State Wide Pool Services
Known as Hydrilla since September 2020 - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/hydrilla-pty-ltd
read moreMagnificent views of alpine glacial lakes and the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Southern Alps/KÄ Tiritiri o te Moana await visitors to the freshly repaired Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) partially closed the popular Short Walk in March after extreme flooding washed away 120 metres of track and structurally damaged a swing bridge. The same storm event destroyed Waiho bridge on the West Coast and indefinitely closed Fox Glacier/Te Moeka o Tuawe glacier valley access road.
Contractors have spent recent months repairing and strengthening Hooker Valley Track’s damaged second swing bridge and have created 257 metres of new walkway. The track reopened this week and already hundreds of people have been enjoying the walk, with news spreading of its reopening by word of mouth.
Advising that the remote location made the repair challenging, DOC Senior Recreation and Historic Ranger, David Dittmer stated “we can’t drive vehicles through the national park, so the contractors had to walk an hour in and out every day and all materials had to be flown in by helicopter."
With the alpine environment also meaning repairs couldn’t begin until winter conditions had eased in early August, Dittmer added “even then the contractors had their work cut out for them, completing $150,000 of repairs in between bouts of snow, rain, hail and freezing fog."
The Hooker Valley Track features dramatic views of Mueller Glacier, Hooker Lake and Aoraki/Mount Cook. The track provides access to and connects Sefton Bivouac, Copland Shelter and Empress Hut.
From mid-October many different wildflowers can be seen along the walk, including the world’s biggest buttercup, the Mount Cook buttercup/kÅpukupuku.
Dittmer, who has lived in the national park for 10 years, says spring is one of the best times to visit, commenting “the mountains are still snow-capped, but the weather is warmer which makes an early morning hike even more enjoyable."
However, the Senior Ranger warns the weather can change at any moment and visitors need to be prepared.
He concluded "it’s important to remember this is an alpine environment and its common to experience strong wind, high rainfall, heavy snowfall and rapid changes in temperature at any time of the year.
"Dress warmly, bring plenty of drinking water and wear sturdy footwear".
A million people visited Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park last season, with a hundred thousand of them walking the Hooker Valley Track.
Images: Bridge on the Hooker Valley Track (top) and the track in summer (below).
18th July 2019 - Kauri dieback fears sees closure of Bay of Islands walking trails
15th July 2019 - Hump Ridge Track set to be New Zealand’s next Great Walk
14th July 2019 - New Zealand’s ‘admission fee’ to benefit conservation and tourism
5th July 2019 - World Urban Parks awards Auckland’s Shakespear Regional Park
4th June 2019 - Mt Cook National Park visitor numbers exceed one million
2nd June 2019 - Increased Great Walks pricing sees fewer tourists but more income
16th May 2019 - New Zealand Government delivers strategy for sustainable tourism growth
23rd April 2019 - New Qualmark Awards to recognise exceptional New Zealand visitor experiences
17th December 2018 - Department of Conservation launches new visitor behaviour campaign
12th May 2017 - Department of Conservation to raise charges for overseas visitors walking New Zealand’s trails
2nd September 2013 - Department of Conservation job cuts ‘a nightmare for New Zealanders’
12th November 2010 - Minister of Conservation opens new Milford Sound attraction
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Known as Hydrilla since September 2020 - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/hydrilla-pty-ltd
read moreSwitch to smarter fitness management software with Clubworx based in Australia that enables fitness businesses to start or grow their business with ease. - all in one place from anywhere in the…
read moreBioGuard is Australia and New Zealand’s most trusted supplier of premium, innovative and affordable commercial water treatment systems and chemicals. BioGuard offers a comprehensive range of…
read moreHydrocare Pool Services Pty Ltd offer 30 years of experience in aquatic industry features, products and water treatment. Hydrocare Pools has undertaken water treatment for aquatic centres and…
read moreGoplay designs and manufactures specialised playground equipment for indoor play centres, hotels, food chains, clubs and resorts. If our years of experience and dedication have taught us one thing,…
read moreAt easyemployer we've come up with a software solution that manages one of your most important, and often most costly, business resources - your staff. We are helping 100s of clients to…
read moreAs of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as Vivaticket Pty Ltd. Vivaticket is the ideal strategic partner for the organisation and management of your…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!