Hike to Hooker Lake

Once in Mount Cook Village follow the signs to the White Horse Hill Campground where you'll find the start of the Hooker Valley Track. Alternatively, you can camp in the campground and begin the hike before sunrise for the best experience. The sign says that the one-way hiking time is 1 hour and 35 minutes, however, Hooker Lake can easily be reached in 1 hour or less. The path is extremely well maintained and easy to travel in the dark. Once at the viewpoint for Hooker Lake (the dead-end of the track) follow a small track that leads down to the water's edge for the best vantage point for photography.

Enjoy the stunning 360 degree mountain views as the first rays of dawn illuminate the face of Aoraki/Mount Cook - New Zealand's tallest peak. If you're lucky you may arrive on a calm morning to experience an incredible reflection. However, even with strong wind the lake is a gorgeous subject to photograph. The floating glacial ice adds a special touch of frigid beauty. This hike is an absolute must-do for any visit to Mount Cook National Park.