Routeburn Track, New Zealand
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I took a 2 month trip to the South Island of New Zealand in Feb. and Mar. of 2007. One of the many Tramps on the itinerary was The Routeburn Track located in Mt. Aspiring National Park.
It was a two night/3 day trip covering 32km. My hut stays were booked months in advance but last minute slots were available and camping is possible near the huts as well. I stayed at the Routeburn Falls hut the first night and the McKenzie hut the second night. This trek is quite easy and could be done in two or even one day by a fit tramper.
As you will see below the scenery is spectacular and it would be a shame to rush through it all. The social aspect of staying in the huts is also a unique and enjoyable experience. I would end up staying at the homes of a few trampers later on in my travels!
The trip would start off in torrential rain. The track was often a stream of cold water. The dripping wet beech forest was a sublime backdrop!
A porthole through the canopy allowed a view of the tempest.
Once the hut was reached everyone tried in vain to dry their damp belongings and warm the body with a hot drink.
The storm began to break around sundown and the view from the deck could be appreciated!
We were greeted by sun as we began the climb to Harris Saddle through the beautiful alpine tundra.
Just before the Saddle is spectacular Lake Harris.
The storm shelters at the Saddle make for a crowded lunch stop.
You can leave some of the crowd behind by climbing up to Conical Hill to catch a better view.
Soon we were descending into the clouds on our way down to the Mckenzie Hut.
A tropical looking cascade appeared just before we dropped below the tree line!
Almost any trek in New Zealand will include spectacular tread as seen below. Some people can't wait to get above treeline but I enjoyed the forest as well.
I can't think of a more spectacular place to build a hut!
The last day of hiking would bring us to the Milford Road and on to the Milford Track the next day!
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