In my year living in New Zealand, I hiked the Hooker Valley Track twice. So I can say with confidence that this is not a track you regret hiking and only makes you want more. Aoraki, or Mount Cook, is the tallest mountain in New Zealand and Hooker Valley Track makes it feel accessible and brings you right into the peaks and glaciers of the Southern Alps.
Please note: most of this track is currently closed as they build a new suspension bridge. They estimate that the full track will reopen in Winter 2026 (soon! Remember that this is the southern hemisphere’s winter). While that means anyone currently in New Zealand will be missing out on the main track, soon future travelers will get to experience Hooker Valley anew. And that could be you!
Getting There
Before you even reach the trailhead, stunning viewpoints greet you on the drive there. Highway 80 winds you along the shore of Lake Pukaki, nestled in a glacially dug valley surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps. There are several view point stops to pull off at and enjoy the view. Whether you stop on the way in or out, you must take every opportunity to stop and take in these breathtaking views.
I recommend stopping at every roadside view point in New Zealand, but I really mean it here!
When you approach the trailhead, you’ll reach the White Horse Hill car park. This is where day visitors and hikers spending the night at a hut will park. They’re currently piloting a paid parking scheme, so make sure to research how to pay the parking fees in advance. The car park can fill quickly, especially during peak holiday seasons, so get there as early as possible to secure a spot.
The Hooker Valley Track Itself
Hooker Valley Track is a 4.3km out and back track described as easy to moderate difficulty. The Department of Conservation estimates the track will take you 1 hour return. However, I would give yourself closer to 3 hours at an average pace to take in the views and enjoy a nice picnic stop.
The track is well maintained with three suspension bridges (is it really a track in New Zealand without at least one suspension bridge?). These are some pretty solid bridges without much rocking, but those with a fear of heights should be prepared for some higher over-water crossings. Overall, the track is packed earth with some areas of elevated boardwalk and a few steps.
The track is not open 24 hours. The gate at the first suspension bridge is shut after hours (typically sundown to sunrise) or when weather or trail conditions make it unsafe for hikers. Make sure to read the signs at White Horse Hill and the gate before continuing your journey.
The end point of the track has a little picnic area (emphasis on little, especially in peak season and peak hours) with a beautiful view over the glacial Hooker Lake and Aoraki/Mount Cook. There are additional steps down to the rocky beach front where you can take in the majesty of Aoraki’s peak, Hooker Lake gently lapping at the shore, and Hooker Glacier staring back at you from across the water. As always, follow best practices when handling nature – leave no trace and do not stack rocks.
Surrounded by Stunning Peaks
Not only does Mount Cook’s peak tantalize visitors with its dramatic landscape, Hooker Valley Track is entirely surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks. As the name valley implies, Hooker Valley sits in a natural groove near entirely surrounded by steep mountain faces. I felt like a rotisserie chicken when doing this hike trying to take in all the views because every direction had some new steep ledge, snow-capped peak, or arid alpine landscape to admire.
Mount Sefton is the fourth tallest mountain in New Zealand and is the predominant eye-catching view from the trailhead and first part of the track. You can learn more about the first known expedition to climb Mt Sefton at the Kea Point view point. The main takeaway is that they chose the absolute hardest route without knowing and still managed to make it to the top!
If you have a keen eye, you can even spot avalanches as snow falls down the mountain sides. If you’re brave enough to sleep in one of the mountain huts, hikers have told me you can hear the avalanches echo around the mountains, especially during the peak avalanche season.
Suspension Bridges
I love a good suspension bridge. Sorry to those who have a fear of heights, but I will always embrace the chance to be safely suspended over natural beauty. The Hooker Valley Track has three suspension bridges that allow you to cross over the winding river that’s fed by the glacial Hooker Lake. In spring, the river is particularly roaring underfoot as the winter snowfall thaws from the mountains and runs down into the valley, ultimately ending in Lake Pukaki.
Because of this tracks popularity, these were some of the most stable suspension bridges I encountered in New Zealand. As you can probably expect, these are popular spots for photo taking and view gazing. If you’re hiking during a peak time (holiday seasons, midday, etc), practice some patience and social awareness as people take turns getting their photos. Have your poses prepared, check if anyone wants to pass first, and pull off to the side off the bridge to check the photos and decide if you want another go.
If you are hiking early in the early morning or towards the end of the day, you’ll likely have an easier time getting some solo pictures on the bridges. Be a respectful hiker and share the trail with others!
