Hooker Valley Walk

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The Hooker Valley Walk is simply the first section of the Hooker Valley Track.

This short and easy walk starts the White Horse Hill campground. The track is easily identifiable. The official start of the walk is once you reach the tree that’s shaped like an archway. This walk takes you mostly through low-lying vegetation and you may also see some wildflowers.

As you continue the walk, you will be parallel to the river with Mount Sefton, Mount Wakefield and Mount Cook in surrounding you. Their imposing presence is undeniably awe-inspiring. Following the river, you will reach the first viewpoint which overlooks Mueller Lake. You will be able to witness the moraine walls left behind from Mueller Glacier. In the summer, you will most likely also see waterfalls flowing near the bottom of Mount Sefton and the Footstool.

There is also a smaller bridge along the way, under which a stream crosses. On a hot day, most people will go down near the stream and wet their faces. It is extremely refreshing as it is glacial water.speaking of the heat, you will be fully exposed to the elements on this track so come prepared with sunscreen and a windbreaker.

Quick Facts about this walk

Location: Mt Cook, South Island, New Zealand
Time needed: 30 minutes
Distance: 900 m
Difficulty: Very easy
Bikes allowed: No
Route: Return
Elevation: None
Wet Feet: Yes, after snow or heavy rain
Toilets: There are toilets in the village at the public shelter or the Hermitage Hotel. The campground also has toilets.
Dogs: No, dogs are not allowed in the national park.
Mobile Coverage: Yes, very good
Last Updated: April, 2020

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Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

The walk is easy and provides views of Mount Sefton and Mueller Lake.

Track Quality

The track is maintained and cared for by the Department of Conservation.

Hazards

Bridges

Transport

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is only accessible by car or tour buses including GreatSights, Clark’s and the Cook Connection. There is no public transportation within the National Park.

Water

There is drinking water available at the start of the walk.

Driving Instructions

When entering the national park on Mount Cook road, take the second right turn onto Hooker Valley road. Follow the road until the end, where you will find a car park and campground.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

The Hermitage hotel offers a buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel also has an a la carte restaurant for dinner, and a cafe that runs from 8:30am to 4:30pm. There is also a gift shop and museum in the hotel. The Mount Cook Lodge and Motels has a pub and grill that opens at 3pm and serves food until 10pm. The Old Mountaineer’s Cafe runs from 10am to 7:30pm but shuts between 3:30pm and 5:00pm. These are all located in the village.

Area & Trail History

The national park and its famous mountain gets its name from Maori legend. Aoraki and his three brothers, the sons of Rakinui, the Sky father, set out on a discovery of the Earth Mother in their canoe. The canoe was struck by a reef. The brothers climbed onto the top of the canoe and they froze and turned to stone. The South Island of New Zealand represents the canoe, while the brothers are the Southern Alps—the tallest being Aoraki (Mount Cook). European settlers changed the name of the mountain from Aoraki to Mount Cook, but the mountain was once more renamed Aoraki Mount Cook to acknowledge its Maori heritage. The mountain has also been climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary, who went on to climb Mount Everest.