White Horse Hill Campground
Hooker Valley - Aoraki/Mount / Mt Cook
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White Horse Hill Campground
Camp beneath magnificent alpine scenery including Mt Sefton. Enjoy a variety of walks from the valley floor to mountain tops.
Facilities are basic but the views are top notch.
The White Horse Hill campsite is also the start point of many popular walks.
The Aoraki/Mount Cook Village has a visitor centre, guided activities, shops and restaurants.
Getting there:
2.5 km from Aoraki/Mt Cook Village at the end of Hooker Valley Rd off SH 80.
DOC Campsite Pricing
White Horse Hill Campground is categorised as a DOC Standard Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for some campsites and may include seasonal pricing. Visit the DOC website for exact pricing.
DOC Standard Campsite
Standard campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services than Serviced campsites. These campsites have toilets, a water supply that could be treated or untreated tap water, or from a stream or lake, and vehicle or boat access. Bring your own soap for washing hands. Untreated water should be boiled before use to ensure it's safe. Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided; this will vary from site to site.
| Feature | Value | Value |
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| Unpowered Site | Adult | $10.00 to $15.00 per night |
| Unpowered Site | Child | $5.00 to $7.50 per night |
| Unpowered Site | Infant | $0.00 per night |
Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC CanterburyCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Mount Cook |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Basic Camping
Reviews
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5.0/5
Excellent DOC Campsite, $15 pp /night, drop dunnies with non-potable tap water.
Plenty of space for either great views or privacy tucked away amongst the tree line.
Right at the start of the Hooker Valley track, which I recommend!
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4.0/5
This is a beautiful campground.
The mountain views are incredible. Public toilets next to the cooking shelter were quite dirty, but the other toilets on the campground were better.
Phone signal is great. Hikes from here are very nice. I imagine during summer it fills up. Now, beginning of spring it was half full I'd say. Some sandflies at sundown, not too bad. Drinking water available is a big plus. Rubbish recycling station is nice.
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4.5/5
This was my favourite campsite of the trip.
Cop a clear night and you are in for an absolutely unreal view of the Milky Way! 360 degree views so there’s a good angle for sunrise, sunset, everything in between. I had no wind overnight but it was blowing a gale in the morning- something to keep in mind when selecting your spot as most are pretty exposed. Perfect position for walking the Hooker Valley first thing in the morning before the tour buses arrive.
-1 point only because of the toilet situation; the usual amenities (including any running water) are not available in winter due to freezing pipes, however this leaves only the very over-subscribed long drops which were not in a good state from the high volume of use during the day. DOC staff absolutely doing their best but two toilets are not enough for literally thousands of people every day, the majority of whom don’t seem to understand the concept of leaving the toilets in a state that is considerate of everyone else.
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5.0/5
Went in winter, all the toilets had frozen pipes so make sure your vehicle has a toilet and is stocked ready with enough water.
Winter time was nice however, the campsite was all but empty just beware of the winds
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5.0/5
We loved this place It was busy (early Feb), but what a fantastic spot.
We came early (recommended) and stayed 2 nights, so had three days to explore the Hooker Valley Track, the Sealy Tarns track and Tasman Glacier View track. The visitor center in Mt. Cook Village is definitely worth a visit. This is also a dark sky reserve and we were lucky to be here on clear nights which meant mind blowing stargazing. Well worth the DOC fee - remember to prepay online or pay in cash when you arrive.
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5.0/5
7 April 24.
$30 2 adults.
Booked online but you can pay on site with cash.
The trouble is it was very busy. It might have been had we arrived later that we would not have got a spot although we had booked in advance!
Flush toilets but not a lot of them. No night lighting. Large communal area with drinking water available.
We went to walk the Hooker Valey walk. Separate review.
Cold overnight and in the morning but it warmed up during the time we were there. Glad we went.
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4.0/5
Very well maintained DOC campsite with flushing toilets, treated drinking water, and kitchen area.
Excellent access hiking access to see the beautiful Mt Cook. A perfect spot for glacial enthusiasts alike. Lots of cute rabbits and wildlife, as well as informative signs about the area and it’s geological history.
