Hooker Valley Track

The Hooker Valley Track is a well-formed, mostly flat 10km return trail that typically takes around three hours to complete. It follows the path of the Hooker River, guiding walkers through a wide, tussock-filled valley floor. Along the way, you'll cross three sturdy swing bridges, which are highlights in their own right and offer great views of the river and surrounding mountains.

The track culminates at the Hooker Glacier terminal lake, where small icebergs can often be seen floating after calving off the glacier face. The entire walk provides spectacular, ever-present views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps. It is a highly rewarding walk for its relatively low level of difficulty.

Allow half a day for Hooker Valley Track, plus drive time from wherever you spend the night before. Distances in Mackenzie & Aoraki look short on a map, but winding roads, roadworks and campervan speeds stretch them, so build this stop around an unhurried day rather than squeezing it between long drives. Best time to go: The track is stunning year-round, but particularly scenic in spring and autumn. Check road conditions and seasonal ferry timetables before you lock in dates. It suits travellers who want to slow down and see Mackenzie & Aoraki properly rather than tick it off. Send your plan to an Acrossnz advisor and we'll check the timing works.