Marios Gavalas
Hooker River with Mount Cook
Marios Gavalas
Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
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10 km return | 3 hours return
The most popular day walk in the park. And with good reason. Roaring rivers, glaciers draping of the highest peaks and superlative views of Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Early and late are the best times to avoid the masses. 70,000 per year walk the track.
The start of the walk is signposted from White Horse Hill Campground at the end of Hooker Valley Road.
Pass the memorial to those who have died in these high mountains. Another memorial shortly after celebrates Freda du Faur, the first female to summit Aoraki.
The well-maintained track recently underwent a $1.7 million upgrade, so is in great nick. Metalled all the way, boardwalks over the soft stuff and 3 of the most magnificent suspension bridges in the country.
Traversing the moraine wall damming Mueller Lake, the track then crosses the roaring river on the first of the swing bridges. Huge boulders disrupt the flow and froth the debris laden river a sombre grey.
A safe distance from the scree walls at the base of the Kirikirikatata / Mount Cook Range, the track then makes its first crossing of the Hooker River.
Boardwalks over the tussock and swamps protect the fragile vegetation. Some memorable views up to Aoraki with the rocky river in the foreground, are the photographers’ chosen spots.
Another crossing of the Hooker River, then a short side trip to an alpine tarn, before the track ends beside Hooker Lake.
You can see the terminal face of the glacier, all smothered in rock debris at the far end. Icebergs are blown down-lake by the katabatic winds and funneled westerlies. A short side track descends to the lake edge.
Return via the same track.
Previous to glacial action, many valleys were characterised by a system of interlocking spurs protruding into the valley floor – the legacy of water’s erosion carving V’s into the land. Glaciers worked differently and having no regard for these obstructions, simply bulldozed through the rock, truncating spurs to leave a triangular face bisecting the former ridgeline.
Glaciers filled the valleys and joined in the upland areas to form ice caps. The last Ice Age was known as the Otiran and occurred between 80,000 and 10,000 years ago. Ice was up to 2 km deep. Sea levels were up to 120 metres lower and ice reached over 10 km off today’s shoreline. At least 5 glacial advances and retreats are evident. At the conclusion of the last glacial between 35,000 and 14,000 years ago, a Glacial Maximum occurred, a short but intense episode of global cooling. This spurred on the glaciers in a final pulsing advance, which built up the vast terminal moraines, filling the MacKenzie basin and extending glaciers 10 km past the current southern shores of Lake Pukaki. These details give some fuel for thought on the rapidity of climate change that occurs without the influence of humankind.
Hooker Glacier sweeps down it namesake valley. Observe the side walls of moraine - lateral moraines - deposited during a time of relative quiescence in the retreat.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC CanterburyCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Mount Cook |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Feature | Value | Info |
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Track Length |
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Track LengthWhat is the physical length of this track? 3km to 10km |
Track Duration |
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Track DurationHow long does it take to walk this track on average? 2 to 4 hours |
Track Difficulty |
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Track DifficultyConsidering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Easy walk |
Payment Requirement |
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Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in. |
Large Vehicle Access |
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Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. |
DOC Track Category |
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DOC Track CategoryWhat type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)? Walking track Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day. Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities. Clearly signposted. Stream and river crossings are bridged. Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required. |
Disabled Access |
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Disabled AccessDoes this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs. |
Crowd Factor |
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Crowd FactorHow crowded is this place usually? Popular This place is often popular with other travellers. |
Track Managing Organisation |
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Track Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. |
Amazing views and the melting water!
Very beautiful accessible stroll to all.
One of our first stops in New Zealand.
Beautiful mountain scenery.
Great walk with amazing views.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 127 |
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40% |
9/10 | 104 |
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33% |
8/10 | 61 |
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19% |
7/10 | 18 |
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6% |
6/10 | 4 |
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1% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5.0/5
8 April 24.
We had a warm dry walk although somewhat breezy at times. The swing bridges were moving a bit.
Well worth the effort getting there. Not a hard walk and easily done within the time suggested.
The end of the track has a lake and the end of a glacier. A seating area and access to the lake with icebergs!
Very windy there in exposed areas.
Very busy but that was ok. Would definitely do the walk again if we revisit NZ.
