Mount Cook & Tasman Glacier – New Zealand Day 3

by Allan See Toh on February 20, 2025 with No Comments

Day 3 of our New Zealand South Island campervan trip! Join us while we explore Mount Cook National Park, hiking part of the Hooker Valley Track before visiting the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint for stunning alpine views.

Date visited: Nov-2024

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Things to do (Day 3): Mount Cook & Tasman Glacier

We started the day driving from our campsite at Glentanner Park Centre to the Hooker Valley Track, one of the most scenic walks in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Due to weather and time constraints, we only hiked up to Mueller Lake Lookout and crossed the First Swing Bridge, enjoying breathtaking views of glaciers and alpine landscapes before turning back.

Next, we drove to the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint, where a short walk led us to stunning views of New Zealand’s longest glacier and its meltwater lake. Despite the unpredictable weather, it was an unforgettable day exploring the beauty of Mount Cook!

1: Hooker Valley Track (Map)

The Hooker Valley Track is a breathtaking hike in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, featuring scenic boardwalks, swinging bridges, and glacier-fed rivers. The trail culminates at Hooker Lake, where you’re rewarded with stunning, unobstructed views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, often reflected in the icy waters. The entire hike takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete

2: Mueller Lake Lookout and First Swing Bridge (Hooker Valley Track) (Map)

The Mueller Lake Lookout and First Swing Bridge are located next to each other in the initial section of the Hooker Valley Track, making them a great first stop on the hike. It takes approximately 10–15 minutes to reach them from the car park, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mueller Lake, Mount Sefton, and the Hooker River before crossing the scenic swing bridge.

Mueller Lake (Hooker Valley Track) Mount Cook National Park

First Swing Bridge as viewed from Mueller Lake Lookout and (Hooker Valley Track)

The First Swing Bridge (Hooker Valley Track) Mount Cook National Park

First Swing Bridge (Hooker Valley Track) Mount Cook National Park

Mueller Lake Lookout and First Swing Bridge are located approximately 15minutes into the Hooker Valley Track.

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3: Tasman Glacier Viewpoint (Map)

Tasman Glacier is New Zealand’s longest glacier, stretching about 23km down the Southern Alps. The viewpoint provides a unique opportunity to witness this massive glacier up close, along with stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks.

The climb to the viewpoint involves a series of stairs, which can be steep in parts, but the effort is rewarded with dramatic panoramic views of the glacier, icebergs in Tasman Lake, and the majestic mountains surrounding the area. The entire return hike typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.