Hooker Valley Track
Swing bridges.
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A national park at the heart of the Southern Alps, established in 1953 and named after New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki or Mount Cook, about 3,700 metres high, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and huge glaciers, and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park's best-known trail is the Hooker Valley Track, a fairly easy walk of about three hours return that crosses three swing bridges over a glacial river and ends at a glacier lake with floating icebergs beneath the soaring face of Mount Cook. The small village at the park entrance has a visitor centre telling the story of the mountains and climbers, and from there scenic flights go over the peaks with snow landings, along with boat trips among the icebergs on the Tasman Glacier lake. Entry to the park and its trails is free, with organised trips charged. Mountain weather changes fast, so bring warm and waterproof clothing even in summer.
Swing bridges.
Floating icebergs.
Over the peaks.
Southern Alps, about four hours from Christchurch and an hour from Lake Tekapo
About three hours return; it is fairly easy and ends at a glacier lake.