Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the Canterbury region
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. You may be able 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.
Second swingbridge may close in high winds
The second swingbridge may be closed during winds in excess of 80 k/hr and in significant flood events.
The second swingbridge in the Hooker Valley was severely damaged during a storm in March 2019. There is erosion on both sides of the bridge which affects its structural integrity during high winds. Engineers have determined the bridge is completely safe when not affected by strong winds and flood events.
A third swing bridge then 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.
The track at dawn gives you a view of the first rays of the sun creeping over the Southern Alps, including over New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook.
The nearest towns are Aoraki Mt Cook village (2 km), Tekapo (96 km) and Twizel (56 km).
The track starts at the White Horse Hill Campground and car park at the end of Hooker Valley Road.
Ensure you take:
How to pack for a day walk
Many different wildflowers can be seen along the way, including celmisia and the Mount Cook buttercup/kōpukupuku, the world’s biggest buttercup.
Kea can sometimes be heard along the track.
Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre | |
Phone: | +64 3 435 1186 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | mtcookvc@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
1 Larch Grove Aoraki/Mt Cook |
Postal Address: |
PO Box 5 Aoraki/Mt Cook 7946 |
Full office details |