I’d done it before, exactly six years ago, but I’m about to do it again. What’s different this time is that I’m doing it with my four-year-old daughter. What’s going on, you ask? Well, let’s hit rewind for a bit. My first visit to New Zealand in 2017 was to celebrate a milestone birthday — my 30th, to be exact — which I got to usher in at the stunning Milford Sound. A lot’s changed since then, and on my second visit, I’m married with a preschooler.
Naturally, holidaying in New Zealand usually means dining on amazing local produce and surrounding yourself with raw, unspoiled nature. And that we did. Wanting to relive walking through what’s been dubbed as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful (and easy) day walks, the husband and I decided to attempt it with our kiddo. After all, we’ve seen parents hiking with young children all the time. How hard could it be? This is how it went.
Prepping for the walk
Yes, so we didn’t do any of that. Traditional ‘prepping’, that is. The day before we embarked on the Hooker Valley trail, we did a short hour-long hike up to see the Tasman Glacier, also in the Aoraki Mount Cook area. The next morning, I mutter a little prayer under my breath and hope that all the neighbourhood walks and all those extracurricular gymnastics and ballet classes pay off in terms of stamina. Also, if anything, we could always turn back if, at any point, it seemed like the little one couldn’t hack it any more.
And off we go.
The essentials
Of course, we bring some essentials for the walk. With a 10-kilometre walk ahead of us, we knew we needed enough water and even more snacks. And with a snack-hungry preschooler, we packed heaps extra!
As for footwear, hiking sandals will easily take you to the glacier and back. But the weather can get nippy depending on when in the year you go, so take that into consideration. While most couples can get away with sharing a backpack for their essentials, even though it’s only autumn during my walking quest, because I have the little one with me, it’s best to carry our own bags to ensure we have extra. During the shoulder season, the weather turns rather easily. While it’s shady and nippy during the beginning of our walk (you’d do well with layers), it becomes warm and sunny as the hours went on, resulting in the removal of layers.
Besides that, I also packed the Jabra Elite 4 into my backpack. Truth be told, I brought it everywhere with me throughout my trip, and it was especially a godsend during the long-haul flights with its noise-cancelling capabilities and adjustable fit of the earbuds that provide all-day comfort. No lie, the small and sleek design of the earbuds and case go from backpack to clutch without a hitch! But how did they perform on the trail?
Even though the Jabra Elite 4 has Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the app makes it especially easy to control the settings. When hiking with a young child, I can’t be completely tuned out for safety reasons, so I was able to turn this setting on and off as needed — a feature I truly appreciate having now! Because with the ANC, I can really zone out and enjoy my music. I also appreciate the water resistance, as hikes and runs leave me sweating like a sinner in church. But I didn’t need to worry about all that — these buds are in-ear and rainproof, after all.
I’ve also got to say that I understand now why Jabra dubbed these as the ‘essential earbuds for work and life’ because form really does meet function with this tiny but mighty pair. I’ve used them while on this long hike, during my short runs, while I work, to take/make calls, to tune out on a flight, to hear better when I edit my Reels and videos, and much more.
In terms of sound quality, I have no complaints. I’m the sort who’ll blare the music in my car and jam out in traffic, but when I’m (not driving) and tuning out to music with the Jabra Elite 4, the crystal clear and crisp sound allows me to hear and take in more layers to the songs I’m listening to. Again, the app helps a lot in this department, as you can control the bass and trebles of your earbuds. And if you’re wondering about the battery life, I’ve only charged these twice since I’ve had them, so it’s insanely reliable!
Making our way
I’m happy to report that the Hooker Valley Trail is really a long and scenic easy walk. There isn’t much climbing involved, hardly any stairs, and the entire route is paved nicely. The whole point of the walk is to enjoy the views, nature, and the surroundings of majestic and looming mountains as you walk in the direction of the country’s highest peak — Aoraki Mount Cook.
Of course, for a four-year-old, Daddy’s ‘sherpa’ services were needed at some points, but overall, I’d say the little one killed it! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it a million times over — kids thrive in nature, and even though this is her second hike ever, she’s been so happy throughout! The only time she shed tears was when she tripped on a small rock from running, though honestly, I think the only thing bruised is her ego. And that only lasts all of a few minutes before she is singing and dancing again.
To reach the glacier, we need to cross three long suspension bridges over roaring rivers brimming with glacial mountain water. These rivers and streams we see along the way are the bluest of blues, a difficult thing to describe unless you’re to see it for yourself. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. They look like literal postcards.
After about two hours, we’re at the glacier, the trail’s finishing point. There are picnic tables for us to rest at and continue to enjoy the views. We stay here for about 20 minutes to eat, take a breather and just soak it all in before we head back towards the car.
If you’re wondering about public amenities along the way, there are restrooms built a little after the halfway point of the walk towards the glacier. They’re generally clean, although sometimes you may need to wait to use the loo as this trail gets busy.
Making our way back
Somehow, walking back is always faster. Perhaps because we’re already so overcome by the beauty and don’t stop as frequently for photos and videos. It takes us roughly 1.5 hours to get back to the car, and more occasional ‘sherpa’ services are required, although again, she does walk most of the way herself.
While dubbed a 10-kilometre hike, my fitness tracker tells me I’ve clocked in over 11 kilometres. Whatever the actual distance, today’s a win — especially for my daughter. Like always, she continues to surprise me in the best ways possible.
After a quick wipe down and change at the car, we’re off on our way to the next stop on our South Island road trip. As expected, the little one knocks out almost immediately, knackered from her day’s adventure. So, lesson learned for this mama. Never underestimate your kids — they’re capable of so much, and the great outdoors is just one place to really see them shine.
