Featured Photos is a series highlighting interesting or cool things I encounter on my travels and the stories behind them.
As you may have read, I rented a BMW and drove the 5+ hours from the largest city on the South Island down to Queenstown. I did the trip over 3 days and found that this pace provided plenty of time to see some really cool locations.
Top of these was Mt. Cook National Park and the Hooker Valley Track. Mt. Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand at 12,218 feet and located in the center of the southern island. Because of its location, it is a bit off the major tourist track and is popular with locals and those with more time to spare.
The park is located at the end of one of the most beautiful roads in New Zealand. It passes along the edge of Lake Pukaki, an aquamarine lake fed by glacial runoff. At the terminus is a small village that plays home to park rangers, through-hikers, and day-trippers. My suggestion for accommodation would be the YHA Mt. Cook. At $28 dollars a day, it is the cheapest lodging in the village while also being a great place to meet other travelers.
Once arriving in town, spend the night and wake up early to do the signature Hooker Valley hike. It follows the Hooker River up to the base of Mt. Cook and the Hooker Glacier. The trail takes about 4 hours round-trip and is an easy walk for all fitness levels. Upon arriving at the lake, have a look around and grab ahold of your very own miniature iceberg floating in the lake!
More Information
Where Mt. Cook National Park, New Zealand
Cost Free!
Stay YHA Mt. Cook
Notes Check out the Department of Conservation’s site on the national park for more hikes.
