The Majestic Serenity of Hooker Lake
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Hooker Lake, a glacial gem nestled in Mount Cook National Park, offering stunning views and serene adventures.
Nestled in the heart of the Canterbury region, Hooker Lake offers breathtaking views, serene surroundings, and a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This stunning glacial lake, with its icy blue waters and backdrop of towering mountains, is not only a picturesque spot for photos but also an ideal location for hiking, picnicking, and simply unwinding in nature’s embrace. Visitors can marvel at the floating icebergs and the majestic peaks of Mount Cook National Park, making it a must-visit destination for tourists exploring New Zealand's South Island.
A brief summary to Hooker Lake
- Canterbury, NZ
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and the best light for photography.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy with the stunning views surrounding the lake.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots if you plan to explore the nearby trails.
- Check the weather forecast, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
- Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species that inhabit the area.
Getting There
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Car
If you're traveling by car, start from the Mount Cook Village area. Drive along the Hooker Valley Track road, which is well-signposted. The road is approximately 8 kilometers long and takes you directly to the Hooker Valley car park. There is no cost for parking. From the car park, the Hooker Valley Track begins. Follow the track as it winds through the stunning landscape of the valley, with views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The walk to Hooker Lake takes about 1 hour one way.
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Public Transportation
If you're relying on public transportation, take the InterCity bus to Mount Cook Village. Once you arrive at the village, you can either walk to the Hooker Valley Track, which is about 30 minutes from the bus stop, or check if there are any local shuttles available that can take you to the Hooker Valley car park. The walk to Hooker Lake from the car park will take about 1 hour one way. Ensure to check the bus timetable, as services may be limited.
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Walking
If you are already in Mount Cook Village and prefer to walk, you can head towards the Hooker Valley Track directly from the village. The walk to the Hooker Valley car park takes approximately 30 minutes. The Hooker Valley Track is well-marked and suitable for most fitness levels. Enjoy the scenic views along the path before reaching Hooker Lake, which is about a 1-hour walk from the car park.
Discover more about Hooker Lake
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hooker Lake
0.0 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Hooker Lake, a glacial gem nestled in Mount Cook National Park, offering stunning views and serene adventures.
Copland Shelter
2.8 km
Discover the serenity of Copland Shelter, a mountain retreat in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, perfect for nature lovers and hikers seeking adventure.
Sefton Bivouac
3.0 km
Discover Sefton Bivouac in Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park, a serene mountain cabin perfect for hikers seeking adventure and breathtaking alpine views.
The Second Swing Bridge
3.2 km
Discover the scenic beauty of Mount Cook National Park while crossing the iconic Second Swing Bridge, a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Mueller Lake
3.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Mueller Lake in Canterbury, New Zealand, where glacial waters meet majestic mountain landscapes.
Tasman Glacier Car Park
4.7 km
Discover the stunning Tasman Glacier Car Park in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, your gateway to breathtaking glacier views and unforgettable hiking adventures.
White Horse Hill Campground
4.8 km
Experience the breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures at White Horse Hill Campground in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a true gem for nature lovers.
Mt Cook Chalets
6.1 km
Experience the tranquility and stunning beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park while staying at the cozy Mt Cook Chalets, your perfect alpine getaway.
Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe & Bar
6.2 km
Discover culinary delights and stunning views at Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe & Bar in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand.
The Hermitage Hotel
6.2 km
Experience luxury and adventure at The Hermitage Hotel, your gateway to the stunning Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand's Southern Alps.
Aoraki Alpine Lodge
6.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook at Aoraki Alpine Lodge, your perfect base for exploration and relaxation in New Zealand's stunning landscape.
Mt Cook Lodge & Motels
6.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park at Mt Cook Lodge & Motels, where adventure meets comfort in stunning natural surroundings.
Aoraki Court
6.6 km
Experience the stunning beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park while staying at Aoraki Court, the perfect base for your alpine adventures.
Mt Cook Village Public shelter
6.6 km
Discover the tranquility of Mt Cook Village Public Shelter, your gateway to exploring the stunning Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Haka House Aoraki Mt Cook
6.6 km
Discover stunning landscapes and adventure at Haka House Aoraki Mt Cook, your perfect base in New Zealand's breathtaking national park.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hooker Hut
2.7 km
Explore the breathtaking Hooker Hut in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, a serene getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers in New Zealand.
Kea Point
4.2 km
Experience breathtaking views and natural beauty at Kea Point, a scenic highlight in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Lake Müller Lookout
4.3 km
Explore the stunning vistas of Lake Müller Lookout in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Alpine Memorial
4.6 km
Discover the Alpine Memorial in Canterbury, a serene tribute to nature’s power and beauty, offering breathtaking views and reflective paths.
Blue Lake
4.6 km
Explore the serene beauty of Blue Lake in Canterbury, New Zealand - a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Sealy Tarns Viewpoint
4.9 km
Experience the stunning vistas of Sealy Tarns Viewpoint in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where nature's beauty unfolds in every direction.
Blue Lakes
4.9 km
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Blue Lakes, a serene oasis in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, perfect for hiking and nature lovers.
Tasman Glacier Viewpoint
5.0 km
Experience the majestic beauty of Tasman Glacier Viewpoint, a stunning scenic spot in New Zealand's Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
Ball Pass
5.1 km
Explore Ball Pass, a stunning natural gem in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, offering breathtaking views, hiking, and outdoor adventures.
