10kms Return / 3hrs
Located 5 mins from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.
There is a reason the Hooker Valley Track is voted New Zealand most popular day walk. It is nothing short of spectacular, especially if you get a clear day like we did, getting to experience Aoraki / Mt Cook as your backdrop while you walk.
During this walk you pass through Hooker Valley and walk beside the Hooker River, and end at a glacial lake which is pretty amazing to see up close. We were lucky enough to see some icebergs the day we were there.
The track is a medium to easy grade, there is no real elevation so it’s a relatively easy walk that is family friendly. The walk is 10kms long though, so does take a little while, but the views and alpine flora and fauna you experience make it worth it.
There are several swing bridges to cross which offer some pretty amazing views along the way. If you’re a bit skittish around heights, the second one might make you pause (like it did for me!) but I knew I just had to get to the other side, so got brave and did it!
The view are incredible in every direction. While walking you are surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides making it pretty dramatic. We were lucky enough to witness an avalanche off to the side on one of the cliff faces - we actually heard it before we saw it, with the sound echoing through the valley. Pretty cool!
The terrain is quite rocky in places so I recommend close toed shoes. I walked in hiking boots which were perfect for this walk.
This walk is one of our favourites ever, with so much varied landscape and terrain in the 3hrs we were walking, plus the stunning scenery and it’s easy grade - it’s a winner!
