Escaping the Heat: Retreating to the Brothel Haven, "Hooker Hut"
For families embarking on their first overnight tramping adventure on the Hooker Valley Track, here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Located within the picturesque Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, the Hooker Valley Track is a suitable choice for families with children, offering stunning alpine scenery, glacial lakes, and views of Mount Cook. The track, which takes approximately 3 hours to complete as a return journey, is well-maintained with mostly gravel paths and boardwalks, making it accessible for families of varied ages and fitness levels.
To prepare for the trip, it is crucial to plan your time and itinerary carefully. Overnight trampers should consider setting up at a suitable campsite, as the track is about 10.6 km long. Packing appropriate clothing and gear for changing alpine weather is also essential, as weather can be unpredictable even on an easy/moderate track. Layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy footwear are important items to include in your packing list.
Families should also bring enough food and water, as there are limited facilities on the track beyond basic rest areas and toilets. It's a good idea to pack high-energy snacks, meals, and plenty of water to stay hydrated during the journey.
Before setting off, it's important to understand the track difficulty and conditions. The total ascent is about 290 meters, so be prepared for moderate effort. Families should also be aware that parts of the Hooker Valley Track have experienced partial closures as of mid-2025, so it's essential to check current conditions before visiting.
Practicing Leave No Trace principles is also essential. This includes staying on paths, packing out all rubbish, minimizing environmental impact, and respecting wildlife.
The Hooker Hut, located at the end of the Hooker Valley Track, is the oldest hut in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. The recently restored and relocated hut has eight beds, a cosy fire, and a gas stove for everyone to use. Smaller pots from home can be used for cooking, and individuals are required to bring their own pots/pans and a lighter for the gas.
Outside the hut, there is a detached toilet and a woodshed full of dry wood. The beautiful landscape is ideal for taking family photographs, and the Hooker Lake can be explored after leaving the hut. It's worth noting that sharing the Hooker Hut with strangers can be alleviated by booking the hut with another family.
Stargazing in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is exceptional, with clear nights offering stunning views of the stars. Mt Cook Village is approximately 750m above sea level, making it an ideal base for stargazing.
Resources for planning walks, such as the Plan My Walk app and the Day Walking section of the website, are available to help organize trips, check weather conditions, create a trip plan, and inform someone about the trip.
The Hooker Valley Track follows the Hooker Valley and crosses two swing bridges, offering views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mueller Lake. In winter, icebergs can be found in the Hooker Lake and it partially freezes over, adding an extra layer of beauty to the already breathtaking landscape.
With these tips in mind, families can safely enjoy the stunning alpine scenery, glacial lakes, and views of Mount Cook on their first overnight tramp on the Hooker Valley Track.
After planning your itinerary and packing appropriate clothing, gear, food, and water, families can set off on an adventure-travel journey along the Hooker Valley Track, a suitable choice for families with children that offers outdoor-living experiences such as stunning alpine scenery, glacial lakes, and views of Mount Cook. To enhance their lifestyle during this travels, families can take advantage of home-and-garden essentials available at Hooker Hut, like a cosy fire, gas stove, and woodshed filled with dry wood, making the experience enjoyable and memorable.
