Welcome to the Jersey Gypsy column, where our resident travel reporter, Valentina Lopez, roams the globe in pursuit of stories.
NZ has a special spot on every traveler’s bucket list for good reasons: vibrant culture, friendly people, world-class wine, and, of course, as home to the iconic Middle-Earth. But for casual hikers like me, the country’s stunning landscapes, natural wonders, and scenic views captivated my heart.
When it comes to marvelous sights, Mount Cook is New Zealand’s pride. One of the mountain’s popular hikes is the Hooker Valley Track.
This 10-km trip is a dream come true for all avid explorers with its lush paths, glacier lakes, and breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. It’s also an amazingly easy walk because the track is almost flat everywhere (even kids can enjoy this hike!).
Join me as I share how I soaked in nature’s grandeur through the enchanting Hooker Valley Track of NZ’s South Island.
Getting Ready For the Hike
Long before my feet touched New Zealand, the Hooker Valley Track was already in my mind. Looking at its pictures online, it all felt “too good to be true,” as the place is flawless!
It has everything that my nature-loving soul craves—snow-capped mountains, swaying suspension bridges, glacier lakes dotted with floating icebergs, and turquoise rivers. It appears like a place from a fantasy world.
Without a second thought, the Hooker Valley Track made it into our NZ itinerary. I need to witness its beauty with my own eyes!
It was 6:30 AM when we left our accommodation and drove our way to Mount Cook Village. Our backpacks were light that day as we only had snacks, refillable water bottles, cameras, and extra layers. After all, many Hooker Valley Track reviews mentioned that it’s an easy day trip, so we didn’t feel the need to pack much.
Even before hitting the track, we’re already amused by the scenic views of Mount Cook. It took us less than 20 minutes to traverse the village and reach the White Horse Hill Camp, our entry point to the Hooker Valley Track.
Feet on The Ground: My Journey To The Hooker Valley Track
It was around 7:10 AM when we began our hike, and the beautiful scenery got me in the mood. The golden morning light glistened on towering mountains, the gentle morning breeze brushed against my skin, and the surroundings felt sublime and tranquil.
The path is pretty clear and easy to navigate. Much of it is adorned with rocks, lush greenery, and wildflowers. Almost everywhere I look, I’m greeted by the sight of magnificent, rugged mountains. The landscapes felt like they’ve been pulled straight from “The Lord of the Rings,” and we’re the travelers on an epic journey.
There were no other people behind or ahead of us. This was a unique experience for me since there was always a small or big number of tourists around me during my trips.
Crossing the Suspension Bridges
It was a chill walk until we reached a suspension bridge that crosses the Hooker River. I fear heights, but my adventurous side prevailed, and I didn’t chicken out.
There was a sign stating that only 20 people could be at the bridge at once. There are only three of us, so there’s nothing to worry about.
I took some steps across, and I felt it swaying! It was a bit frightening at first, but the beautiful view of the milky-colored Hooker River took my fear away. Shortly after, I was able to ignore the swaying and started taking photos of the scenery.
Another kilometer or so, we stumbled on the second suspension bridge. The view down below looked frightening because of the turbulent river with its waves hitting some huge boulders. Fortunately, I’m already used to swinging and crossing the bridge without a hassle.
Right after crossing the bridge, a group of bunnies passed along our path as if congratulating us for walking this far off the trail.
The Wooden Boardwalk
Another kilometer from the second bridge, the trail led to a grassy plain and eventually changed from a gravel path to wooden boardwalks. The boardwalks prevented the travelers from stepping on the beautiful grasses around them.
The landscape turned even prettier when we reached this point. We got a wider view of Mount Cook and some glimpses of the wonderful Southern Alps. As we walked further, the details of the mountains became clearer, I even spotted some waterfalls nestled along them.
About 600 meters further, we reached the third and last suspension bridge of the Hooker Valley Track.
Among the swing bridges we crossed, this one has the prettiest view of Mount Cook (because it’s the closest one). It was a stunning sight as the gray sky contrasted spectacularly with the mountain’s snow-capped peak.
The Beautiful Hooker Lake
Finally, we reached the magnificent gem at the foot of Mount Cook—the Hooker Lake. This drop-dead gorgeous, glacier-speckled lake made our two-hour walk worthwhile.
The huge icebergs drifting across the grayish water were mesmerizing to watch. And further in the lake is an amazingly giant ice formation called the Hooker Glacier—a seven-mile-long iceberg floating serenely on the beautiful river.
Rising majestically from the lake, Mount Cook looked even more glorious at this point. In Māori, the mountain is known as “Aoraki,” meaning “cloud-piercer.” Its towering peak (about 12,300 feet high) truly seemed to pierce the sky, as it’s the largest landmass in New Zealand.
We stayed about 20 minutes by the lake, mostly taking selfies and admiring the floating icebergs. We also ate our sandwiches while enjoying the tranquil moment.
Soon, a group of tourists with two kids arrived. It wasn’t surprising; the trail was family-friendly, with gravel paths, wooden walkways, safe swing bridges, and only a few steep slopes.
Turning Back
Eventually, it was getting warm in the lake as the sun had risen completely. So, it was time to bid farewell from the beautiful Hooker Valley Lake and retrace our steps back along the same path.
Yup, the return path is the same track as the outbound walk. And since we’d already seen most of the scenery, we finished the track about 30 minutes faster and reached our starting point, White Horse Hill car park.
In total, our entire walk was about three and a half hours. Surprisingly, I wasn’t so exhausted because of the wonderful sights of the Hooker Valley Track, but I was so hungry. So, we found ourselves in a nearby cafe having our second breakfast.
Tips When Exploring the Hooker Valley Track
- Visit Early: Hooker Valley Track is a touristy place. So, if you’re not a fan of crowded places or sharing the path with others, I recommend visiting before 7 AM.
- Get Durable Walking Shoes: It’s an easy walk but a long one (more than six miles). So, bring a comfortable pair of solid walking shoes.
- Don’t rush: The trail has plenty of amazing sights to offer and you might miss them if you’re walking too fast. Slow down and take the time to enjoy the place and take Hooker Valley Track photos.
An Easy Walk To Remember: The Hooker Valley Track
As a casual hiker for many years, the Hooker Valley Track is definitely a cakewalk. The trail is mostly flat and paved with very few short inclines. But it’s not short of adventures—three suspension bridges with a raging river underneath them are surely goosebumps-inducing.
Every stage of the hike offers breathtaking sights so it’s best to slow down and appreciate the natural wonders laid in front.
Without a doubt, this walk has been my favorite in my New Zealand trip, and I’ll certainly return here to experience its magic again.
FAQs About the Hooker Valley Track
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Hooker Valley Track?
The best time to visit the Hooker Valley Track is around October to December when it’s not too warm in the place. Some recommend March to May, but the trail might be too crowded during these peak months.
How Long is the Hooker Valley Track?
The Hooker Valley Track is about 6.8 miles (or 10 kilometers) long out and back. You can complete the round-trip walk in around 3 to 4 hours.
How Easy is the Hooker Valley Walk?
Very easy. There are not many steep and long inclines, and you’ll be walking on flat, paved paths most of the time. Even the swing bridges are not that scary (though they are usually closed in winter as a safety precaution).
Got a suggestion for where Valentina should travel next, or what she should do on her adventures? Reach out to her at [email protected] — she’s always looking for something new to try!
