Easily one of the most stunning hikes of my life, hiking the Hooker Valley Track was an incredible experience and a real highlight of our first visit to New Zealand's South Island.
Below is a short video of our day on the hike to see the glorious Aoraki / Mount Cook, so you can enjoy the scenery and get a feel for the terrain. It really doesn't do justice to how stunningly beautiful and serene this hike is.
This video is the second in our series of our 2 week holiday in the South Island.
Enjoy!
Getting to the Hooker Valley Track
Start the Hooker Valley Track from the White Horse Hill Campground - just over an hour’s drive from Lake Tekapo. Follow Mount Cook Road (State Highway 80) and turn right into Hooker Valley Road to reach the car park and starting point.
The car park can get busy... we ended up parking on the side of the entry road with many others. You'll find toilet amenities and plenty of signage directing you where to go.
How long does it take to hike the Hooker Valley Track?
It is a fairly easy 10km (6.8mile) return track that is easily accessible. It is mostly flat with gently undulating sections, some stairs and three suspension bridges (all spectacular to cross).
We finished the hike in 3 hours, and that was including our time to pause and admire Hooker Lake, plus I stopped to take many photos and videos along the way.
Food Options near the Hooker Valley Track
There is not much food in the area so be prepared.
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 pick up some picnic supplies for the day. I loved the cute cafe called Mint Folk & Co at Twizel:
We started our hike in the morning and finished in the afternoon to enjoy a burger at The Old Mountaineer’s Cafe (a short drive away) - it has the best view through large glass windows featuring Mt Cook. It also has a lovely sun drenched deck to enjoy the mountain views, surrounded by pine trees.
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.
We based ourselves in Tekapo for 3 nights to enjoy the night stars and other Tekapo attractions (travelling from Christchurch), choosing a clear sky day for our hike. We stayed in the cosiest little cottage - 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 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.
Try to choose a sunny day for the most incredible, clear views!
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