THE BEST HIKE IN NEW ZEALAND
06 JANUARY 2022
Updated: 04 JANUARY 2024
Updated: 04 JANUARY 2024
If there's a rock, the girls will pose on it!
Your Socks Will Get Knocked Off
The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is one of our FAVOURITE places in the whole of New Zealand! It's located in the South Island, set amongst the Southern Alps, with towering snow capped mountains, untouched wilderness and a sense of calm amongst the craziness of the world.
The area is incredible and there are sooo many hikes to do in the area from short walks like the Tasman Glacier View Track and the Kea Point Track, to super long hikes where you need to camp overnight in a hut. The Hooker Valley track has been called the best hike in New Zealand and it is definitely on our list of top 5 hikes in New Zealand, with the others being Roys Peak in Wanaka, Mt Manaia in Northland, Mt John Summit Track in Tekapo, Tongariro Crossing in the Tongariro National Park and the Rocky Mountain & Diamond Lake Track in Wanaka.
The track is 10kms return takes around 3 hours to complete but allow for a lot longer as it's so incredibly beautiful you'll want to stop and enjoy the views for as long as possible, especially at the lake.
Listen up folks, when I say this walk is a must-do, you better believe it's worth the trip! The views will knock your socks off and leave you speechless! The walk itself is easy - it's mainly flat the whole way, walking on gravel and boardwalks most of the way and there's so much to see, to keep everyone entertained.
We have done this track twice now. Well, one and a half times, because the first time Arabella was sick (and we had no idea until halfway), so we had to turn back. So when we were in Tekapo for a couple of weeks over summer in '24, we knew we absolutely had to complete the track. The images on this blog are a mixture of photos from both trips. On the first hike, in autumn 2021, we had mint weather all day and on our second hike, in summer 2024, we had cloud in the morning then it turned into a very sunny day.
The area is incredible and there are sooo many hikes to do in the area from short walks like the Tasman Glacier View Track and the Kea Point Track, to super long hikes where you need to camp overnight in a hut. The Hooker Valley track has been called the best hike in New Zealand and it is definitely on our list of top 5 hikes in New Zealand, with the others being Roys Peak in Wanaka, Mt Manaia in Northland, Mt John Summit Track in Tekapo, Tongariro Crossing in the Tongariro National Park and the Rocky Mountain & Diamond Lake Track in Wanaka.
The track is 10kms return takes around 3 hours to complete but allow for a lot longer as it's so incredibly beautiful you'll want to stop and enjoy the views for as long as possible, especially at the lake.
Listen up folks, when I say this walk is a must-do, you better believe it's worth the trip! The views will knock your socks off and leave you speechless! The walk itself is easy - it's mainly flat the whole way, walking on gravel and boardwalks most of the way and there's so much to see, to keep everyone entertained.
We have done this track twice now. Well, one and a half times, because the first time Arabella was sick (and we had no idea until halfway), so we had to turn back. So when we were in Tekapo for a couple of weeks over summer in '24, we knew we absolutely had to complete the track. The images on this blog are a mixture of photos from both trips. On the first hike, in autumn 2021, we had mint weather all day and on our second hike, in summer 2024, we had cloud in the morning then it turned into a very sunny day.
The start of the Hooker Valley Track
What Are The Chances?
We couldn't believe the views we were seeing, only 5-minutes into the walk. We were surrounded by glacial lakes, towering snowy peaked mountains (hello, Mt Cook) which were unbelievably breathtaking and could give Mt Everest a run for its money. We passed over the Hooker River on suspension bridges and I am HOPELESS with heights, so I didn't enjoy these bridges but the girls looooved running and jumping on them (cue Mum gripping the rails and yelling at them to STOP JUMPING!). There are 3 swing bridges on the track, which are high above the roaring rivers below.
The first time we did the track, in Autumn 2021, Bella had been complaining she was tired so we just thought it was 'one of those days' where she just couldn't be bothered walking (it happens - life with kids!) but it turned out she was actually sick with a temperature and sore throat (oopsy), so we didn't get to the end of the track. We almost did but we didn't quite make it to the 3rd swing bridge. Honestly we weren't too disappointed because of how incredible the views were along the way that we felt nothing could really top it! Thankfully we were able to finish the whole track in summer 2024!
When we did the track for the 2nd time, there were low clouds hanging around the tops of the mountains, which looked so beautiful and it reminded us of Milford Sound (which is another must do in New Zealand!). We knew the sun was going to burn the clouds off soon enough and we were grateful for the cloud cover, as once that sun comes out and you have no shade, it can get pretty hot! We had to stop under shrubs on the way back to get a break from the heat.
One of the highlights on the track (apart from the views) is the fact that there are avalanches on the alps that you can see and hear from Mt Sefton. We heard and saw a few small avalanches, it's incredible how powerful the sound can be when you're in the Southern Alps range! It was an exciting part of our trip.
