Looking for a great hike for the whole family under the watchful gaze of New Zealand’s Mt. Cook? Try Hooker Valley Track!
Mt. Cook Facts
Mt Cook (Aoraki) is the South Island’s highest peak. At more than 3,000 meters high (10,000 feet) it reigns over the mountain-pocked South island. You can see Mt. Cook from miles and miles around, but don’t let the peak intimidate you from visiting.
Hiking Mt. Cook’s massive and foreboding peak isn’t for the faint of heart, but just because you don’t hike to the peak doesn’t mean that you can’t see the best of Mt. Cook!
In fact, Mt. Cook is home to one of the most family-friendly tracks on the entire south island. Hooker Valley track is one of the most visited trails in New Zealand and rests under the watchful gaze of the snow-laden Mt. Cook.
Family-Friendly Hike at Mt. Cook
If you are looking for a fun and mildly challenging out-and-back trail for your entire family (my 4 year old completed it with no problem), the Hooker Valley Track is a great day outing.
The entire trail can be completed in about 3 hours –less if you aren’t toting children’s snacks. However, you could easily spend your entire day on this trail.
After you make a modest ascent through brush, amble along a never-ending boardwalk, and brave your way across not one, not two, but THREE suspension bridges, you will find yourself overlooking a glacial lake!
The Mueller Glacier makes its home along the Hooker Valley Track, and your children can witness firsthand how the glacier has changed in recent years.
As it slowly melts away, your children can see where it started mere years ago and how little is left today.
However, they can also take a swim in this glacier lake if they dare!
Glacier Lake at Hooker Valley Track
Save your picnic for the lakefront, and plan to spend time skipping rocks, napping, swimming, wading, or snacking!
After everyone has had their rest, snack, and cooling off, make your way back along the track to the Hooker Valley Track carpark!
Hiking Under New Zealand’s Tallest Southern Island Peak
While the trail itself was not difficult and it is located mostly in mountain-desert, the views of Mt. Cook just get better and better as you go along.
We visited in late spring, and we even witnessed an avalanche careening down the side of the peak and waterfalls created by the spring thaw.
Our children will never forget the unique blue of the glacier lake, or the rumble of sheets of ice and snow rolling down the mountainside.
Hooker Valley Track is a great South Island New Zealand adventure with kids and a special way to experience Mt. Cook.
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