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Aoraki/Mount Cook: Hooker Valley Track

Dated: November 4, 2019

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Snowy mountain viewed from riverbed
View of Mount Cook after crossing a swing bridge over the river

When I visited Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, I felt like I’d wandered into a fairytale.

I know how that sounds, but honestly, it’s probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited!

At 3,724 metres high, Mount Cook is a challenge for the most experienced mountain climbers, but for the vast majority of us it is merely a beautiful landmark best seen from other walking tracks in the area.

One of these is the beautiful and easy-going Hooker Valley Track.

This track is a 10km return on relatively flat terrain and takes about 3 hours to complete if you factor in photo opportunities.

Mount Cook is visible for almost the whole outward journey and I couldn’t stop taking photos of it!

Swing bridges and avalanches

Snowy mountain above lake
Mount Sefton – listen out for an avalanche!

The track starts at White Horse Hill campground, run by DOC at $15 per person, if you fancy camping at the foot of the mountains.

There are three swing bridges along the route, each one with gorgeous views.

The first comes quite soon after the start of the track, over the Hooker River.

Up to your left you can see Mount Sefton with Mueller Lake below it.

Listen out for distant rumbles from this mountain as there are often avalanches: we heard one on our way back and turned in time to see the end of it!

The track has been laid out so that you are not in any avalanche areas, so you can watch them from a safe distance.

In addition to crossing swing bridges, you will also pass through an area of small hills and moraines made from debris left by the Hooker glacier.

The track then continues on a boardwalk across an open valley of tussock land and finally climbs up the final moraine to reveal Hooker Lake before you.

The Destination: Hooker Lake & Glacier

Icebergs in lake below mountain
Icebergs in Hooker Lake below the mountain

What a sight!

The entirety of Mount Cook towers ahead and you can just see the end of Hooker Glacier directly below it at the end of the lake.

The lake itself is often frozen or has icebergs floating above the surface, which makes for an incredible view.

From the viewpoint at the end of the track, you can make your way down to the lakeside for some glorious photo opportunities.

Despite the icy wind that was blowing when I visited, I still consider this one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen.

Can you believe that you can get to an area as stunning as this from just one hour of easy, flat walking?

This has to be one of the best value walks in New Zealand!

Once you’ve taken enough photos, simply retrace your steps back to the campground car park.

Boardwalk over tussock land heading for mountain
Boardwalk through tussock land

It’s easy to see why so many people flock to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and why it is so special to the Maori people.

Please ensure that you respect your surroundings and keep this magical place beautiful! ๐Ÿ™‚

Have you ever been to this area of New Zealand before? Is it on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!

Want more like this? Check out these articles:

  • Great Barrier Island’s most beautiful day hike
  • Day hike essentials: what to pack
  • Moving to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa

All images in this post are the property of lastminutewanders.com

Snowy mountain and lake with icebergs with text overlay - Aoraki/Mount Cook: Hooker Valley Track
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Posted Under: Hiking, New Zealand, New Zealand

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Hello and welcome!

My name is Sarah and I am the owner of Last Minute Wanders.
I started travelling long-term in November 2012 and I haven't looked back!
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When I was planning my first long-term travel adve When I was planning my first long-term travel adventure, my family (understandably) wanted to know all about where I would be going and what I would be doing. And I had only the vaguest of ideas!
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lastminutewanders

โœˆ๏ธ Travel & Mindset Mentor
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๐Ÿ Planning, Destinations & Hikes
๐Ÿ“ England ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
๐ŸŒ 28 countries visited

Sarah Meyer | LMW
Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in Ne Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in New Zealand!
Follow me for more ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
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#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful co Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful country were not enough!
New Zealand is more amazing than you could ever dream of...
Do you want to go??
Follow me for more ๐ŸŒ
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
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#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first fe Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first few days of your trip? 
Here are my top tips to help you enjoy your adventure from day one!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Check the entry requirements well in advance of yo Check the entry requirements well in advance of your departure so you know exactly what to expect, how much it will cost and how long it will take.
Follow me for more long term travel planning tips! ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD!! Follow me for practic IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD!! Follow me for practical tips and advice for long-term travel planning ๐Ÿ˜ŽโœŒ๐Ÿป
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
When I was planning my first long-term travel adve When I was planning my first long-term travel adventure, my family (understandably) wanted to know all about where I would be going and what I would be doing. And I had only the vaguest of ideas!
Are you a planner or do you prefer to be spontaneous? ๐Ÿค“
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Hostels are such a great accommodation option for Hostels are such a great accommodation option for long-term travellers on a budget!
Follow me for practical tips and advice for long-term travel ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Here's your pre-departure checklist for everything Here's your pre-departure checklist for everything you need to remember in the lead up to your adventure!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
It's time to start booking, buying and applying fo It's time to start booking, buying and applying for those important things that will make your travel plans more concrete!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
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