Hooker Valley track — Attraction in South Island

A fairly easy track, with unbelievably good scenery, and various types of terrain, including wooden walkways, steep wooden stairs, and rocky paths. Did it on 3 January 2025 while it rained and drizzled almost throughout. The track was safe, slightly difficult due to large ponds of rain accumulated especially on the wooden steps. Temperature varies a lot throughout the trail, however, at the Hooker Lake it’s the coldest as you are almost next to glaciers. Would recommend carrying a light backpack with your snacks and additional clothing. At the lake walk to the spot where the water is exiting the lake for close up views of the glaciers. If it’s slightly cloudy, there will be no view of Mount Cook. If you have even slight mobility challenges, please do the trail with some aids like walking sticks. It was a 3.3 Mile hike to the Hooker Lake, and the return trip with slight additional hikes totaled 7.5 Miles, in about 3.5 hours, with a lot of stops for capturing images and videos, though it would be less if you walk straight to and back from the Hooker Lake. There are toilets at the start of the trail and then at the 2.3 miles point into the trail. No food or drinks available entirely around the area, so please bring your own. Also there is a big wooden bench with table at the Hooker Lake where people usually have their food/snacks. There was a pack of wild geese at the hooker lake and one even ventured to the wooden bench in search of some food. Can’t recommend this trail enough, so don’t miss it. The parking is free, and there are unpaved three huge lots, though it remains busy throughout the day, you will still...

Such a beautiful, scenic walk. Mostly flat and a well-made path, a few wooden stairs, with 3 swing bridges. Not difficult at all, I did it in 3.5hrs with a sprained ankle, making plenty of stops to take photos or just take it all in. I definitely recommend arriving early, I started just before 8am on a weekday, the carpark was nearly empty and there were a few other groups starting at the same time. I passed maybe 5 or 6 people/groups coming back who had started earlier. On my return walk back to the carpark, oh my god it was just a constant stream of people. Arriving back at the carpark at 11.30am it was complete chaos. Unless you enjoy walking in a convoy with hundreds of other people, start early 😂 Layer up and pack a waterproof jacket, take water, I would recommend proper waterproof hiking shoes just due to the amount of water/puddles in November 2024 but lots of people were doing it in runners and street shoes. I think they may have ended up with soaking wet and cold feet though. Always make sure you check the weather and road conditions before you go, sometimes the road and/or the track is closed. The weather forecast had said very low visibility so I was not expecting to see Mt Cook, and I could only see the base across the lake. But conditions and visibility were better than predicted, which is nice. Even without that picture perfect finish at Hooker lake, the hike itself is really enjoyable and there's lots of beautiful scenery...

The Hooker Valley Track remains one of New Zealand’s most iconic short walks, even with current access restricted just beyond the first bridge due to extensive repair work at the second hanging bridge.

Despite the shortened route, the walk still offers breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine peaks, including Aoraki/Mount Cook. This section of the track allows you to venture down to the river and the glacial lake that feeds it, where the icy, blue waters provide an up-close experience with nature. It’s a spectacular setting, perfect for photography and moments of reflection.

However, the popularity of the track among both local and international visitors means it can feel crowded at times. Unfortunately, some areas off the main track show signs of human impact, with litter being discarded out of sight. This, along with the state of the limited toilet facilities, many of which are closed during winter and those that remain open are in poor condition, detracts from the otherwise pristine environment.

It’s disheartening to see such a national treasure affected by a lack of care. That said, the natural beauty still shines through and is absolutely worth the visit. If you go, please stay on the designated paths, carry out your rubbish, and resist the urge to use the surrounding wilderness as a toilet. Respect the land, and leave it better than you found it so others can enjoy the same sense of...