The Hooker Valley Track is a mid-length out-and-back walking trail in New Zealand’s beautiful Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
It’s obvious why it’s known as one of New Zealand’s iconic hikes. You hike through stunning mountain scenery, over suspension bridges across a fast-flowing glacial river, right up to Hooker Lake. If you’re lucky, you’ll see not only Mount Cook itself but also chunks of ice in the lake which have broken off the Hooker Glacier.
So now that I’ve hooked you with the scenery, let’s dive into the logistics.
Please note that the last part of the Hooker Valley Track is currently closed as one of the suspension bridges is being replaced. It is anticipated to reopen in autumn 2026. This article is based on the whole hike, including the last section.
How long is the hike?
If you go all the way up to Hooker Lake, the whole hike is about six miles.
With the current closure, you can hike up to Mueller Lake, reducing the hike to about three miles.
How long does the Hooker Valley Track take?
For the whole hike, I advise scheduling two and a half to three hours, including a brief stop at Hooker Lake.
How easy is the Hooker Valley Track?
I would say this is an easy to moderate hike. Anyone who is relatively mobile should be able to complete it. The path is well-marked and not too uneven or rocky. Total elevation over the course of the hike is about 650 feet (about 200 metres).
How busy is the hike?
This is a popular trail so you won’t have it to yourself. I did it during a weekend of the school summer holidays in New Zealand and there were lots of families on the trail. I wouldn’t say it was crowded, but it was certainly busy. One way to get a quieter path is to start early in the morning.
How to get to the Hooker Valley Track
Unless you’re staying in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, you will probably have to drive to the start of the Hooker Valley Track. We were staying at Tekapo and the drive from there took just over an hour.
The start of the trail is next to White Horse Hill Campground. There’s a limited amount of parking there but you might get a spot if you arrive early.
Alternatively you can park at the Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre and walk the two kilometres to the start of the trail and back.
What should you wear/bring to hike the Hooker Valley Track?
You don’t need to wear your sportiest gear for the hike but I recommend wearing something comfortable. I wore sports leggings and a t-shirt for most of the hike, adding a waterproof coat when we stopped for breaks – you cool down quickly when you’re not moving!
In terms of footwear, I wore walking boots because I had them with me, but it’s certainly doable in trainers. I wouldn’t advise trying to do it in sandals or flip flops.
As for what to bring with you on the hike, you will need suncream! The sun is very strong in New Zealand, even when it’s cloudy. And bring plenty of water, and perhaps a few snacks to keep you going.
Enjoy!
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