Hooker Valley, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The track starts at the White Horse Camping ground. Car parks are available.

The track begins through low bush on a stony track. Side tracks lead to Freda and Memorial. In about 15 minutes, we reached the Muller Lake lookout. The milky lake is fed by the melt-waters of Muller Glacier. The Hooker River drains into Muller Lake and carries on under the 1st swing bridge away from Hooker Valley.  Above the lake is the formidable looking Sefton Mountain (3151m) and further left, the Sealy Range. A small avalanche happened with a loud rumbling of ice. Then, the impact, with  thunderous collapse of an ice wall. Beyond the moraine wall (created when Muller Glacier retreated) on the right, lies Hooker Valley.

The track continued through low bush strewn with large rocks and boulders. Looking back, in the distance, a strip of gleaming turquoise water- Lake Pukaki. Then crossed a 2nd swing bridge with the massive ice covered Mt. Sefton in the background. Mt Cook (3724 m) came into view. The track is now a long boardwalk. Tussock grasses covered the valley. The Hooker River wound its way down the valley and eventually drained in Lake Pukaki. We crossed the 3rd swing bridge. A side track brought me to a small tarn with a view and reflection of Mt Cook and the neighbouring mountains.

A short hike between huge boulders and a short climb over crumbling moraine brought us the track’s end – the stunning and captivating – Hooker Lake viewpoint. Visibility was fantastic. Icebergs floated in the lake below. Mt Cook, the tallest in New Zealand, is almost touching distance.

At the end of the lake, Hooker Glacier reflected brightly. On the left, Mt Footstool rose steeply. All these mountains, glaciers and lakes are part of the extensive Southern Alps. We stopped for lunch.

A small track led towards the lake’s edge. Rocks and small boulders strewn all over. The sun was intense. Watching the icebergs bob around is mesmerising. Numerous glaciers on the mountains peaks reflected strongly in the afternoon sun. A waterfall cascaded down from glaciers above a steep slope. The views are captivating. The picture was complete – blue sky, snowy mountain peaks including the formidable Mt Cook, bright sunshine, placid icy water and crystal clear ice floating about. All to the sounds of gushing waterfall – head water of the Hooker River. Simply stunning.

Total time taken for the 10 km return hike – 3.5 hrs. This is relatively an easy half day walk on mostly level terrain. No permits or booking required. Just be prepared for the weather. Bring some lunch. Best time to hike is sunrise or sunset. Midday sun is intense. Sadly, all glaciers in the region are melting away due to low snowfall and higher melting rates. These mountains will not look the same  (less ice) in the next 20 years. Refer to  DoC – Hooker Valley Track.