Hooker Valley is a gorgeous place almost fully surrounded by the Mt. Cook Range, which includes the namesake Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain (3,724 meters). The valley offers stunning glacier views, crystal-clear rivers, and well-maintained trails that make it a favorite for both casual hikers and seasoned adventurers.
From Oamaru to Mount Cook Village
Driving from Oamaru to Mount Cook Village took about 2.5 hours of pure driving time (200 km). Moving away from the east coast back towards the western mountains offered several opportunities to stop for breathtaking views, which slightly extended the trip.
Mount Cook Village
Mount Cook Village offers a few accommodation options. I had my first experience at a Haka Lodge, part of a hostel chain found in several locations across New Zealand, which I highly recommend. The hostels are very clean, quiet, and the bunk beds have curtains for added privacy. That said, there isn’t much else in the village. There’s only one non-hotel restaurant, which, despite mediocre Google reviews, I found quite pleasant. Surprisingly, this very secluded village is more than just a tourist hub – it also has private homes and even a school.
What to do at Hooker Valley
Despite its name, you won’t find any hookers here, but a multitude of hiking trails of different lengths and grades, such as:
- The Hooker Valley Trail: This beautiful trail takes you through the valley to Hooker Lake, where you’ll have an amazing view of Mount Cook. The track is flat and easy, but since it is not a loop, you’ll need to walk back the same way you came.
- The Red Tarns: This medium track climbs a hill behind the village, offering a splendid view over the valley, including the village itself.
- Tasman Glacier: Drive about 10 minutes from the village and then take a short hike to see the glacier and its lake.
- Minas Tirith: Of course, there is also a LOTR location in this area – the mountains that served as the backdrop for Gondor’s white city, Minas Tirith. On the road to Tasman Glacier, you’ll notice a marked bicycle path crossing the road. Follow this bicycle path south for about 300 meters until you see a natural wall to your left. Follow that into the open for about 500 meters, and you’ll arrive at the exact spot where several scenes in front of Minas Tirith were filmed.
Enjoy the stunning Hooker Valley and the mountains that surround it:
The Road to Mt Cook 
Lake on the way to Mt Cook 
Let’s stop in the middle of the street to take a picture 
Mt Cook School 
Mount Cook 
Hooker Valley 
Hooker Valley 
Steve in New Zealand is having a blast 
Hooker Valley 
Hooker Valley 
Lake Hooker 
Hipster-Steve 
Hooker Valley 
Hooker Valley 
Hooker Valley 
View from Red Tarns 
Tasman Glacier 
Mount Cook Range 
Minas Tirith filming location