So you’ve packed your hiking gear and headed out to New Zealand – but where to start? New Zealand has so many great hiking trails that choosing where to start can be a bit daunting. But if you’re looking for a hike with maximum beauty but not too challenging for your first foray into the New Zealand wilderness, then look no further than the Hooker Valley Track.
Why you need to go
This 10km return track is pretty easy, but scores maximum points for scenery. You’ll cross through alpine meadows and over three swing bridges suspended above rushing rivers, and then be rewarded with a fantastic view of Aoraki/Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest peak) at the end. If you go in winter (and yes, this is a trail that can be done safely in winter too) you may get to see the landscape under fresh snowfall and possibly even hear an avalanche in the far distance (the Hooker Valley Track is generally safe but you can check avalanche risk on the DOC website).
How to get there
You can access the Hooker Valley Tack from Mount Cook Village. I’d recommend travelling up to the village the day before, staying overnight and setting off on the hike first thing in the morning when it’s nice and quiet. Alternatively, do the hike in the late afternoon and catch the sunset at the glacier lake (just remember a torch for hiking back in the dark). The drive from Twizel to Mount Cook Village itself is beautiful as you’ll travel up the length of Lake Pukaki, one of the most brilliantly blue lakes I’ve ever seen!
Where: New Zealand’s South Island. Set off from Mount Cook Village, which is accessible from Twizel.
Difficulty: Moderately easy – anyone with a decent level of fitness will be able to do this trek.
Length: 10km
Duration: 4 hours return (allow extra time if hiking in winter or after dark).
For further information about the Hooker Valley Track you can check the Department of Conservation (DOC) website here.
If you’re thinking about visiting New Zealand then why not get a copy of the New Zealand Lonely Planet here. (Please note that I receive a small kick-back if you purchase a book through this affiliate link (the price of the book remains the same). This allows me to continue providing travel advice for free!
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