At one point on the track in 2021 we were having a little break and enjoying the views up on a hill when we spotted a couple and their baby coming our way. I said to Lath is that Jess, Stephen and Hunter? Sure enough it was. They are one of our favourite travel Youtubers - Flying The Nest. Lath and I had been talking about them earlier and joking that we might bump into them as we knew they were in New Zealand... what are the chances! We had a nice chat with them and, of course, a photo.
The first time we did the track, in Autumn 2021, Bella had been complaining she was tired so we just thought it was 'one of those days' where she just couldn't be bothered walking (it happens - life with kids!) but it turned out she was actually sick with a temperature and sore throat (oopsy), so we didn't get to the end of the track. We almost did but we didn't quite make it to the 3rd swing bridge. Honestly we weren't too disappointed because of how incredible the views were along the way that we felt nothing could really top it! Thankfully we were able to finish the whole track in summer 2024!
When we did the track for the 2nd time, there were low clouds hanging around the tops of the mountains, which looked so beautiful and it reminded us of Milford Sound (which is another must do in New Zealand!). We knew the sun was going to burn the clouds off soon enough and we were grateful for the cloud cover, as once that sun comes out and you have no shade, it can get pretty hot! We had to stop under shrubs on the way back to get a break from the heat.
One of the highlights on the track (apart from the views) is the fact that there are avalanches on the alps that you can see and hear from Mt Sefton. We heard and saw a few small avalanches, it's incredible how powerful the sound can be when you're in the Southern Alps range! It was an exciting part of our trip.
At one point on the track in 2021 we were having a little break and enjoying the views up on a hill when we spotted a couple and their baby coming our way. I said to Lath is that Jess, Stephen and Hunter? Sure enough it was. They are one of our favourite travel Youtubers - Flying The Nest. Lath and I had been talking about them earlier and joking that we might bump into them as we knew they were in New Zealand... what are the chances! We had a nice chat with them and, of course, a photo.
Jess, Stephen and baby Hunter from Flying The Nest (and me, obvs)
Mueller Lake
The Cloud Piercer
Are you ready to conquer the peak of New Zealand? Well we're not. Mt Cook is the highest mountain in the land of the long white cloud and it is part of the UNESCO Heritage site, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
But this mountain isn't just a pretty face, it's got a meaningful name too. Aoraki in the Maori language means "cloud piercer", and it's no wonder why, standing tall at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet) and made of granite, Aoraki/Mount Cook is a significant landmark in New Zealand and holds a sacred place in the hearts of the Maori people.
Climbing Mt Cook is no walk in the park.... it requires proper equipment and experience plus it's considered one of the most technically challenging climbs in New Zealand. So, if you're an experienced climber looking for an adrenaline rush, Mt Cook is the mountain for you, otherwise, it's best to admire it from afar.
But this mountain isn't just a pretty face, it's got a meaningful name too. Aoraki in the Maori language means "cloud piercer", and it's no wonder why, standing tall at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet) and made of granite, Aoraki/Mount Cook is a significant landmark in New Zealand and holds a sacred place in the hearts of the Maori people.
Climbing Mt Cook is no walk in the park.... it requires proper equipment and experience plus it's considered one of the most technically challenging climbs in New Zealand. So, if you're an experienced climber looking for an adrenaline rush, Mt Cook is the mountain for you, otherwise, it's best to admire it from afar.
Icebergs In...Summer?
In summer 2024, we finally completed the Hooker Valley Track (yay!). We were so excited to make it out to the lake and we were even more excited to see the icebergs floating around! Despite it being a hot day with the weather in the 20s, there were plenty of icebergs floating on the lake, after breaking off from the glacier at the other end of the lake. Wintertime here would be amazing, to see so many icebergs and on the Tasman Lake in Mt Cook National Park, there are boats that take you around the glaciers... how cool is that? One to add to the bucket list!
The lake is 3 degrees, so it isn't too surprising that they manage to stay intact for a while. We managed to fish a small piece out of the lake and the girls put some in their drink bottle and enjoyed crunching on the ice! Another family came along with young kids, so they all started chipping away at the ice and having loads of fun together. We were surprised to see so many families on the track with younger kids... as you know, we hike a lot around New Zealand and it's not often we see families out hiking. Granted, it felt like half the population of New Zealand was on the track (slight exaggeration) and it was school holidays and peak season.
There is an area above the lake that has picnic tables but it was completely full so we went down to the lake... plus, I wanted to see the icebergs up close! We did the track in peak season in summer and it was a constant stream of human traffic going both ways, so it was nice to be by the lake away from the hustle and bustle. We chose to go to the left side of the lake where there were less people and we sat down to take in the views and have a bite to eat.