The only faults were that I’m presuming a lot of people don’t book in advanced and it isn’t monitored by park rangers, so get to the car park early to secure a spot. It’s worth the $15. Also, being in the dark sky reserve, I was disappointed by large hotel at the base of the hill causing light pollution. I recommend walking up the Hooker Track to Freda’s Rock for excellent star gazing.
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4.5/5
We’re so glad to have made the drive up here.
The view is fantastic, the walks are spectacular. Very busy campsite, was full by dusk. Glad to have made the trek from the lake sites.
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3.5/5
Stayed here over Easter weekend and it was crazy busy.
Hundreds of people packed in like sardines. Beautiful scenery though can hardly blame them. Turn up early for a good spot.
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4.5/5
Unbeatable location, flush toilets, drinking water sinks.
But note that although the DOC website says booking is required, there is zero enforcement of this. Signs on site just ask people who arrive without bookings to find a spot and pay cash (and try to book ahead next time!). It was super packed the 2nd night we were there as it was the start of Easter weekend. So if you're planning to be there at a peak time, definitely get there at a decent hour to secure a spot.
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4.0/5
Gorgeous place, nice walks, but most the camp is like a busy car-park, lines of motor homes and not much room between them.
We mange to get a spot by a tree, and were "rewarded" with a possum getting into the van. Clean loos and treated water so you can drink it.
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1.5/5
Booked online but absolutely rammed and if I hadn’t arrived early I’d have been out of luck.
No attendant/host despite heavy traffic, and utterly disgusting toilets. Compared with the other high profile/traffic DOC at Totaranui this is a fairly awful place, and disgraceful for such a jewel in the crown as Mt Cook imo. Three gents toilets plus two unisex (and three womens also I assume) for the entire camp and all hikers. Curtailing my stay and heading back to civilisation early.
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5.0/5
We loved this place It was busy (early Feb), but what a fantastic spot.
We came early (recommended) and stayed 2 nights, so had three days to explore the Hooker Valley Track, the Sealy Tarns track and Tasman Glacier View track. The visitor center in Mt. Cook Village is definitely worth a visit. This is also a dark sky reserve and we were lucky to be here on clear nights which meant mind blowing stargazing. Well worth the DOC fee - remember to prepay online or pay in cash when you arrive.
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5.0/5
Excellent DOC Campsite, $15 pp /night, drop dunnies with non-potable tap water.
Plenty of space for either great views or privacy tucked away amongst the tree line.
Right at the start of the Hooker Valley track, which I recommend!
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4.0/5
This is a beautiful campground.
The mountain views are incredible. Public toilets next to the cooking shelter were quite dirty, but the other toilets on the campground were better.
Phone signal is great. Hikes from here are very nice. I imagine during summer it fills up. Now, beginning of spring it was half full I'd say. Some sandflies at sundown, not too bad. Drinking water available is a big plus. Rubbish recycling station is nice.
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4.5/5
This was my favourite campsite of the trip.
Cop a clear night and you are in for an absolutely unreal view of the Milky Way! 360 degree views so there’s a good angle for sunrise, sunset, everything in between. I had no wind overnight but it was blowing a gale in the morning- something to keep in mind when selecting your spot as most are pretty exposed. Perfect position for walking the Hooker Valley first thing in the morning before the tour buses arrive.
-1 point only because of the toilet situation; the usual amenities (including any running water) are not available in winter due to freezing pipes, however this leaves only the very over-subscribed long drops which were not in a good state from the high volume of use during the day. DOC staff absolutely doing their best but two toilets are not enough for literally thousands of people every day, the majority of whom don’t seem to understand the concept of leaving the toilets in a state that is considerate of everyone else.
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5.0/5
Went in winter, all the toilets had frozen pipes so make sure your vehicle has a toilet and is stocked ready with enough water.
Winter time was nice however, the campsite was all but empty just beware of the winds
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3.5/5
Stayed here over Easter weekend and it was crazy busy.
