Hooker Valley Track

Wind up the Hooker Valley past alpine streams and glaciers in the shadow of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Enjoy views of the Mueller Glacier, Hooker Lake and Aoraki/Mount Cook.

The track leads through the sacred Tōpuni area of the Hooker Valley, which has special significance and values to Ngāi Tahu iwi, towards Aoraki/Mount Cook.

From the first of three swing bridges along the way, enjoy the views over the Mueller Lake and listen for the rumbling of avalanches from the distant Mount Sefton. Try to spot them before they crash into the Mueller Glacier below.

After crossing the Hooker River, the track goes between old moraine ridges and humps. From the second swing bridge, the vegetation changes to more open tussock and a wider valley floor. A third swing bridge leads to the East Hooker and the source of the Hooker River.

The track ends with an amazing view over the iceberg-speckled Hooker Lake and up to majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.

Return on the same track, enjoying more views down valley and across to the Sealy Range.

Low fitness levels are required for this 3 hour, 10km return track.