New Zealand is known for its stunning natural beauty. Just beyond, majestic Mt. Cook with my group of fellow explorers in February However, I want to dedicate an entire post to my favorite Mt. There are many reasons for this well-deserved acclaim. First, the scenery is gorgeous the entire way. There are glaciers, glacial lakes, lush valley meadows, and flowing rivers crossed by suspension bridges. How great to experience beautiful alpine scenery without needing to be Mr. Mountaineer or UberHiker!
Photos are definitely the best way of telling this story. Four members of my group did that hike, while the rest of us were enjoying the more leisurely Hooker Valley Track. The hike begins at the White Horse Hill Campground and car park. Cook Village where you will be staying. Snow-covered Mt. Sefton is visible on the right. A better view of Mt. Sefton elevation β 10, ft.
As you will see, we were blessed with clear, sunny weather for our hike. This very good map shows the Hooker Valley Track in yellow β passing around the first lake Mueller Lake and continuing on to Hooker Lake. The Alpine Memorial is near the start of the track. It honors mountaineers who have died in the Mount Cook National Park over the years. This view from the Mueller Lookout is of the beautiful proglacial lake formed by the Mueller Glacier. The lake water flows out to join the Hooker River lower right.
I took this photo from the Mueller Lookout. The river is the one you can see in the Mueller Lake photo above. The swing bridge is fairly long and in Kiwi-style, solidly built! Luckily, it does feel solid and is not too high above the water. The three wooden suspension bridges were upgraded in You soon pop out into the beautiful Hooker Valley with the flowing Hooker River in the foreground.
Cook on the hike β which is visible the whole second half of the hike! The final section of the hike skirts the tall rocky moraine of the Hooker Glacier. Our destination β Hooker Lake β is just at the top of this hill! Voila β we have arrived at the Hooker Lake lookout point! Or perhaps pull out your lunch or a snack and take advantage of the picnic tables. This serene scene is watched over by Mt. In fact, this lookout point is the closest any walking track comes to Mt.
