Hooker Hut

About this hut

The historical Hooker Hut is the oldest hut in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. It was moved to a new location and fully restored in 2020-2021, with care taken to preserve its distinctive heritage features while providing a comfortable stay.

A fireplace and gas cooker are available in the hut, and there is a detached toilet.

History

The hut has a long and interesting history.

The hut first opened in late 1910, located on the moraine wall beside Hooker Glacier and at the foot of Copland Pass. It was built as a base for mountaineers crossing the pass from east to west or scaling the peaks in the surrounding area. The hut’s original construction was planned by Peter Graham, the chief guide at the Hermitage at the time, and was built with help from guides Jim Murphy and Darby Thomson. The build was challenging given the location and the technology of the time; a new track had to be built by hand so materials could be brought in by pack horses.

By 1948, the hut was in a dilapidated condition as the severe alpine weather and a lack of maintenance had taken its toll. The moraine wall below the hut also showed visible cracking as the Hooker Glacier receded, so the hut was moved uphill and rebuilt – though this time supplies were flown in by plane and parachuted onto the site.

The hut was again moved uphill in 1961 and 1994, due to further cracking in the moraine wall. Soon after the move in 1994, heavy rain washed out access to the site, which meant very few people were accessing the hut by foot. Then in 2004, an avalanche struck the hut, causing some damage.

The hut was dismantled and flown out of the valley in sections in 2015, then stored in Twizel while plans for the restoration were developed. It was flown into its new site in stages and reassembled from 2020, though the Covid-19 lockdown and then winter delayed the work.

The building is timber framed, with corrugated iron clad walls and roof. The floor is tongue and groove. It is the "home" of a famous alpine ghost, as recounted by Peter Graham (in Peter Graham: Mountain Guide) and others.

Facilities

Cooking, Heating, Mattresses, Toilets - non-flush, Water from tap - not treated, boil before use, Water supply

Fees and bookings

Fees

1 May - 30 September

• Adult (18+ years): $50 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $25 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

1 October - 30 April

Weekdays:

• Adult (18+ years): $54 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $27 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Weekends:

• Adult (18+ years): $56 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $28 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

1 December - 29 February

Weekdays:

• Adult (18+ years): $58 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $29 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Weekends:

• Adult (18+ years): $60 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $30 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Campsite

• Adult (18+ years): $20 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $10 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Campers may use hut water supply and toilets. 

Backcountry Hut Passes and Backcountry Hut Tickets cannot be used at this hut. 

Bookings

Bookings for Hooker Hut will open 9.30 am Monday 3 August 2026 for stays from 1 September 2026.

Trails

Hooker Hut can be accessed on the trail Hooker Hut from our trail directory.