Chapter 6: Hiking through Hooker Valley Track @ Majestic Mount Cook (Part 1)

1st December 2015

Initially we were supposed to stay in Twizel for 2 nights since we agreed that it was impossible to explore Mount Cook in one day. However, I overlooked and only booked our motel for one night! Yikes. Due to that, we decided to set off from Twizel to Mount Cook and then from Mount Cook straight to Wanaka.

The night before, I was still looking through the various hiking tracks available. There were several options and the brochures conveniently categorized the tracks according to the level of difficulty. Knowing my pathetic level of fitness and string of injuries, our choices weer greatly reduced. Even so, I thought that regardless of which track we choose, I was sure our hike would be pretty scenic.

Checking out of our motel. I really love how adorable it is.

The wifi is pretty weak though. I do think it was because the motel was literally in the middle of nowhere and surrounded by mountains. Even though it was a short one night stay, I had the best experience the night before.

We found out from the internet that there were predictions that we would be able to see Southern Lights near Lake Tekapo. We had nothing to do at night of course and we could have hopped into our car and drove back to Lake Tekapo. It was really dark and I did not really want the us driving in the darkness, especially when we are inexperienced in driving in such conditions.

Therefore, we decided to enjoy the beautiful night sky from our motel instead. It was really cold but just for the fun of it, we had our dinner outdoors. I had the biggest surprise when I stepped out of our motel because what greeted me were twinkling bright stars! I wish I could capture the night skies with my camera but my camera was the average powershot so it was impossible to capture the moment. After like a hundred tries, I gave up and decided to sit and admire the beautiful sky. I was kinda hoping that we would be able to see the Southern Lights from where we were but, of course that did not happen.

Still, to be able to see the vast skies full of twinkling stars, it is a scene that cannot be seen from my little country so I was feeling blessed. I went to bed happy because it was truly my first time seeing so many bright stars twinkling right before my eyes.

Our first pitstop on the way to Mount Cook was Lake Pukaki!

It was too beautiful. I do not know how to describe it further. ❤

The road to Mount Cook was said to be the most breathtakingly scenic road. I totally agree!

When we finally arrived at Mount Cook village, we headed for breakfast to fuel up. There wasn’t really any restaurants or cafes for us to stop by on our way there. There were only roads, mountains and the blue sky.

Getting ready to hike and hoping that I do not need to go to the restroom during the hike. I would not want to pee in the bushes no matter what! It was really my biggest worry!

Just to be safe, I went to the toilet first. Thank you girls for waiting. ❤

So exciting! I have been wanting to do this for the longest time! We finally chose Hooker Valley Track as it seemed like an easy track with mostly flat ground.

Let’s go!