Reviewed 7 months ago
5.0/5
The best 5k walk I’ve ever done.
Flat, breathtakingly beautiful. 3 swing bridges. Doesn’t get any more epic. An absolute must. One of the highlights of our holiday
Reviewed about 3 years ago
4.0/5
Nice wee little walk that can be completed in a few hours.
Good idea to carry gloves during winter. Note that the direction coordinates given on the app would take you to Mt. Cook Village carpark, not the actual Hooker Valley Track cp. Refer to Google
Reviewed over 4 years ago
5.0/5
Awesome, well marked walking track.
10km/3hrs return to the end. 3x swing bridges. Lots of good spots to take photos. Gets colder the further along the track you go - wishing we had taken gloves with us! There were icebergs in the hooked lake at the end of the walk - was freezing! So worth the trek though, and would imagine would have been even nicer with warmer weather. Small fuel stop in the local town also to top up.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
5.0/5
Stunning scenery around every bend and every rise of the track.
Easy hike but there is no shade so if its sunny make sure you have a hat and sunscreen. Track was very well maintained. Always busy but if you start before 10am you should beat most of the tour buses. Make sure your memory card has plenty of space as you will take SO many pictures. One of the best hikes every
Reviewed about 5 years ago
3.5/5
A lovely easy walk with stunning scenery but wow does it get busy!!
There’s a toilet on the path. Big beautiful bridges and immediate mountain views. Lovely! But You must start it before 10am to avoid the mega busy crowds. We started at 10am and it was busy but tolerable. On our return watching the masses walk past us was crazy. There’s no shade either so bring a hat.
Reviewed over 5 years ago
5.0/5
It was great.
Light drizzle and very cold but we saw BEAUTIFUL scenaries. One of the highlights of my trip!
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.5/5
Was very windy and a bit rainy when we went and couldn't see Mt.
Cook but it was still a great and fun 3-hour track.
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.5/5
We came up to Mount Cook area to see the scenery along the way, with the intention we'd turn back and find somewhere to camp up further along at Lake Takepo.
We landed up staying as we realised there were several good walks here. We set off in late afternoon along the path.
Do leave 4 hours, you spend longer at the end than you intend and as experienced walkers we knew the likelihood was that we'd get back just as dusk was setting in. Although it's a well worn track we took plenty water, some food, torches and layers, just in case. A few people were heading in as we were heading out and didn't know how long it would take them - they did turn back when we told them it wasn't just round the corner.
Late afternoon is a lovely time to go, far less people around and a very pleasant walk. Good view of the glacier. From reviews of Franz Josef and Fox I'd say this is easily up there as just a stunning and enjoyable but just less well known.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
5.0/5
Pleasant three hour walk over three swingbridges to the Hooker Lake/Hooker Glacier.
When we visited it on March 8 it was a little bit overcrowded.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago and experienced in March 2017
5.0/5
We can be close to the iceberg.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago and experienced in March 2017
3.0/5
A nice walk, good views, but really crowded.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
5.0/5
8 April 24.
We had a warm dry walk although somewhat breezy at times. The swing bridges were moving a bit.
Well worth the effort getting there. Not a hard walk and easily done within the time suggested.
The end of the track has a lake and the end of a glacier. A seating area and access to the lake with icebergs!
Very windy there in exposed areas.
Very busy but that was ok. Would definitely do the walk again if we revisit NZ.
Reviewed 7 months ago
5.0/5
The best 5k walk I’ve ever done.
Flat, breathtakingly beautiful. 3 swing bridges. Doesn’t get any more epic. An absolute must. One of the highlights of our holiday
Reviewed about 3 years ago
4.0/5
Nice wee little walk that can be completed in a few hours.
Good idea to carry gloves during winter. Note that the direction coordinates given on the app would take you to Mt. Cook Village carpark, not the actual Hooker Valley Track cp. Refer to Google
Reviewed over 4 years ago
5.0/5
Awesome, well marked walking track.
10km/3hrs return to the end. 3x swing bridges. Lots of good spots to take photos. Gets colder the further along the track you go - wishing we had taken gloves with us! There were icebergs in the hooked lake at the end of the walk - was freezing! So worth the trek though, and would imagine would have been even nicer with warmer weather. Small fuel stop in the local town also to top up.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
5.0/5
Stunning scenery around every bend and every rise of the track.
