Hike to the Hooker Glacier Lake and enjoy stunning views of New Zealand’s highest peak Aoraki Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.

Statistics

1 - 2

hrs

160

m

44

m

2

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Easy

Description

This is New Zealand’s most popular alpine hike for a reason! Located in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park in the South Island of New Zealand, the trail offers spectacular views of New Zealand's highest peak - Aoraki Mount Cook, the surrounding Southern Alps and the Hooker and Mueller Glacier lakes. Park at the Whitehorse Hill Campground and walk to the viewpoint at the Mueller Glacier Lake.

Short side tracks take you to the historic alpine memorial and "Freda's Rock".

Enjoy stunning views of Mount Sefton and ice avalanches thundering down its East Face. Cross the Hooker River on the first of 3 suspension bridges.

The track winds its way through glacial moraine features, alpine meadows, patches of beech forest and alpine plants common to the area.

After crossing the second bridge you'll come to Stocking Stream - this is a nice place to take a break and take in the alpine scenery. Continue on across a third bridge to the Hooker Glacier Lake and admire the views of the South Face of Aoraki and the terminal face of the Hooker Glacier. 2-3 hours return, depending on your pace.

Take a look at the weather forecast before you leave as New Zealand weather can change quickly and storms can be severe in alpine areas. The Hooker Valley Track is part of our "Best Day Hikes & Walking Tracks in Aoraki Mount Cook" series. <b>Guided hike:</b> Book a private guide and get the full experience with their expert knowledge of the area https://alpinerecreation.com