3 hr return – 10km return via same track
The track at dawn gives you a view of the first rays of the sun creeping over the Southern Alps, including over New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook. The track leads through the sacred Topuni area of the Hooker Valley, which has special significance and values to Ngai Tahu iwi, towards Aoraki/Mount Cook. White Horse Carpark to first lookout The first 700 metres of the track passes close to the Alpine Memorial (a great viewpoint) and Freda’s Rock before coming to the viewing point of the Mueller Glacier and the first swing bridge. The track surface to the first lookout is a firm clay/gravel surface with easy grades. It is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. Beyond the first lookout there are several sections of steps which make wheelchair/buggy access difficult. First swing bridge From the first of three swing bridges along the way, enjoy the views over the Mueller Lake and listen for the rumbling of avalanches from the distant Mount Sefton. You may be able to spot them before they crash into the Mueller Glacier below. After crossing the Hooker River, the track goes between old moraine ridges and humps. Second swing bridge From here the vegetation changes to more open tussock and a wider valley floor. The second swing bridge may be closed during winds in excess of 80 k/hr and in significant flood events. It was severely damaged during a storm in 2019. There is erosion on both sides of the bridge which affects its structural integrity during high winds. Engineers have determined the bridge is completely safe when not affected by strong winds and flood events. Third swing bridge A third swing bridge then leads to the East Hooker and the source of the Hooker River. The track ends with an amazing view over the iceberg-speckled Hooker Lake and up to majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps/Ka Tiritiri o te Moana. Return the same way, enjoying more views down the valley and across to the Sealy Range.