Easy hike but there is no shade so if its sunny make sure you have a hat and sunscreen. Track was very well maintained. Always busy but if you start before 10am you should beat most of the tour buses. Make sure your memory card has plenty of space as you will take SO many pictures. One of the best hikes every
Reviewed about 5 years ago
3.5/5
A lovely easy walk with stunning scenery but wow does it get busy!!
There’s a toilet on the path. Big beautiful bridges and immediate mountain views. Lovely! But You must start it before 10am to avoid the mega busy crowds. We started at 10am and it was busy but tolerable. On our return watching the masses walk past us was crazy. There’s no shade either so bring a hat.
Reviewed over 5 years ago
5.0/5
It was great.
Light drizzle and very cold but we saw BEAUTIFUL scenaries. One of the highlights of my trip!
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.5/5
Was very windy and a bit rainy when we went and couldn't see Mt.
Cook but it was still a great and fun 3-hour track.
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.5/5
We came up to Mount Cook area to see the scenery along the way, with the intention we'd turn back and find somewhere to camp up further along at Lake Takepo.
We landed up staying as we realised there were several good walks here. We set off in late afternoon along the path.
Do leave 4 hours, you spend longer at the end than you intend and as experienced walkers we knew the likelihood was that we'd get back just as dusk was setting in. Although it's a well worn track we took plenty water, some food, torches and layers, just in case. A few people were heading in as we were heading out and didn't know how long it would take them - they did turn back when we told them it wasn't just round the corner.
Late afternoon is a lovely time to go, far less people around and a very pleasant walk. Good view of the glacier. From reviews of Franz Josef and Fox I'd say this is easily up there as just a stunning and enjoyable but just less well known.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
5.0/5
We can be close to the iceberg.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago and experienced in March 2017
5.0/5
Pleasant three hour walk over three swingbridges to the Hooker Lake/Hooker Glacier.
When we visited it on March 8 it was a little bit overcrowded.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago and experienced in March 2017
4.5/5
Amazing views at the end, but super busy foot traffic.
Easy walk.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago
4.5/5
Amazing views.
Very easy to find the track and follow it. It was a really good and easy walk. I will recommend it to everyone!
Reviewed almost 7 years ago
5.0/5
Well maintained paths, great walk, easy walk, beautiful waterfalls all around on the way.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
5.0/5
Plenty of parking, bathroom facilities are clean and accessible.
Beautiful scenery.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
5.0/5
Well maintained path.
Clean toilets. Beautiful day walking in the valley.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
4.0/5
Stunning landscape with a view of the glaciers.
Track ends at the glacier lake. But you must be very careful when it is windy (we heard that it happens often) cause it can be unpredictable.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
5.0/5
Very beautiful track!
We did this track in winter so amazing with snow everywhere but easy to access.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
4.5/5
A nice walk through the Hooker Valley which ends at Hooker Lake.
The view of Aoraki from the lake is something special.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
4.0/5
A very popular walk so always plenty of people around, but beautiful views along the entire walk through the valley.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
5.0/5
Great views, nice easy walk with great reward.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
4.0/5
Well maintained track, good views.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
5.0/5
Well maintained track through amazing scenery.
The highlight is arriving at the Hooker Glacier Terminal lake to see the floating icebergs. And of course, Mt Cook! Worth waiting for a clear day to do this walk and visit Mt Cook Village.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
4.0/5
Nice and easy walk with beautiful views of glacier lakes and hopefully Mt Cook.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
5.0/5
Nice walk.
Not too challenging. Surrounded by raw, untouched nature.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
5.0/5
Do it at sunset if it is a clear evening.
Awesome view of Mt Cook and maybe icebergs of the glacier.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
4.0/5
Comfortable to walk.
Awesome views. Maybe just too many tourists walking at the same time.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
5.0/5
Beautiful hikes, amazing landscapes and great weather.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
5.0/5
Hike Hooker Valley track, super landscapes throughout the hike.
Good memories!! It is pretty easy and accessible to everyone. Beautiful view of Mt Cook at the end of the way!! I recommend.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016