Update to Hooker Valley Track – April 2026

New Hooker Valley Bridge Set to Open Mid-Winter 2026

A major new suspension bridge in the Hooker Valley at Aoraki/Mount Cook is on track to open in late July or early August 2026.

The 189-metre bridge will span the Hooker River on the upper section of the popular Hooker Valley Track. It replaces the previous swing bridge, which was closed in April 2025 after riverbank erosion compromised its supports.

Construction began in August 2025.

Despite the challenges, key structural elements are now in place. Large backstay anchors have been completed, and the main steel cables – manufactured in Italy – are scheduled to be installed over the coming months. The bridge is now visibly taking shape and is expected to become a standout feature of the track.

Track Access Update

The lower section of the Hooker Valley track from the first suspension bridge to a viewing platform with a lookout over Mueller Lake is still open. The upper part of the track will remain closed until the completion of the project.

Hooker Valley Track is open to Kakīroa/Mount Sefton View Lookout, closed beyond that point

Hooker Valley Track is open to Kakīroa/Mount Sefton View Lookout. The track is closed beyond this point as DOC is replacing the second bridge on the track. See map showing track closure

The full Hooker Valley Track will open again once the new bridge is built, likely in Autumn 2026. First published on 16 May 2025. Last reviewed on 13 August 2025.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has reopened the lower section of the popular Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. This follows the closure of the upper track due to riverbank erosion near the second swing bridge. A new 189-metre suspension bridge is under construction and is expected to open by next autumn.

Visitors can now access the track up to the first suspension bridge, approximately a one-hour return walk from the carpark. The upper section remains closed during construction, which involves helicopter operations. Sally Jones, DOC’s Aoraki Mount Cook Operations Manager, emphasized safety as the top priority.

The Hooker Valley Track is one of New Zealand’s most visited trails, attracting over a million visitors annually

Alternative walks such as the Kea Point Track, Sealy Tarns, Mueller Hut, and the Tasman Blue Lakes remain open, offering stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

For more information, visit the DOC website: www.doc.govt.nz