Save places from Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and more
Hooker Valley track
Sports Recreation
4.8 (5518 reviews)
This 5-km. walking track in Mount Cook National Park leads to Hooker Lake & offers sweeping views.
Hooker Valley Track, Mt Cook National Park 7999, New Zealand
Did You Know?
Swing Bridges
The Hooker Valley Track features three iconic swing bridges that provide thrilling crossings over the Hooker River, offering spectacular views of the glacial landscape.
Hours Walking
This relatively easy track typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete return, making it accessible for a wide range of fitness levels.
Glacial Lake
The track culminates at Hooker Lake, a stunning glacial lake often dotted with icebergs calved from the Hooker Glacier, with Mount Cook towering in the background.
Photo Spot
The Hooker Valley Track is considered one of New Zealand's most iconic and scenic walks, renowned for its postcard-perfect views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and surrounding peaks.
Highlights from Reviews
• breathtaking scenery
The track offers jaw-dropping views of glacial lakes, Mount Cook, glaciers, and diverse alpine landscapes.
• easy accessibility
The trail is largely flat and well-maintained, making it accessible and suitable for all fitness levels, including families with children and elders.
• well-maintained track
The path is in excellent condition with simple steps and clear routes, ensuring a comfortable and safe walk.
• high reward low effort
Visitors can enjoy spectacular views and a fulfilling experience without requiring significant physical exertion or technical skills.
• iconic south island
Hooker Valley Track is a must-do attraction, offering signature views of Mount Cook and the surrounding ranges, representing the essence of the South Island.
Featured in
South Island Road Trip: Mountains, Lakes, and Adventure
Skyline Queenstown, Queenstown, Arrowtown
Seven New Zealand Adventures For Summer Visitors
Shotover Jet Queenstown, Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours, Redwoods Treewalk
Mount Cook Region's Natural Beauty and Culinary Delights
The Church of the Good Shepherd, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Hooker Lake
New Zealand National Park Hike and Scenery
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Hooker Lake
Hooker Valley Track: New Zealand's Premier Day Hike
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
South Island New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary
Skyline Queenstown, Queenstown, Arrowtown
New Zealand Road Trip: Top Spots and Travel Tips
Skyline Queenstown, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway). Leslie Road entrance is closed.
Five South Island Day Hikes With Stunning Scenery
Lake Matheson, Wharariki Beach, Lake Marian
New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary
Skyline Queenstown, Queenstown, Arrowtown
Aoraki/Mt Cook's Top 5 Natural Wonders
Tasman Glacier, Sealy Tarns Viewpoint, Mueller Hut
South Island Road Trip: Christchurch to Milford Sound
Queenstown, The Church of the Good Shepherd, Christchurch