An Accessible Glacier Paradise in the Heart of South Island

Day hikes in Mt Cook are not common, but the few that are around are spectacular!

This was my second trip to Aoraki – The first being back in winter after a pretty huge snowfall.

It was a different kind of spectacular though in Spring. The mountains appeared more prominent as there was more visible glacial edges and defined valleys in the high peaks. The sun was also more directly above, presenting some awesome top-down light into the valleys.

Freedom camping at Lake Pukaki the night before, we set off for the roughly 75 minute drive to White Horse Campground. This is where we would base ourselves for the night after walking the Hooker Valley Track.

The campground is fairly good, especially at the treeline, with good views of what I think is the Huddleston Glacier near Mt Sefton, one of the larger peaks in the area.

Day Hikes in Mt Cook

Hooker Valley Track

Roughly 3 hours return – easy grade

We immediately set off on the Hooker Valley track at around 1pm. I’ve technically seen the Hooker Valley from when I did Mueller Hut (on the ridge behind the campsite). However, the views from up high didn’t really show off the amazing views from walking the actual track itself.

Mueller Hut is more about the vast panoramic views of Mount Cook and surrounds. But walking in the valley is better for up close views of the rivers, lakes and many of the glaciers (although you don’t get too close to them still).

The suspension bridges are all fun, yet some of the most sturdiest I’ve come across. The views crossing them all are spectacular. The first bridge is the one with the best photo opportunity if you’ve got someone to take a shot from the rocks below.

Along the way, you’ll be presented with amazing views around every corner. I can confidently say, the sights were on par with some of the dramatic landscapes I saw in Patagonia the year before.

Upon arriving to Hooker Lake, the first thing you will notice is the terminal face of the Hooker Glacier. Along with that, you will have the best views of Mount Cook itself.

It was awesome for me to finally see High Peak in closer view. I had closer views of Low and Mid Peaks when I did the Ball Hut ridge climb where the view of the eastern face was present.

It is around here too on the right side before Mount Cook, that you can also attempt the Ball Pass Route, which I am very keen to do in summer when it is less technical (less snow).

When you arrive at Hooker Lake, you may find washed up icebergs from the glacier if you’re lucky!

Overall, it is an excellent day hike, no matter how touristy. I can see why it’s classed as a must do hike in New Zealand.

Tasman Glacier

15 mins drive from Mt Cook Village ~ Walk is roughly 1 hour return – easy grade

This was a short day hike I missed back in winter when doing the Ball Hut track from the same car park. Little did I know at the time, it presents a great opportunity of glacial iceberg photos. This is because the icebergs are much more numerous and larger, although with a slightly less dramatic backdrop perhaps (more distant).

There is three trails from the car park leading to the lake. One takes you to Blue Pools (basic lakes) and the higher viewpoint toward Tasman Glacier itself.

In my opinion, this part isn’t the best view. The best view was from the river track (not the boat area) as this was where all the icebergs are and you can still see the same view to Tasman Glacier.

Wakefield Falls

On the walk back, you’ll notice a waterfall in the distance (Wakefield Falls). I actually made a separate side-trip to see this up and close. There is a spot you can pull over and it’s roughly a 40 minute walk up, and a 30 minute walk down. It’s a pretty awesome waterfall – definitely check it out!

Sealy Tarns (Halfway to Mueller Hut) and Kea Point

Roughly 3 hours return – steep grade, but stepped

I met up with a friend who hadn’t done anything at Mount Cook before. The weather turned for the worst however, and was overcast and/or drizzly rain the entire afternoon/morning. We were anticipating to day-hike up to Mueller Hut and back.

We ended up settling for Sealy Tarns (a flat section with small lakes) as the clouds blocked the vision above and my friend didn’t have any real snow experience. The snow wasn’t too bad, and certainly doable, but the lake of vision made for other complications.

Sealy Tarns themselves aren’t overly amazing, but it’s a good vantage point to get some decent views of Hooker Valley and Mount Cook.

We also visited Kea Point, however, this is unnecessary if you choose to hike up to Sealy Tarns as it is an inferior view of Mueller Lake. It’s a great little short walk for the less fit or those on time budgets though.

~ Read more about Lake Pukaki Freedom Camping and other sites heading towards the East Coast from Mount Cook here ~

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