A rescheduled extended family trip to Hooker Hut came around last week. The first attempt, that I’d have missed, was thwarted by storm closures of the access track, and Adele did well to make bookings the hut that is very popular with families – due to the easy, short walk in and the spectacular setting. The forecast looked like it would be dry, but getting cold overnight – so we were all go this time.

It’s a long while since I’ve been to Mt Cook Village – the day walk into Hooker Lake certainly is well trodden, as the overflowing carpark showed. We saw scores, if not hundreds, of day-walkers as our varied-pace group headed up the the valley. Plenty of things to keep the boys (two nephews and one of their cousins – he heading for his first hut stay) interested and walking along – bridges a highlight, as was just about anything really.

Mt Cook watching over us.

Mt Sefton.

Rabi along for the walk. Too cute.

Three kilometres in and reaching the subtly marked turn-off from the highway track to the well-hidden hut.

A more engaging track beside a creek was well worth it to escape the crowds for the last kilometre. I could see on the topo map we were close to the hut, but it was a rather looping path that took us up and around to it.

Finally into view. I say finally, but it wasn’t even two hours of walking at little-leg pace.

Hooker Hut is now in its fifth location since 1910, after originally being far more alpine and next to Hooker Glacier. Various snow, avalanche, weather conditions – both long and short term – caused its many moves and now it’s in this very accessible spot with a brilliant aspect. Bunks claimed, snacks opened, there was time for much exploring of the rocks and tussocks surrounding the hut – the boys loved it and had an absolute ball. As did the adults, but with a lot less running around.

Sitting at the table looking out the front door.

A glimpse of Hooker Lake.

With an excellent rendang that James had prepared the night before and other refreshments, hut life was very good. It never got as cold as expected; even with the fireplace out of action the hut was very warm overnight. Bit windier in the morning, but the clouds that were pummelling the West Coast never made it over the range to us. We walked out in sun, but my the wind was strong on the swing bridges – thankfully behind us and not in our faces as for the morning crowds walking up to the lake. Easy to appreciate why the track gets closed.

Departure.

Much fun!