点评:Situated within the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, this is one of the most popular day hikes in New Zealand. The track is a roughly 10km out-and-back trail from the White Hill Campground to the glacier fed Hooker Lake. It is very well maintained and generally easy with only around 100 metres elevation which is spread through the trail so no big climbs and feels mostly flat. Still best to have good walking shoes and a hat as the trail is fully exposed throughout. Have sufficient sunscreen, water and clothing for the expected weather conditions for the same reason.
Along the Hooker Valley Track you will cross three suspension bridges over the beautiful river waters passing through Hooker Valley. Along the way you will pass the smaller Mueller Lake and see snow-capped mountains of the Sealy Range as well as the mighty Mt. Cook. The vegetation throughout is very beautiful. On clear sky days, you won't help but make regular stops to take pictures throughout. Eventually, you reach Hooker Lake, which at times of the year has floating icebergs from the receding Hooker Glacier in the distance. Spend as much time at the glacier lake as you like before reversing and making way back along the same route.
Note: Some start this hike from the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Village which is 2km back up the road. This adds significant time and and extra 4km of walking. We have preferred to go ahead and drive up to the White Hill Campground. Parking here is a bit pricey for 3-4 hours but think of it as a respectful donation to the National Park so they can continue to take care of this amazing trail for future visits.
翻译:这条步道位于奥拉基/库克山国家公园内,是新西兰最受欢迎的一日徒步路线之一。路线全长约10公里,为往返路线,起点是怀特希尔露营地,终点是位于冰川融水滋养下的胡克湖。这条步道维护得非常好,整体难度较低——全程海拔爬升仅约100米,且分布均匀,因此几乎没有陡坡,整体感觉相当平缓。不过由于整条路线都暴露在户外环境中,最好穿上合脚的徒步鞋并带上帽子。此外,也请务必准备好充足的防晒用品。出于同样的原因,还需根据预期的天气状况准备水和衣物。
沿着胡克山谷步道前行,你会穿越三座悬索桥,这些桥横跨着流经胡克山谷的清澈河水。途中还会经过较小的穆勒湖,也能看到锡利山脉上白雪覆盖的山峰以及雄伟的库克山。沿途的植被极为美丽。在天气晴朗的日子里,你肯定会忍不住频繁停下来拍照。最终,到达胡克湖后,在一年中的某些时节,你可以看到远处正在消退的胡克冰川所形成的漂浮冰山。你可以在湖边尽情停留,之后再原路返回。
注:有些人会从2公里外的奥拉基/库克山国家公园村出发开始徒步,这样会大幅增加行程时间,且需多走4公里。我们则选择直接驱车前往怀特山营地。在这里停车3到4个小时费用有点高,但不妨把它当作是对国家公园的一份心意捐助,这样他们才能继续维护这条绝美的步道,以供后人游览。