Hooker Valley Track in early spring

The Hooker Valley Track is one of New Zealand’s premier walks.  It is among  our highest mountains and follows the Hooker River to the Hooker Glacier Terminal  Lake, a trip of about three hours (return).  We walked the track on a calm and sunny day in early September.

Mueller Glacier Lake, Mt Sefton and The Footstool, early on the track

 

First of three swing bridges, over the  Hooker  River

 

Hooker River

 

Mt Sefton

 

Heading up valley

 

Second swing bridge

 

The Footstool from second bridge

 

Aoraki Mt Cook

 

Stocking Shelter

 

View of Aoraki Mt Cook from Stocking Shelter

 

Short section of boardwalk

 

 

Hooker Glacier Terminal Lake

 

Low peak of Aoraki Mt Cook with the West Ridge leading up left, South (Hillary) Ridge from the right, Middle Peak in behind and High Peak hidden from sight.

 

Avalanche path down to the lake, and avalanche debris then blown down the lake by wind.

 

 

Avalanche debris

 

Iceberg and avalanche debris

 

Third bridge on our return

 

Birdlife on the track, male chaffinch on matagouri bush

 

Map source: https://nzfrenzysouth.wordpress.com/e5/