Distance: 10km return
Duration: 2 – 3 hour return.
Elevation Change: 100m
Hiking the Hooker Valley Track in Winter
Hiking the Hooker Valley track was absolutely magical, especially in the winter months. There had been a particularly massive dump of snow for a few days before we arrive that actually blocked our access to Mt Cook. Once we were finally there though it was like something out of a movie, especially for me having grown up in a climate that has never seen snow.
The hike that takes you along The Hooker Valley River is relatively flat and our only real difficulty in winter was a few deep patches of snow. As you wind your way through the valley you are dwarfed on all sides by giant snow-covered mountains where avalanches can be regularly seen and heard.
You’re obviously looking for hikes so check out this list of some of the best hikes in New Zealand.
During the hike you pass over three beautiful suspension bridges, and are constantly awed as you get closer and closer to Hooker Glacial Lake, there you stand flawed by the sheer size and rawness of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
The best time for Hiking the Hooker Valley Walk.
So even in the middle of winter after a massive snow storm in the freezing cold there was still quite a few people hiking the Hooker Valley Track. We did however wait later in the day because we were hoping to be there for the sunset so as a result most of the people we saw were heading back and we shared the view with only about a dozen or so others.
If we did it again we would try and go for sunrise as I can imagine the light is also incredibly magical.
How to get there.
Hiking the Hooker Valley track starts 2.5 kilometers out of the Mt Cook village. When we arrived there though the road was closed. The snowstorm had made it impassable so everyone had to make the trek from the Mt Cook Village.
Getting to the Mt Cook village is fairly simple. Highway 8 runs straight past the turnoff to Mt Cook. The closest town to the Mt Cook village is Twizel. Twizel is actually a pretty cute little town but there is not that much going on there besides people coming and going.
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I have pinned the start of the track here.
Where to stay in Mt Cook National Park.
So the Mt Cook Village is fairly small and the amount of visitors it gets each year is pretty ridiculous so as a result accommodation is not that cheap. If you’re on a really tight budget you might be better off staying in Twizel and doing a day trip there, otherwise here are a few places worth checking out.
Budget: YHA Mt Cook
Midrange: The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook
Luxury: Aoraki Court Motel
Packing List for Hiking the Hooker Valley Track.
So this is just kind of good overall for any hike in New Zealand in Winter as they can all be pretty similar.
- You are going to want thermals top and bottom and warm socks!(These socks are merino and have a lifetime warranty.. win-win) This seems like common sense but I am from Byron Bay, Australia and when I first started getting into colder climates none of this was common sense to me haha. I had no idea what thermals were.
- Hiking boots or good hiking shoes slipping along with cold feet and toes are the banes of enjoyment when it comes to winter hiking good boots will help reduce this.
- A good jacket, personally I wore two. I had a small down jacket on like the one in the link with a Goretex shell over the top because the wind can get brutal!
- Water and snacks are an obvious must. I would say 1 to 2 liters of water in winter will be enough. I took 1 liter and was perfectly happy with that. Summer may be a very different issue though and I would plan for 2 liters.
- Gloves and beanie are also very necessary items!!!
- Some of this list might seem a little over the top but being warm and hiking smart is key to staying safe in Winter especially in a place like New Zealand where the weather can be so erratic.
So if you’re looking for a bunch of other cool hikes to check out while you’re in New Zealand then hit some of the links below for a rundown on a few other winter hikes in New Zealand.
You might want to start with Lindis Pass, Ben Lomond and Roy’s Peak as they are all very close to Mt Cook.
At no extra cost to you, the links attached are affiliate links and by booking or buying through them you help Sara and I out a little 🙂