It was hard to leave such a magnificent place, it was definitely our happy place and we could have stayed there all day! New Zealand is so beautiful but Mt Cook National Park is on a whole other level. The mountains are taller than anything we have seen and it's all so untouched, which makes it a pretty special place.... it's nice to be in a place where there aren't cars, roads, powerlines, buildings etc. It's so refreshing to get away from it all and unwind in nature.
The lake is 3 degrees, so it isn't too surprising that they manage to stay intact for a while. We managed to fish a small piece out of the lake and the girls put some in their drink bottle and enjoyed crunching on the ice! Another family came along with young kids, so they all started chipping away at the ice and having loads of fun together. We were surprised to see so many families on the track with younger kids... as you know, we hike a lot around New Zealand and it's not often we see families out hiking. Granted, it felt like half the population of New Zealand was on the track (slight exaggeration) and it was school holidays and peak season.
There is an area above the lake that has picnic tables but it was completely full so we went down to the lake... plus, I wanted to see the icebergs up close! We did the track in peak season in summer and it was a constant stream of human traffic going both ways, so it was nice to be by the lake away from the hustle and bustle. We chose to go to the left side of the lake where there were less people and we sat down to take in the views and have a bite to eat.
It was hard to leave such a magnificent place, it was definitely our happy place and we could have stayed there all day! New Zealand is so beautiful but Mt Cook National Park is on a whole other level. The mountains are taller than anything we have seen and it's all so untouched, which makes it a pretty special place.... it's nice to be in a place where there aren't cars, roads, powerlines, buildings etc. It's so refreshing to get away from it all and unwind in nature.
The Hotel With The Best View In New Zealand
There aren't many hotels in New Zealand with a view like the one from the Hermitage Hotel in the Mt Cook National Park. We had such an amazing time staying at the hotel, looking out every window we could to see Mt Cook and the other mountains surrounding it. The staff were amazing, the room was amazing and the buffet was soooo delicious!
Click here to read more about the Hermitage Hotel in our Epic South Island Trip blog.
Click here to read more about the Hermitage Hotel in our Epic South Island Trip blog.
Know Before You Go
- The area is isolated and there aren't any supermarkets nearby. You can purchase food from the Hermitage Hotel cafe but they are only open certain hours, so make sure you stock up on food and water in the nearest town
- The weather can change rapidly so be prepared for all sorts of weather, even in the middle of summer it can turn freezing cold
- There is loads of parking but it can fill up in summer if you don't get there first thing in the morning and you may need to walk a wee while to the trail head
- There are toilets at the beginning of the track as well as halfway along the track
- Take plenty of water!
- Allow 3 - 4 hours for the walk (or 10 if you stop to take a million photos like me)
- The road can close in winter due to snow so be sure to check before driving all the way out there!
- The track can be covered in snow in winter (and late autumn/early spring) and can be slippery and dangerous. Proper gear is needed
- There is a higher risk of avalanches in winter, see the board at the beginning of the track to see how high risk it is on the day you are planning your walk
- The track is easy and flat
- Wear good walking shoes
- It can get SO hot in summer, so it's best done early or later in the day
- The second swing bridge may be closed during winds over 80k/hr and during major flooding
- The snow is on the tops of mountains all year round and they are completely covered in winter
Mappy McMap Face
Getting There
From State Highway 80, turn right into Hooker Valley Road (before you reach the Mt Cook Village) and keep going until you reach the Whitehill Horse Campground. It's as easy as pie! There are multiple parking areas so just take your pick and the trailhead for the track is well sign posted.
Conclusion
The walk to Hooker Valley Track is a must-do for anyone visiting the Mt Cook National Park (seriously, doooo iiiiit!). The ease of the walk combined with the breathtaking views of glacial lakes, snowy peaks and the Hooker River make it a perfect hike for families. The added bonus of avalanches on Mt Sefton makes the experience all the more exciting. We highly recommend doing this track first thing in the morning, or towards sunset, especially in summer where the heat can be intense and there isn't any shelter along the track (apart from the odd shrub!). It's also better for photography in low light and although we started at 8:30am in summer, the sun was very glary in my photos on the return walk.
So, pack your hiking boots and a camera, and head out to experience this natural wonder for yourself!
So, pack your hiking boots and a camera, and head out to experience this natural wonder for yourself!
Gallery of Hooker Valley Track
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
More to do in the Mount Cook National Park
HERMITAGE HOTEL
CANTERBURY Is this the best hotel view in New Zealand? We think so! Stunning views of Mt Cook and they have an amazing buffet. Mmm, food. |
KEA POINT TRACK
CANTERBURY Discover the hidden gems of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on the 1-hour Kea Point Track. You won't be disappointed! |
TASMAN GLACIER VIEWPOINT TRACK
CANTERBURY Walk the Tasman Glacier View Track and witness the stunning beauty of the largest glacier in New Zealand at Mt Cook.
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