Hundreds of people packed in like sardines. Beautiful scenery though can hardly blame them. Turn up early for a good spot.
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4.5/5
Unbeatable location, flush toilets, drinking water sinks.
But note that although the DOC website says booking is required, there is zero enforcement of this. Signs on site just ask people who arrive without bookings to find a spot and pay cash (and try to book ahead next time!). It was super packed the 2nd night we were there as it was the start of Easter weekend. So if you're planning to be there at a peak time, definitely get there at a decent hour to secure a spot.
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5.0/5
7 April 24.
$30 2 adults.
Booked online but you can pay on site with cash.
The trouble is it was very busy. It might have been had we arrived later that we would not have got a spot although we had booked in advance!
Flush toilets but not a lot of them. No night lighting. Large communal area with drinking water available.
We went to walk the Hooker Valey walk. Separate review.
Cold overnight and in the morning but it warmed up during the time we were there. Glad we went.
-
4.0/5
Very well maintained DOC campsite with flushing toilets, treated drinking water, and kitchen area.
Excellent access hiking access to see the beautiful Mt Cook. A perfect spot for glacial enthusiasts alike. Lots of cute rabbits and wildlife, as well as informative signs about the area and it’s geological history.
The only faults were that I’m presuming a lot of people don’t book in advanced and it isn’t monitored by park rangers, so get to the car park early to secure a spot. It’s worth the $15. Also, being in the dark sky reserve, I was disappointed by large hotel at the base of the hill causing light pollution. I recommend walking up the Hooker Track to Freda’s Rock for excellent star gazing.
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4.5/5
We’re so glad to have made the drive up here.
The view is fantastic, the walks are spectacular. Very busy campsite, was full by dusk. Glad to have made the trek from the lake sites.
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4.0/5
Gorgeous place, nice walks, but most the camp is like a busy car-park, lines of motor homes and not much room between them.
We mange to get a spot by a tree, and were "rewarded" with a possum getting into the van. Clean loos and treated water so you can drink it.
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4.5/5
Amazing location and clean toilet blocks.
We would advice not too come on the weekend. We made a reservation online and arrived on Saturday around 4 pm and it’s was very difficult to find a spot. Many vehicles take up much more room than needed, what causes less space or no space for others. If we wanted to leave early in Sunday, that would have been impossible as we were totally blocked in by cars.
This place could use some better management and supervision. That way it would be easier to stay here, as asking for others to move over a bit to create space isn’t always a question that is received positively.
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1.5/5
Booked online but absolutely rammed and if I hadn’t arrived early I’d have been out of luck.
No attendant/host despite heavy traffic, and utterly disgusting toilets. Compared with the other high profile/traffic DOC at Totaranui this is a fairly awful place, and disgraceful for such a jewel in the crown as Mt Cook imo. Three gents toilets plus two unisex (and three womens also I assume) for the entire camp and all hikers. Curtailing my stay and heading back to civilisation early.
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4.5/5
Super busy super crowded campsite but has bathrooms, clean water, a cook shelter, and as a tent camper offers a number of fairly private separate campsites which is a huge plus for a tent camper.
Overall very happy with my many stays here. I think DOC should build a second similar one elsewhere in the park as this one is nearing capacity. Also registration is a bit un clear in it's wording and doesn't spell out what to do if you have a campsite pass. I talked to a ranger who said just register on the paper form and right you pass number in the payment spot.
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3.5/5
Really busy DOC site in a great location.
Not sure everybody books online so arrive early to get a space.
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4.5/5
A lot of places and it’s well maintained and clean.
We liked staying here for our hikes in the area.
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5.0/5
Best facilities of the DOC sites we stayed at - flushing toilets, large kitchen area.
Perfect for doing the Hooker Valley Track at dawn for us. Was quite busy as so many walks start from here, but would recommend.
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4.0/5
Good DOC site for visiting Aoraki.
