Mt Cook stands above the head of emerald green Hooker Lake in New Zealand
Mt. Cook (Aoraki) stands above the end of Hooker Lake

Hooker Lake via Hooker River Trail (Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand)

Trip Date: December 19, 2015

2015 NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE VACATION

Hooker Lake Day Hike

Hooker River
Hooker Lake

Trip Report Summary

Region: New Zealand

Sub-Region: South Island

Sub-Sub-Region: Canterbury / Waitaha

Area: Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park

Starting & Ending Point: Hooker Valley Trailhead at White Horse Hill Campground on Hooker Valley Road (Elev. 2500 feet / 760 meters)

Way Points: Hooker River Suspension Bridge No. 1 & Hooker River Suspension Bridge No. 2 & Hooker River Suspension Bridge No. 3 & Hooker Lake (trail hike via Hooker Valley Track)

Approximate Stats: 6.2 miles / 10.0 kilometers traveled; 600 feet / 180 meters gained & lost; 1.1 hours up; 1.0 hours down.

Full Trip Report

Having a few hours available during our stay at White Horse Hill Campground, Eileen and I took a hike up Hooker River to Hooker Lake. A well-manicured trail wanders up the broad, grassy valley and crosses the river three times on interesting suspension bridges.

First Suspension Bridge Over Hooker River

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The reward for this very easy and pleasant hike is a striking view of Aoraki / Mt. Cook towering over the head of the lake, which displays a jade green color due to a heavy load of “glacial flour” (super-fine silt particles) in the water.

Click to enlarge…