Mueller Hut Route
5.4 km
Discover the breathtaking Mueller Hut Route, an iconic hiking trail in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, with stunning views and unforgettable alpine experiences.
Tasman Glacier View near the lake
5.5 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Tasman Glacier View in Canterbury, New Zealand - a must-visit hiking area for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Mueller Hut
6.0 km
Explore the breathtaking Mueller Hut in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and stunning mountain views.
Hooker Trail Head
6.1 km
Explore the stunning landscapes of Hooker Trail Head in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, a hiker's paradise surrounded by majestic mountains and glacial lakes.
The Old Mountaineers Cafe
6.2 km
Discover culinary delights at The Old Mountaineers Cafe, nestled in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Big Sky Stargazing
6.2 km
Discover the celestial wonders at Big Sky Stargazing in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where the stars shine brighter than anywhere else in New Zealand.
Essential places to dine
Alpine Restaurant
6.2 km
Experience exceptional buffet dining with breathtaking mountain views at the Alpine Restaurant in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
Chamois Bar & Grill
6.6 km
Experience exquisite dining at Chamois Bar & Grill amidst breathtaking landscapes in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
The Last Kitchen
24.7 km
Experience exceptional dining at The Last Kitchen - where local flavors meet stunning views in Fox Glacier.
Sir William Fox Restaurant & Bar
24.8 km
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The White Pub Cafe & Bar
24.9 km
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Breakfast Restaurant
24.9 km
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Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar
25.1 km
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High Peaks Hotel
25.8 km
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Tasman Delta Cafe
26.0 km
Experience exquisite dining at Tasman Delta Cafe surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Blue Ice Restaurant & Bar
32.6 km
Experience exquisite dining at Blue Ice Restaurant & Bar in Franz Josef—where local flavors meet international culinary excellence.
SnakeBite Brewery
32.8 km
Experience the vibrant flavors at SnakeBite Brewery in Franz Josef - where Asian cuisine meets local brews in a charming setting.
The Landing Restaurant & Bar
32.8 km
Experience the best of New Zealand's cuisine at The Landing Restaurant & Bar in Franz Josef – where fresh flavors meet breathtaking views.
Alice May Restaurant, Franz Josef
32.9 km
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Monsoon Restaurant
33.0 km
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Rainforest Retreat
33.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
NZ Post Centre Mt Cook
6.1 km
Experience mailing services in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and adventure.
On the Spot Fox Glacier Motors
24.8 km
Convenience store and petrol station in the heart of Fox Glacier, offering essential supplies and fuel for your West Coast adventure.
NPD Fox Glacier Motors
24.8 km
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Cafe Nevé
24.8 km
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On the Spot Fox Glacier
24.8 km
Experience the convenience of On the Spot Fox Glacier, your go-to store for snacks, drinks, and local treasures in the heart of New Zealand's stunning landscapes.
Fox Glacier Guiding Gift Shop
24.8 km
Discover the essence of New Zealand at the Fox Glacier Guiding Gift Shop, your destination for unique souvenirs and local treasures.
Experience Fox Glacier
24.9 km
Explore the stunning landscapes of Fox Glacier, New Zealand, with convenient bicycle rentals for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Cook Saddle Cafe & Saloon
24.9 km
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NZ Post Centre Fox Glacier
25.1 km
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Fox Glacier Community Centre
25.2 km
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EuniQ Patchwork
25.3 km
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Misty Peaks Boutique Accommodation
25.5 km
Experience unparalleled comfort and breathtaking views at Misty Peaks Boutique Accommodation in the heart of Fox Glacier, New Zealand.
ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery
28.0 km
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Matheson Cafe
28.0 km
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Franz Josef Glacier Car Park
28.8 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Snowline Bar
6.2 km
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NZ Alpine Club Unwin Lodge - Private club
9.0 km
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Fox Glacier Jade Hotel
24.7 km
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Bella Vista Fox Glacier
24.7 km
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The Westhaven Motel
24.9 km
Experience the perfect blend of comfort and adventure at The Westhaven Motel, your gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of Fox Glacier.
Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier
24.9 km
Discover the beauty of Glacier Country at Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier, your gateway to adventure and relaxation amid stunning landscapes.
Rainforest Motel
25.0 km
Experience the beauty of Fox Glacier at Rainforest Motel, your cozy base for adventure in New Zealand's stunning nature.
Sunset Motel
25.4 km
Discover scenic beauty and comfort at Sunset Motel in Fox Glacier, your perfect base for exploring New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes.
Moa Bar
32.9 km
Discover the warmth and hospitality of Moa Bar, a unique bar experience in the heart of Franz Josef, offering local flavors and stunning views.
The Hard Antler
88.6 km
Discover the charm of The Hard Antler, a beloved bar in Haast, New Zealand, offering local flavors and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Wonderland Makarora Lodge
93.5 km
Discover cozy lodging, delightful dining, and outdoor adventure at Wonderland Makarora Lodge in New Zealand's stunning Southern Alps.
Cave Arms Tavern
97.4 km
Discover the warm ambiance and delicious cuisine at Cave Arms Tavern, a must-visit pub in the heart of Cave, New Zealand.
