Aoraki / Mount Cook
Hiking the Hooker Valley Track to Aoraki / Mount Cook
NEW ZEALAND
Hiking the Hooker Valley Track to Mount Cook was a breathtaking experience. This popular trail in New Zealand offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. The track starts at the White Horse Hill campground and meanders through the Hooker Valley, showcasing the beauty of the alpine landscape.
We did this trail in the New Zealand winter with many of the surroundings mountains coated in snow. Along the way we crossed swing bridges and witnessed the majestic Hooker River. The highlight of the hike was reaching the viewpoint overlooking the iconic Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand. Standing in awe of its snow-capped summit was a truly unforgettable moment. The trail was 10 km long but it was relatively flat, and took us 3 hours round trip.
We got sunny blue skies for our hike up the Hooker Valley Track. The temperature was just above freezing and the path was not covered in snow, which was common for hiking in the winter. We bundled up as we took in the views of the snow peaked mountains along the way. With the sun shinning down on us it didn't feel too cold but whenever we stepped into the shade it felt much cooler. As we hiked we could see the wind whipping the snow around on the peaks so it was nice to be sheltered in the valley.
As we continued the hike, we came across the first of three swing bridges where it crossed over the Hooker River. The bridge was impressively long and we got to enjoy the views of the Mueller Lake. After crossing the Hooker River, the track went between old moraine ridges and humps to the second swing bridge.
From there, the vegetation changed to more open tussock and wider valley floor. As we continued on the trail the views were just spectacular. Mount Cook was always peeking around the next corner and seemed to be cheering you on to keep going to get the the final viewpoint.
We thoroughly enjoyed this hike, no matter if you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, the Hooker Valley Track is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Happy exploring!
The third swing bridge then led to the Hooker Lake, the source of the Hooker River. The track ended with an amazing view over the Hooker Lake, an iceberg filled lake at the base of Mount Cook. The size of the majestic Mount Cook was just mind blowing. We got a clear day with no clouds obscuring our view and the winds must have been high at the peak as the snow looked to be whipping off the top.