Glacial Lakes and Picnic Spots
Cresting the final hill, you’ll round the final corner and find yourself greeted by New Zealand’s most iconic site: Aoraki/Mount Cook, Hooker Glacier, and Hooker Lake. Despite Aoraki’s peak acting as a distant guide towering over the valley for much of the track up to this point, the first view of the peak standing tall above the glimmering glacial lake with Hooker Glacier jutting out on the other end still took my breath away.
Big and small natural ice sculptures float in the lake, formed into divots and peaks by the ebbs and flows of the water after years frozen solid in Hooker Glacier. If you’re lucky to visit on a sunny day, the sunlight shines through the clear ice in such a captivating way.
There is no better spot in all of New Zealand to have a little hiking snack and scenic break than here. Take your time basking in the views, walk along the rocky shoreline away from the crowds, and breath in the fresh alpine air. There are some picnic benches at the viewpoint to have a sit down snack, but during peak times these can get crowded fast. Spread out along the shore if you can traverse uneven terrain for some quiet time of self reflection.
And then, unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye to Aoraki and make your way back to the trailhead.
Winter, Spring, Fall, or Summer: Hooker Valley Awaits You
You’d think a hiking track to the tallest mountain in the Southern Alps would be restricted to only certain seasons. Hooker Valley Track, however, is open year round! Because this is such a well maintained track, visitors are able to experience this amazing valley any time of year.
Just because the track is open during the winter doesn’t mean it should be approached the same as you would during the summer. Ice forming on the track is common and needs to be approached with caution. Microspikes and hiking poles are highly recommended during winter, as well as proper clothing and supplies for a winter in the alpine environment. The views I’ve seen of this track in snow are mind-blowingly beautiful though. So if you have the tools and experience, don’t let this scare you off!
Check the DOC website ahead of time to ensure the track will be open when you plan to visit. Weather that far up in altitude is ready to change at a moment! Ice and snow aren’t the only contributing factors to a track closure either – high winds, dust storms, and more can just as easily see this track closed for hikers’ safety.
Where to Stay
You could easily make the Hooker Valley Track one stop on your day, perhaps making your way between Tekapo and Queenstown. If you’re in a rush on your journey, getting out and pulling up to the Hooker Valley Track trailhead early, make your loop, and head back out to the next stop by lunch is very doable!
If you have the time, though, I would recommend spending a night as near as you can to better avoid the crowds, take advantage of as many hikes as possible, and take in the beauty of this area. Lucky for you, there are a few options, even this far out of the way.
White Horse Hill Campground
White Horse Hill Campground is where I stayed on both of my visits to Aoraki, because I had a tent and a strong desire for the cheapest and most convenient option. Because the campground is literally at the Hooker Valley, Kea Point viewpoint, and Sealy Tarns/Mueller Hut trailheads, there is nowhere more convenient to stay for your hikes in this area. The cost was reasonable when I was there, and because it’s run by the Department of Conservation, I don’t see this raising drastically anytime soon.
However, this campground books out fast for peak season. Both of my stays were in the off-season or booked early for shoulder season, so I was fortunate not to have much of a problem with this. You don’t book specific campsites, so site selection is on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are tent camping, this can be really important! There aren’t many truly flat grassy areas and only the outer campground edge has an attempt at protection against the wind.
Aoraki/Mount Cook Village
This village is the closest you can get to the trailhead without camping and there are several accommodation options here. However, because it’s so small, accommodation options are limited and often expensive. They were completing a new accommodation when I was last there in 2023, so new visitors may be slightly better off now. Even so, unless you have a lot of money and are booking well ahead, I wouldn’t spend too much time trying to hunt down somewhere to stay in the village if none pop up on an initial search.
Twizel
Twizel sits near the turn off next to Lake Pukaki for highway 80 to take you into the valley. This is the nearest ‘big’ town to Aoraki Mount Cook and is easy to access no matter where you’re coming from or going without taking you too far off course. In addition to the town itself, there are a lot of local hostels and campgrounds in the area and around Lake Ohau to spread out your options.
If you’re coming to New Zealand’s South Island, Hooker Valley Track is a must-do destination! There are so many reasons this is one of New Zealand’s most iconic hikes and will always be one I’m happy to do again and again. Explore more of what New Zealand has to offer and let me know in the comments what you’re most excited to experience on your next visit to Aotearoa!
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