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)

Jim Brisbine·
New Zealand
·21 views

Trip Date: December 19, 2015

2015 NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE VACATION

Hooker Lake Day Hike

Hooker River
Hooker Lake

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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.

Trip Vicinity Map
Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park Location Map

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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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Eileen Crossing First Bridge Over Hooker River
Crossing Boardwalk On Hooker Valley Trail

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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.

Mount Cook From Hooker Valley Trail
Mt. Cook (Aoraki) stands above the end of Hooker Lake

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First Bridge Over Hooker River
Eileen Crossing First Bridge Over Hooker River
Mount Cook From Hooker Valley Trail
Mt. Cook (Aoraki) stands above the end of Hooker Lake
Crossing Boardwalk On Hooker Valley Trail