Discover the Majestic Hooker Valley Track
Explore the stunning Hooker Valley Track, a scenic hiking wonder in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, revealing breathtaking alpine views and glacial landscapes.
The Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable hiking experience. Perfect for nature lovers and adventurers, this scenic trail leads you through stunning landscapes, glacial rivers, and alpine flora, culminating in a view of the iconic Hooker Glacier and Mount Cook itself. Ideal for all skill levels, the track's well-maintained path makes it an accessible adventure for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
A brief summary to Hooker Valley Track
- Hooker Valley Track, Mount Cook National Park, 7999, NZ
- Visit website
Local tips
- Start early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serenity of the valley.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the track.
- Dress in layers for changing weather conditions, and don't forget your camera for the stunning views.
- Check the weather forecast before your hike, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
- Take your time to enjoy the scenery; there are many perfect spots for resting and taking photos.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car, start from the Mount Cook Village area. Head south on State Highway 80, which is the main road leading into the park. Continue driving along this road for approximately 8 km. You will see signs for the Hooker Valley Track. There is a designated parking area at the end of the road near the track's entrance. Parking is free, but be sure to arrive early during peak seasons as it can fill up quickly.
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Public Transportation
For those using public transportation, you can take a bus service from Twizel to Mount Cook Village. The bus company is called 'Great Sights' which operates several times a day. The journey takes about an hour. Once you arrive at Mount Cook Village, you can either walk (approximately 30 minutes) or take a shuttle service (check local providers) to the Hooker Valley Track start point. Ensure you check the bus schedules ahead of time, as they can vary by season.
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Walking
If you are already within Mount Cook National Park and wish to walk to the Hooker Valley Track, you can start from the Mount Cook Village. Head towards the Hooker Valley Road, which is well marked. The track to Hooker Valley is about a 30-minute walk from the village, with clear signs guiding you along the way. The path is well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels.
Discover more about Hooker Valley Track
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hooker Lake
1.3 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Hooker Lake, a glacial gem nestled in Mount Cook National Park, offering stunning views and serene adventures.
The Second Swing Bridge
1.9 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
2.1 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Mueller Lake in Canterbury, New Zealand, where glacial waters meet majestic mountain landscapes.
Sefton Bivouac
2.2 km
Discover Sefton Bivouac in Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park, a serene mountain cabin perfect for hikers seeking adventure and breathtaking alpine views.
White Horse Hill Campground
3.5 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.
Copland Shelter
3.9 km
Discover the serenity of Copland Shelter, a mountain retreat in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, perfect for nature lovers and hikers seeking adventure.
Mt Cook Chalets
4.9 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.
Tasman Glacier Car Park
4.9 km
Discover the stunning Tasman Glacier Car Park in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, your gateway to breathtaking glacier views and unforgettable hiking adventures.
Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe & Bar
4.9 km
Discover culinary delights and stunning views at Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe & Bar in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand.
The Hermitage Hotel
4.9 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
5.1 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
5.3 km
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Aoraki Court
5.3 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
5.4 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
5.4 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Hooker Hut
1.4 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
2.9 km
Experience breathtaking views and natural beauty at Kea Point, a scenic highlight in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Lake Müller Lookout
3.1 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
3.3 km
Discover the Alpine Memorial in Canterbury, a serene tribute to nature’s power and beauty, offering breathtaking views and reflective paths.
Sealy Tarns Viewpoint
3.6 km
Experience the stunning vistas of Sealy Tarns Viewpoint in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where nature's beauty unfolds in every direction.
Mueller Hut Route
4.1 km
Discover the breathtaking Mueller Hut Route, an iconic hiking trail in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, with stunning views and unforgettable alpine experiences.
Mueller Hut
4.8 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
4.8 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.
Blue Lake
4.9 km
Explore the serene beauty of Blue Lake in Canterbury, New Zealand - a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The Old Mountaineers Cafe
4.9 km
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Big Sky Stargazing
4.9 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.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
4.9 km
Discover the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary and explore the majestic landscapes of New Zealand at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
Glacier Explorers
5.0 km
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Southern Alps Guiding
5.0 km
Discover the stunning landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park with expert guides at Southern Alps Guiding, where adventure meets breathtaking beauty.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
5.0 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and adventures awaiting you at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre.
Essential places to dine
Alpine Restaurant
4.9 km
Experience exceptional buffet dining with breathtaking mountain views at the Alpine Restaurant in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
Chamois Bar & Grill
5.3 km
Experience exquisite dining at Chamois Bar & Grill amidst breathtaking landscapes in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Tasman Delta Cafe
24.8 km
Experience exquisite dining at Tasman Delta Cafe surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
The Last Kitchen
25.7 km
Experience exceptional dining at The Last Kitchen - where local flavors meet stunning views in Fox Glacier.
Sir William Fox Restaurant & Bar
25.8 km
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The White Pub Cafe & Bar
25.9 km
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Breakfast Restaurant
25.9 km
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Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar
26.0 km
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High Peaks Hotel
26.8 km
Experience comfort and adventure at High Peaks Hotel in Fox Glacier – your gateway to breathtaking natural beauty and memorable dining.
Blue Ice Restaurant & Bar
33.9 km
Experience exquisite dining at Blue Ice Restaurant & Bar in Franz Josef—where local flavors meet international culinary excellence.
SnakeBite Brewery
34.1 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
34.1 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
34.2 km
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Monsoon Restaurant
34.3 km
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Rainforest Retreat
34.3 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
NZ Post Centre Mt Cook
4.8 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
25.8 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
25.8 km
Discover the convenience of NPD Fox Glacier Motors, your essential stop for fuel and supplies in the captivating Fox Glacier region.
Cafe Nevé
25.8 km
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On the Spot Fox Glacier
25.8 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
25.8 km
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Experience Fox Glacier
25.9 km
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Cook Saddle Cafe & Saloon
25.9 km
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NZ Post Centre Fox Glacier
26.1 km
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Fox Glacier Community Centre
26.1 km
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EuniQ Patchwork
26.2 km
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Misty Peaks Boutique Accommodation
26.4 km
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ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery
28.9 km
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Matheson Cafe
28.9 km
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Franz Josef Glacier Car Park
30.1 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Snowline Bar
4.9 km
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NZ Alpine Club Unwin Lodge - Private club
7.8 km
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Fox Glacier Jade Hotel
25.7 km
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Bella Vista Fox Glacier
25.7 km
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The Westhaven Motel
25.9 km
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Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier
25.9 km
Discover the beauty of Glacier Country at Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier, your gateway to adventure and relaxation amid stunning landscapes.
Rainforest Motel
26.0 km
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Sunset Motel
26.4 km
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Moa Bar
34.2 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
87.8 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
92.2 km
Discover cozy lodging, delightful dining, and outdoor adventure at Wonderland Makarora Lodge in New Zealand's stunning Southern Alps.
Cave Arms Tavern
96.9 km
Discover the warm ambiance and delicious cuisine at Cave Arms Tavern, a must-visit pub in the heart of Cave, New Zealand.
