The Hooker Valley

Although the Hermitage Complex at Mount Cook (where you arrive and park to undertake the Hooker Valley Trail) is usually full of tourist coaches and plenty of tourists, you only have to walk a hundred yards or so along the Hooker Valley trail that leads directly from the hotel , before you leave most of the crowds behind to enjoy the magnificent scenery ahead of you.

Take water and a day pack with sunscreen and snacks with you, and follow the well graded path that winds through the bush to the campsite. Cross open tussock that leads to the memorial to climbers and guides killed on Mount Cook – you’ve then three sturdy swing bridges to cross as you make your way to the glacial lake for a close up view of the mighty mountain.

The full walk takes four hours ( you can reduce time and mileage by starting from the campsite car park rather than the village) but don’t feel you have to walk all the way to the lake –the views on a clear day are stunning in themselves – you can just turn back and retrace your steps when you’re ready and take refreshments in the Hermitage café. For more detailed information about this walk refer to our Day Walks section or give our office a ring and chat to one of our team who’ve completed the walk and will be happy to share their stories with you.

• The amazing views of  Mount Wakefield , Footstool and the south face of Mount Cook , known to the Maoris as Aoraki
• Taking lunch by the side of the glacial lake
• Looking out for many different wildflowersalong the way including celmisia and the Mount Cook buttercup / kopukupuku