Hooker Hut
Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
Hooker Hut is an eight-bunk serviced hut. It is the oldest hut in Aoraki/Mount Cook.Facilities
- Cooking
- Heating
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Seasonal restrictions
Access can be affected by the weather, especially when there is snow on the ground – check with the local DOC office before setting off.
Hooker Valley Track closes during strong winds or heavy rain – there will be signage and a gate in place if the track is closed.
The historical Hooker Hut is the oldest hut in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. It was moved to a new location and fully restored in 2020-2021, with care taken to preserve its distinctive heritage features while providing a comfortable stay.
A fireplace and gas cooker are available in the hut, and there is a detached toilet.
History
The hut has a long and interesting history.
The hut first opened in late 1910, located on the moraine wall beside Hooker Glacier and at the foot of Copland Pass. It was built as a base for mountaineers crossing the pass from east to west or scaling the peaks in the surrounding area. The hut’s original construction was planned by Peter Graham, the chief guide at the Hermitage at the time, and was built with help from guides Jim Murphy and Darby Thomson. The build was challenging given the location and the technology of the time; a new track had to be built by hand so materials could be brought in by pack horses.
By 1948, the hut was in a dilapidated condition as the severe alpine weather and a lack of maintenance had taken its toll. The moraine wall below the hut also showed visible cracking as the Hooker Glacier receded, so the hut was moved uphill and rebuilt – though this time supplies were flown in by plane and parachuted onto the site.
The hut was again moved uphill in 1961 and 1994, due to further cracking in the moraine wall. Soon after the move in 1994, heavy rain washed out access to the site, which meant very few people were accessing the hut by foot. Then in 2004, an avalanche struck the hut, causing some damage.
The hut was dismantled and flown out of the valley in sections in 2015, then stored in Twizel while plans for the restoration were developed. It was flown into its new site in stages and reassembled from 2020, though the Covid-19 lockdown and then winter delayed the work.
The building is timber framed, with corrugated iron clad walls and roof. The floor is tongue and groove. It is the "home" of a famous alpine ghost, as recounted by Peter Graham (in Peter Graham: Mountain Guide) and others.
Fees
Hut
- Adult (18+ years): $40 per night
- Child/Youth (5-17 years): $20 per night
- Infant (0-4 years): free
Campsite
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant: (0–4 years): free
Campers may use hut water supply and toilets.
Backcountry Hut Passes and Backcountry Hut Tickets cannot be used at this hut.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
Start of Hooker Valley Track to Hooker Hut: 2 hr one way
Follow the Hooker Valley Track until arriving at Stocking Stream. You will know you're there when you see the toilets to the left of the track.
Just after starting onto the section of boardwalk, turn left off the formed track and pick your way through the tussock, sticking to the true right of the riverbed.
Keep an eye out for an orange track marker that indicates a sharp turn to the left, then follow the poled route to the hut.
Tracks to this hut
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a dynamic environment and the weather can change quickly. Those heading into the hut need to bring plenty of warm clothing and waterproof layers, and should take extra food.
Hut facilities
There is a gas cooker and fireplace in the hut, and firewood in a locked woodshed. Pick up the key to the woodshed at the Aoraki Mt Cook Visitor Centre.
There is also a detached toilet.
Contacts
| Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 435 1186 |
| mtcookvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 1 Larch Grove Aoraki/Mount Cook 7999 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |