Guide to the Hooker Valley Track

Track info

After a few months of being closed, the Hooker Valley track is now opened again.

Have you ever dreamed of walking a bit more than an hour and find yourself in front of a glacier lake, facing an amazing summit? And with, on top of that, the chance of seeing icebergs?

Well, don’t look further, the Hooker Valley track is the one you were looking for. Easy walk/stunning views. I don’t think there is any better ratio reward for effort in the area!

This article will attempt to answer to all the questions you might have before going there: how long is the walk, where to stay in the area, when to go, where are the spots to stop on the way to take pictures, … I’ll answer it all. And if you find a question I did not answer just ask it in the comments, I will answer it!

photography-guide-Hooker-valley-track-by-nico-babot

Location
Hooker Lake, New Zealand
Walking time
3 hr return
Elevation gain/loss
+ 220 m / – 100m

Grade
Easy
Distance
5.2 km one way (Return same track)
Maps
CB08 – Homer Saddle

How to Get to Aoraki/Mount Cook

New Zealand’s Canterbury region is a great place to capture the country’s untouched nature. One of the most iconic features of the region is Aoraki/Mount Cook, the largest mountain in all of New Zealand. Here is where you’ll find the picturesque Hooker Lake nested within the Southern Alps.

To get here you’ll use the Hooker Valley track, a popular walking trail in the region. Especially if you’re already planning on checking out Mueller hut, this is another photography destination to add to your itinerary.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is nested right in the middle of New Zealand’s Southern island in the Canterbury region. The park is about 2 km from Aoraki/ Mount Cook village, and 56 km from the larger town of Tekapo.

Needless to say the easiest way to get to Mount Cook is by driving. You won’t find well-connected transport out here, as it is more of a remote area. If you are traveling from overseas, the easiest way to get here would be to fly to the airport of Queenstown or Christchurch. From here, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

From Queenstown

The drive is about three hours with good weather condition, a total of about 250 km. Driving here, you’ll take state highway 8, eventually to highway 80. You’ll pass through Mount Pisa, Tarra, Lindis Valley, Twizel, and finally head towards Hooker Valley road.

You’ll know you reached your destination after a scenic drive along Lake Phukaki. Although the drive may seem remote, you’ll be in good company. This is one of the most popular parks in the region!

Guide Hooker Valley Track - Summer morning on the shore - Photo by Nico Babot

Photography guide Mueller hut Itinerary from Queenstown to Mount Cook

From Christchurch

If you are arriving from Christchurch, it will take you approximately 4h to get to the village. I say “approximately” because if you are making the drive from Christchurch, you’ll probably want to stop on the way to Lake Tekapo and Pukaki which provide amazing views on the southern Alps. The Mc Kenzie region is a very underrated region and worth spending some time enjoying it.

The fact that there is only one road going to Mt Cook village makes your options pretty limited if you don’t have a car. While there are airports, those are only limited to scenic flight so you will not be able to fly there.

It is possible to take a bus and Intercity is a really good option if you want to do that. Buses operate once a day to and from the village

Photography guide Mueller hut Itinerary from Christchurch to Mount Cook

The Hooker Valley track

To see the ultimate combination of the landscape and natural wonders mentioned above, the Hooker Valley track is an absolute must. You’ll see views of Muller Glacier, Hooker Lake, and Aoraki/Mount Cook itself. It is an out and back walk that ends at the shoreline of Hooker Lake, crossing over a total of three swinging suspension bridges.

It’s an easy, flat walk that is extremely well maintained. Most of the track is gravel, and there is only a 124 m change in elevation throughout the walk.

However, the track does take time. It is about 5 km one-way, and about 10 km out and back. It only takes about an hour and a half to complete half of the walk, and three hours to complete the full loop. You’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Hooker Lake at the end, and other elements of nature along the way.

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White Horse Hill campground to Mueller lake – 15-20mn +30m

The track starts once you enter the White Horse Hill campground. Here you can park your car, and enter the park. There is one bathroom at the start, and then another towards the end of the track near Hooker Lake.

You simply start the track by following the signs. First, you’ll find Freda’s rock, which is dedicated to the first woman to climb the mountain in 1910. After this, you will pass alpine’s rock, dedicated to all those that lost their life while climbing the mountain.

