Another hike that might not be top of your list ( Milford and Routeburn the tops) but if you want amazing views of Mt Cook this is the one. Easy hike that crosses some really cook bridges and rivers. The end is a gorgeous glacial lake. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views read more

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Of all the places to hike this is one you will want to get up early to do. We started our hike at 7:3am to miss the crowds and be able to see and hear God's beautiful creation. This place is totally amazing! Layer your clothes and take water. When your body warns up you can take off. There are toilets available before your hike. Campground is also located there if your the camper type. About an hour into the hike they currently have the trail closed due to repairs to the bridge. After the hike we drove over to the cafe for hot tea and coffee. Enjoy! read more

We parked at the trailhead located next to the White Horse Carpark, a quick 3-4min drive from Hermitage Hotel. NZ DOC estimated the walk as 3-4hr return, which was pretty accurate to our experience. There are maps available breaking down the segments of the trail, and their times, from bridge to bridge, as a helpful waypoint guidance. The walk was flat path, with very minimal elevation gain- we were walking on a very rainy, windy day-and the flatness of the valley walk, between the mountains, created a very intense wind tunnel- we often had to stop, shielding from the wind-but this made for a very fun experience. Arriving at the swing bridges, the icy rivers below were gorgeous light blue breathtaking views- then the arrival at the final glacier lake was worth the long trek. A delightful walk to enjoy Hooker Valley. read more

My wife and I hiked this trail on a rainy day in March. We got soaked and we never saw Mt. Cook, which was hidden by clouds, and it was still 110 percent worth it. The New Zealand DOC estimates the hike as 3-4 hours out and back, and it's accurate. We clocked it at 9-10 miles from the trailhead at the Hermitage Hotel. You also certainly don't have to do the whole track to get some great photos. We parked (free) by the Hermitage Hotel, grabbed a map from the concierge, and had a drink at their bar afterward (not free). The hotel also has a shop stocked with any gear you might feel compelled to buy before hiking. There also are restrooms located within the hotel off the lobby. The elevation gain is marginal and most of the trail is pretty flat. We were just fine in running shoes, and the only reason I'd be cautious about footwear is that parts of the trail (especially bridges and wooden causeways) can be slippery. The rest of the trail is dirt and gravel. There are no amenities, so bring water, snacks, etc. The DOC also has resources, including a posted sign on the trail, on what you should bring to have a safe, fun hike. This was a must-do on our New Zealand itinerary, and even without Mt. Cook in view it was one of the most beautiful hikes we've taken. read more

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Hiking in the mountains, the Hooker Valley Track is an easy hike. Perhaps if you're not afraid of heights, this would be easy for you. However for those who are scared, you might want to be conquering your fears when doing this hike. Go across stable bridges above rivers, there's that lush green of flat lands and boulders of rock faces around watching your every move. I'd say hike at your own risk and wear sunscreen because the rays down here are more powerful due to no pollution. The hike is easily accessed, though not paved, probably the only time you're wet is if it's raining or if you decide to jump in the lake at the end. It's a good way for family to exercise their legs after driving for long periods of time. Be respectful of the land, pick up after yourself. It's not a peaceful or beautiful hike if rubbish is seen. Oh and, bring water. Enjoy!!! read more

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After visiting my two favorites lakes in New Zealand, we drove to Mt. Cook. The drive from Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook was amazing - first half of the drive is along the circumference of the turquoise blue Lake Pukaki and the second half of the drive is towards the face of the glacier covered Southern Alps. It had become cloudy that afternoon and we could hardly see the peak of Mt. Cook. I was really hoping the clouds would clear away at least for a little to make way for our hike. But in vain. With every passing minute, the clouds became darker and darker and it started to drizzle. I knew exactly what trail I wanted to hike - The Hooker Valley Trail! No no, there's no hooker in the trail. I have no clue why it was named so. Kinda embarrassing to even tell people that I loved the Hooker Valley Trail; every time I got to emphasize that it is a hiking trail. After parking the car, we packed up our bags with jackets, umbrellas, water, bananas and started on our hike. I looked behind every now and then to catch glimpses of Lake Pukaki. It almost seemed like it was warm and sunny near Lake Pukaki, just a few kilometers away from Mt. Cook. The weather didn't make up its mind - it rained every alternate minute and I was tired folding in and opening the umbrella every other minute. Sigh. The views of the surrounding glacier covered mountains were breathtaking. After a while, I felt like a teeny tiny ant, surrounded by these gigantic, white mountains all around me. After a while, we came across a viewpoint to see the Mueller Lake and the Mueller Glaciers. We continued walking, crossing the Hooker River on a suspension bridge. How fun! I'm used to walking on suspension bridges in Lynn Canyon, Vancouver and in Arenal Hanging Bridges in Costa Rica, but it always a scary experience for me. The hike to the Hooker Glaciers did not have one suspension bridge, but three! Although I was bummed that the weather was overcast, the cloudy weather did make the scenery look quixotic. We continued walking until the trail ended in the mouth of the Hooker Lake with glaciers in the background. What I loved the most was the little ice bergs floating on the Hooker Lake. How cool is that?! I love seeing icebergs, so this was really a dream come true for me! By the way, when you are in Mt. Cook National Park, don't miss out the short hike to the Tasman Glaciers, New Zealand's longest glaciers. read more

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The track itself is extremely lengthy compared to the Tasman glacier track, and due to lack of time, we only did half of it, but you can definitely tell the end will very well be rewarding. If you're afraid of heights and some motion sickness be sure to go with a friend as there are three hanging bridges. Also ensure to have sufficient time, about 3 to 5 hours depending on your pace. read more

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