Toilets fine, stunning scenery. Well placed for starting the Hooker glacia lookout walk before the tour buses arrive. We left at 07:00 and had the route almost to outsell few s until halfway back from the lookout when the crowds appeared. Parking slightly up the hill away from the entrance to the car park proved a lot quieter the following morning.
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5.0/5
DOC camp in a top class location.
Fifteen dollars per person. We ended up camping in our van in the day park. We realised the next day the camping area was a bit further over. It didn't seem to matter. Maybe just read the signs more closely than we did. Hooker track is epic. And so is the Tasman Glacier. Do both. Incredible NZ locations on two sunny winter days.
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4.5/5
May 2023, Arrived quite late, nice toilet block , I was up early and had a lovely walk to toilet block with loads of massive rabbits everywhere!
Managed a glimpse of the mountains before the weather came down and covered it all, we did the Hooker Valley Walk , it took 3 hrs total, lots of people on track even in the pouring rain! Surprised to find some toilets halfway round in the middle of nowhere, amazing! Great views of river from bridges.
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4.5/5
We were travelling in a self contained vehicle and did not need access to any services so this campground was perfect for us.
The view is outstanding and the hiking trails are footsteps away.
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4.5/5
Amazing spot, especially the views in the morning !
Right at the starting point of the hiking tracks, so very practical if you want to be on them first thing in the morning or if you end late and don’t want to drive.
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4.5/5
Gravelly car park which was good for our campervan, also looked like it had a grassy spot for tents.
Flushing toilets which were pretty clean and drinkable water. Also had sinks for washing up which was nice.
We did the Hooker valley track and Sealy tarns from here, would recommend.
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5.0/5
Lovely place, but very busy when I came in late April so I can't imagine what it's like in Summer.
There's a lot here for just a 'standard' DOC site - loads of parking spaces, plenty of grass for tents, and plenty of picnic tables. The toilets were quite clean as well.
But let's be honest, the real reason you're coming here is for the views. And boy oh boy is it worth it! Driving up Lake Pukaki with Aoraki growing bigger and bigger was incredible. I'd also highly recommend an early morning hike up to Hooker lake. I left before dawn, got to the glacier just before sunrise and then had the whole place to myself (almost). It was an amazing experience!
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4.0/5
Decently sized DOC site, we booked ahead online although no one checked our passes for the 3 nights we were there.
Very well connected to several beautiful day hikes meant we easily stayed there for 3 nights.
Clean drinking water is available from the taps. There is a shower block around a 5 minute drive/45 minute walk back to Mt Cook village which was $2 for 4 minutes. We were able to charge our devices at the nearby Hermitage Hotel which also sells some very basic food items.
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4.5/5
This is a great spot!
Loads of walking options from the campsite itself so we spent a few days here. For some reason they’ve put the site in the one place you can’t see Mt. Cook - but the surrounding landscape is still incredible. Indoor cooking space was big and clean, toilets were good and clean.
Public shower a walk/short drive away, needs coins.
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4.0/5
The walks, the views have to make this a must-do experience.
We went late April on a clear day and the camp was pretty full and the facilities were creaking a bit from the numbers.. DOC clean them every day and empty the rubbish, tested drinking water so that justified the $15 per head.
If you plan on doing the Hooker. Walk.. which is well worth it, we suggest going early as it gets really busy, the occasional folk with sound systems etc...
If you like your wilderness in solitude, maybe go for a different walk.
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4.5/5
I reserved in advanced though you don't have to.
There's a registration booth onsite but no management folks. It's a large site with varying options, most are not very private, but I car camped as a solo female and felt super safe. You can get partial privacy with a spot against the shrubs. Hiking trailheads are right there, and facilities are pretty good (didn't see showers though) and somewhat social, moreso than other camp kitchens I experienced. And you're right at the base of Mt Cook with a stunning view. Would camp here again for sure.
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3.0/5
As noted, only campsite near hookers trail.
Pre-booked, but site fills up quickly and sites not marked for reserving. So even with a booking, ensure not to arrive too late. Great location for the trails. Toilets in decent condition for long drop. Drinking water from taps available and sinks to wash dishes etc.
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