Routeburn Track, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

By The Walking Man Down Under On

After finishing the Milford Track, I overnighted at Te Anau, before been picked up by the Ultimate Hikes coach to take us to the start of the Routeburn Track. The Routeburn Track is only a 3 day and 2 night trek, covering just over 32 kms.4

The start of the walk was up hill and after about an hour we came to Key Summit. This gave you some great views over the lake and towards the mountains.

View from Key Summit

The trail was quite easy and the rainfall over the last few days, gave the landscape some great waterfalls and swollen rivers. When going through some tree lined areas, the track was surrounded by trees covered by moss and grandfathers beard which gave it an enchanted look. Absolutely beautiful.

Track with moss and grandfathers beard, looking enchanted
On way to Mackenzie Lodge, Earland Falls
Approaching Mackenzie Lodge
Looking across Lake Mackenzie
Walking towards Ocean Peak Corner

Day two, was probably the best day of both treks. The weather was beautiful, the air crisp and the scenery simply amazing. The snow covered peaks were stunning and whilst not the height of the Himalayas, awe inspiring all the same. The views from Ocean Peak Corner was beautiful and a few of us ventured up to the Conical Hill look out as well. My attached pictures hopefully give you some feeling of the beauty of this area.

View across valley to snow capped peaks
View of track and valley beyond
Beautiful track with ferns and moss ground cover
Great view across valley
Sorry to spoil the view from Ocean Peak Corner, but it was magnificent !!
Another view from Ocean Peak Corner
Ocean Peak Corner, what a special place to sit and take in the views
On the way down to Routeburn Falls Lodge
View from Conical Hill
Fabulous views on the way down to Routeburn Falls Lodge
Track and views on way to Routeburn Lodge

Day three and the rain was back with a vengeance. The track was fine and scenery lovely, but a lot of time was taken taken with just watching where you were stepping to ensure you didn’t fall. Trees were down over some parts of the track, so we had to divert around them. Eventually got to the trail end, where our transport awaited us. At the end of the trail, we were able to change out of our soaked gear before travelling back to Queenstown, after a stop in a local pub, for a rewarding beer. Unfortunately no photos on last day, too wet I am afraid.

Ultimate Hikes is certainly a well organised company. Their accomodation, food and guides were faultless.

Between the Milford Track and the Routeburn Track I would probably say I preferred the Routeburn for its scenery. The bad weather which impacted both treks was unfortunate but the benefit of travelling with Ultimate Hikes was that their huts gave you great accomodation and the benefit to launder your clothes to start fresh next day.