The track will weave through the valley for about a half hour, where you’ll finally find yourself at Mueller Lake. This is a gorgeous lookout point to stop for a water break, snack, and snap some shots of the scenery.

Mueller lake to Stocking Stream Shelter – 30mn +80m

After this, you’ll pass over the first swing bridge towering over Hooker River. You’ll be facing towards Mount Sefton and pass Mueller Lake. Don’t forget to check out the views of Lake Pukaki either. Here you’ll find bright blue waters and yet another irresistible photo-op opportunity.

After this point, you’ll head towards hooker bluff and reach the second lift bridge. Here is where you will walk further towards Hooker Lake and Mount Cook. You’ll cross a small footbridge, and pass the Stocking Stream Day Shelter (Note: the shelter has been taken out in 2018 but the building’s foundations are still visible). This has the only toilet on the track, so don’t wait until you reach Hooker Lake itself.

Guide Hooker Valley Track - First rays of light - Photo by Nico Babot

Guide Hooker Valley Track - Third swing bridge - Photo by Nico Babot

Stocking Stream Shelter to Hooker Lake – 20mn +80m

Finally, you will arrive at the last swinging bridge, to take you to your final destination along this track. After you get off you’ll start to see more of Mount Cook, Hooker Glacier, and Hooker Lake, all creating one epic scenery.

You can end here, or follow the track down to the shores to see icebergs floating through the lake and take in all of the nature. This is definitely an ideal spot to stop for a mid-day picnic before heading back the same way you came (some tables are available).

The path can be reached all year long, at all times of the day. It is a popular park, so you definitely won’t be alone when you visit. Some say it is best to come during sunrise to see the sun’s glow over the mountains. However, the views at anytime of day will be worth the hike.

Photography locations on the Hooker Valley track

Ok, so now that you are an expert, lest’s dive into where you can find locations to shoot on your way on the Hooker Valley track. I’ll be upfront though: most of those locations are located near the end of the track… take this as an incentive to keep on pushing if you are tired!

Guide Hooker Valley Track - Sheets of ice on Hooker Lake - Photo by Nico Babot

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Mueller lake viewpoint

That first location on the Hooker Valley track is a bit of a warm-up. It offers great views on the first lake of the walk and onto the Sefton range.

Works best: this location works best in the morning when you can catch the first light on Mt Sefton.

Composition: This is the perfect spot to perfect your panorama skills.

Sun location: you will get the sun in your back in the morning but be careful, this part of the valley gets in the shade in the late afternoon.

Guide Hooker Valley Track - Mueller lake view point - Photo by Nico Babot

River shots

Once you pass the second bridge, you will start to have a view on Mt Cook with the river in the foreground.

Works best: That location works both at sunrise and sunset. I would prioritize sunset if you want to do some long exposures with the river in the foreground. it will be easier (and safer!) to make your compositions in the late afternoon and wait for the perfect time than going in the morning and walk on wet rocks in the dark.

Compositions: there are plenty of compositions along the river with nice boulders. This is one of the only places where you will find the river aligning with Aoraki/Mount Cook in the background, allowing you to create great leading lines in your composition.

Sun location: If you are looking towards Mout Cook, you will have the sun on your right at sunrise and on your left at sunset.

Map:

Guide Hooker Valley Track - Sunset on the river - Photo by Nico Babot

Stocking stream shelter

Compositions: This place is perfect for you if you want to play with a long lens. Indeed the shelter is perfectly aligned with Mont Cook and a long lens will allow you to compress the scenery and make Mt Cook appear huge in the background, emphasizing how small that old shelter is.

Works best: Any time of the day.

Sun location: Same as the previous location.

Edit: The shelter has now been removed unfortunately but you can still find its foundation and the orientation table.

Map:

Guide Hooker Valley Track - Old Stocking Strem Shelter - Photo by Nico Babot

The boardwalk

Compositions: The boardwalk is another great place to find leading lines. I tend to prefer the previous location at the river as it is quieter but there is something special about this track going across the tussocks with Aoraki/Mount Cook in the background.

Works best: This location works all day but I would advise to be there early in the morning or late in the afternoon as it might be a challenge to get the boardwalk for yourself in the middle of the day.

