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In a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains, a suspension bridge crosses a river. — Located less than a kilometre from White Horse Hill campground, this lookout point offers spectacular views of Mueller Lake and Mount Sefton, culminating at over 3,000 metres.

Beautiful family hike at the foot of Mount Cook | Hooker Valley Trail

New Zealand Adventure
Published on 2018-12-25
Revised on 2024-03-23

What a breathtaking view! On our left, we admire the icy world of Mount Sefton and Mueller Lake below, while the river rumbles ten metres below us. As we continue along the mountainside, Léo and Lucas jump on the rocks along this trail, ideal for family adventures.

Just beyond the second suspension bridge, the Hooker Valley unfolds before us in all its magnificence. From here on, the gravel path gives way, in places, to wooden footbridges along the river.

“Mom, another suspension bridge!” enthuses Léo. Although the smiles persist, our energies are decreasing and it’s time for a little rest. A final effort to get around a rocky escarpment, and then, at the foot of Mount Cook, we discover Hooker Lake and a few icebergs floating peacefully. What a majestic landscape!

To learn more, visit the official website of the Department of Conservation (DOC).

Family photo, left to right: Bertrand, Vanessa and their children, Lucas and Léo. Behind them, white Mount Sefton and Mueller Lake. — End of the day along the Hooker Valley Trail. Left to right: Bertrand, Vanessa, Lucas and Léo pose for the photo. Behind them, Mount Sefton and Mueller Lake.

A five-year-old boy walks on a suspension bridge across a river deep in the snowy mountains. — First of three suspension bridges along this trail. Five-year-old Leo crosses the Hooker River.

Surrounded by sparse vegetation, a woman and two young boys walk along a gravel path. — As the trail rises only 124 metres over a distance of five kilometres, two-year-old Lucas walks at a good pace.

Purple bell-shaped flowers on tall stems. — This alpine garden offers a variety of plant beauties. Here, purple bells sway on tall stems, and over there, delicate snow-coloured daisies.

Along a river, a wooden path winds through tall grasses. The eye is focused on the silhouette of an imposing snow-capped mountain. — When is the best time to discover this trail? Early in the morning, as the DOC suggests, or late in the day, like our family? Both answers are equally valid. In summer, however, the trail is crowded between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and the heat is suffocating.

On the shores of Hooker Lake, a few hikers observe an imposing snow-covered mountain. — End of the Hooker Valley trail, where we discover Hooker Lake at the foot of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.

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Beautiful family hike at the foot of Mount Cook | Hooker Valley Trail

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