If you'd like to be notified when it comes available, you can join my monthly newsletter here:
You can see some of my travel inspired artworks here.
And a beautiful commissioned map artwork here.
Happy hiking!
Love, Kylie + Mr G
Disclaimer; This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission on, at no cost to you. I will only ever share links to places and activities I highly recommend and have experienced myself (because that's what makes a trip special, right?!). Thank you for supporting me.
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