Sun location: Same as the previous location.

Note: Even if it might be tempting to get off the boardwalk to get a better composition, please don’t. This boardwalk is there to protect the vegetation underneath.

Guide Hooker Valley Track - Board walk - Photo by Nico Babot

The little tarn

Compositions: Located close to the end of the walk, this little tarn offers great potential for reflexions. It is also a bit more secluded so you are more likely to find yourself alone there, even in the middle of the day.

Works best: This location works best in the morning when you are more likely to get reflexions. The late afternoons can be a bit windy in the valley (as demonstrated “brilliantly” in my shot taken in the middle of the afternoon…..)

Sun location: Same as the previous location.

Guide Hooker Valley Track - Little tarn - Photo by Nico Babot

Hooker lake viewpoint

Finally! You made it! Take a deep breath and soak up the views of the lake and the glacier in the distance. If you are lucky you will get a few icebergs.

Compositions: Most of the photographer will go straight down to the shore but if you stay at the top, you will find some nice compositions with spear grasses and kerns in the foreground (don’t hesitate to go low in order to get the best composition with Aoraki/Mount Cook in the background). This is also a great opportunity for a panorama shot.

Works best: This location works best in the morning and afternoon when the light is best.

Sun location: Same as the previous location.

Guide Hooker Valley Track - Hooker lake view point - Photo by Nico Babot

Guide Hooker Valley Track - Hooker lake view point Spear grass - Photo by Nico Babot

Hooker lake shore

Compositions: Plenty of options along the shore. Don’t hesitate to explore. I find that the further you go, the better the compositions are so don’t get stuck in the first composition you find, keep moving left until you find something really worth stopping for.

Works best: This location works best in the morning and afternoon when the light is best. Mornings are the best if you want to have reflexions. Note that is very rare to get red clouds AND reflexions at this location so if you have one of those, consider yourself lucky!

Sun location: The sun will hide behind the ridges at sunrise and sunset. This side of Mt Cook only gets sun in the middle of the day.

Guide Hooker Valley Track - Sunset on hooker lake - Photo by Nico Babot

Guide Hooker Valley Track - Sunset on hooker lake Vert - Photo by Nico Babot

History of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Hooker Lake

Aoraki/Mount Cook is best known for being the tallest mountain in all of New Zealand with a height of 3,724 m towering over the Southern Alps. It is apart of the region’s UNESCO world heritage sites, and it draws in visitors from around the world.

Although the area only opened as a park in 1953, Aoraki/Mount Cook has a longstanding history with the Maori people. They discovered the mountain around the 14th century CE and gave it the name of Aoraki (cloud piercer). It actually wasn’t until around 1850s that European settlers discovered the mountain, naming it after the settler James Cook. Today the combined name of Aoraki/Mount Cook is used to pay tribute to its Maori origins.

The nearby Hooker Lake was formed in the 1970s by yet another retreating glacier. This is why today the lake continues to expand every year. It expands about 50 m per year, which makes it now about 2.3 km wide.

The lake has a bright blue color from melted glacier water. You’ll find that the lake freezes in winter and in the summer there are loads of glaciers floating through. The coolest part is that electricity in the nearby village actually comes from this Hooker glacier water!

The area is home to some of New Zealand’s most pristine nature. It’s a popular site for bird watching, with over 40 different species. The most famous is the alpine parrot Kea.

The area is also booking with Mount Cook buttercup flowers, which are considered to be the biggest in the world. Thus, this area has plenty of nature and mountainous views in store for you!

Photo by Ebenezer Teichelmann – Taken 1905.

Photo by Ebenezer Teichelmann – Taken 1905.
You can clearly see the Mueller glacier crossing over the valley

Weather in Aoraki / Mount Cook National park

You can explore Hooker valley track year round, but the weather will vary greatly. In February is when the weather will be hottest, with an average temperature of 19 C, while the coldest month is July with a temperature of 10 C. You’ll have the most sunshine in September, and the most rain in May.

The area does receive a good amount of rainfall throughout the year, mainly due to how close it is to the mountains. Annually, there the average rainfall is about 4000 mm a year. The driest month is February, while the wettest month is October. You should avoid the latter month when visiting.

