<\/span><\/h2>\nWhile the majority of us aren\u2019t ready to take on Mt. Everest, Aoraki\/Mt. Cook, or Mt. Fuji, it doesn\u2019t mean that we can\u2019t experience a bit of Aoraki\/Mt. Cook.<\/p>\n
One of the most popular walks in Aoraki\/Mount Cook National Park cuts up the Hooker Valley towards Aoraki\/Mount Cook.<\/p>\n
If starting at the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitor Centre, located in the Hermitage Hotel, the Hooker Valley Track is a four-hour return.<\/p>\n
However, there is also an option to begin at the White Horse Hill camping area, which will shave 45 minutes off of the walk.<\/p>\n
A well-formed gravel track, complete with stretches of boardwalks, the five-mile (8 km) Hooker Valley Track is suitable for even the most novice hikers.<\/p>\n
The incline along the walk isn\u2019t much to speak of at 450 feet (150 m), but easy doesn\u2019t equate to boring.<\/p>\n
There are also some short, rocky sections and two well-constructed swing bridges that cross over the Hooker River.<\/p>\n
While walking the Hooker Valley Track you are surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most spectacular and revered sights.<\/p>\n
Mountains, glaciers, rivers, vegetation, and wildlife all make this World Heritage Area worth exploring.<\/p>\n
The track first passes near the Alpine Memorial.<\/p>\n
This pyramid-shaped rock memorial includes plaques with the names of various climbers who have died in the national park.<\/p>\n
Just beyond the memorial is the first of the two swing bridges.<\/p>\n
At this point it\u2019s an hour and a half return.<\/p>\n
Walking another thirty minutes brings you to the second swing bridge.<\/p>\n
Shortly thereafter lies the Stocking Stream Shelter, which offers toilets, a place to rest, and protection from the elements.<\/p>\n
The track concludes at the shores of the Hooker Glacial Lake.<\/p>\n
Here you\u2019re rewarded with great views of the Hooker Glacier, Aoraki\/Mount Cook, and depending on the time of the year, possibly icebergs.<\/p>\n
Because of the low skill level needed combined with beautiful landscape along the way, the Hooker Valley Track is one of New Zealand’s most popular day hikes.<\/p>\n
It is certainly not to be missed on any visit to Aoraki\/Mount Cook National Park.<\/p>\n