You’re most likely to experience the best Hooker valley weather November through March but be aware that even if there is no rain, Aoraki/Mount Cook can be hidden behind clouds. If you want to maximize your chances, prioritize a visit in the morning when the air is colds and condensation is the lowest.

You can check for weather here:
http://www.metservice.com/towns-cities/mount-cook

A quick word about safety…

You don’t have any lions, tigers, or bears to worry about out here. However, you should know that this area is known for having strong winds and quickly changing weather. This means that you should always take a look at the weather ahead of time, and plan accordingly.

It’s also best practice to inform either your accommodation or anyone else when you will be completing the hike.

Lastly, when there is snow, there is a potential hazard of an avalanche in the valley itself, but the track is specifically designed with this in mind. That means if you stay on track, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

You can complete the track year-round, but do pack accordingly for changing weather conditions. As usual in New Zealand, always take your sunscreen AND rain jacket…

Photography guide Mueller hut - avalanches from the sefton face are quite common Photo by Nico Babot

What gear to take

Your standard hiking gear will be sufficient for this trip, such as comfortable walking shoes, a backpack, and water. Keep in mind that you will be exposed to the sun the entire time during the three-hour track. This means you should definitely bring sunscreen as well.

Some areas may be rocky or muddy, so you might want to bring shoes that are best for this.

Where to stay near Aoraki/Mount Cook Village

The cheap

The area near Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is quaint but does provide options for all types of travelers. The most obvious would be to stay at the White Horse Hill campground, which is exactly where you enter to find the Hooker Valley track. The campsite is 2.5 km from Mount Cook Village and provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. Reservations are on a first come first served basis, and prices are $13 a night for adults. Nearby the site you’ll find activities, shops, and restaurants.

The expensive

If you’re looking for a more upscale option, check out the spacious and scenic rooms at Hermitage Hotel. Here is where you’ll find many restaurants and cafes overlooking the landscape. These “luxury” rooms start at about $300 per night. Be aware that the value you will get for the price paid is probably one of the worse you will get in the country but it, unfortunately, is the only option available in the village.

The best…

Lastly, if you don’t mind sharing a dorm, another option is Unwin Lodge. It is an affordable lodge in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Starting at $30 a night, you can stay in the dorms or family rooms with modern toilets, showers, electricity, and kitchen. Be aware that the place is a hut managed by the New Zealand alpine club and not a backpacker. This means that they do not provide beddings or pillows, so you’ll have to bring this yourself to the “club hut”. This is my favorite option in the area and the views you get of the Tasman valley from the leaving area are simply breathtaking.

About me

Hey you!

I’m Nico, a french-kiwi photographer based in Canada (yep, that’s a lot of countries in just one sentence!). I specialise in landscape photography and getting wet feet every time I attempt river crossings… Actually, I have a modo that says that the earlier you get your feet wet, the earlier you can move on and focus on something else!

With those articles, I am trying to collect in one place all I learnt about the locations I have visited to get the shot I had in mind (often more than once… way more!). I am trying to provide photographers with useful informations but I am pretty sure that if you are just planing on visiting the same places, you will also get something out of it!

Let me know if you have any question!

6 replies

Stef says:
10/05/2019 at 6:44 pm

I guess I’m ready to hike in this valley with this insightful article ! Those landscapes make me dream of beautiful photographs, thanks a lot for the tips Nico ! Cheers !
Reply
- nico says:
  10/05/2019 at 8:37 pm
  
  Thanks for the love Steph. If you go on that walk, make sure you take plenty of chocolate… You don’t want to risk hypoglycemia!
  Reply
Princy says:
05/05/2021 at 11:33 am

Great article! Very insightful for a beginner like myself. Thank you.
Reply
- nico says:
  05/05/2021 at 8:03 pm
  
  Thank you Princy, glad it was useful for you!
  Reply
Mel says:
02/06/2021 at 11:51 am

Thanks so much for this info! I am so excited to be visiting this stunning place in 2 weeks time.
It looks amaaaazing
Reply
- nico says:
  02/06/2021 at 6:20 pm
  
  Glad you did find the info useful Mel! I hope you will have good weather, it’s been raining quite a bit lately.
  Reply

Guide to the Hooker Valley Track

Location

Walking time

Elevation gain/loss

Grade

Distance

Maps