new zealand: Routeburn track
Mt Aspiring National Park, Otago / 33kms / 1-4 days one way / Intermediate
The Routeburn Track is a great alpine walk taking you through a valleys and in the shadows of the Southern Alps/ Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. A short drive from the vibrant Queenstown, this Great Walk links Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks in Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. The Track can be hiked in either direction. Also, this should be noted while planning, so a transportation is organised if going one way, however you have always an option to make it partial return trip. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over vast mountain ranges. The track is well marked and signposted, but some sections are steep and rough and may be muddy and slippery, especially during an off-peak season. Poor weather conditions can make this walk challenging, even in the Great Walks season.
ARRIVAL: queenstown
I had to make this hike a return trip due the damage caused by storms and flooding earlier in the year, which caused a track closure for repairs. Therefore this description only covers half of the track, and will be updated once I get a chance to return and do the western side of the walk.
I was staying in Queenstown, which has a great access to multiple of hikes and great spot to stock up any gear you still might need for your hikes and walks. The car park for the start of the track is about 45 minutes drive away. Knowing the weather would be mostly good for a following days ahead, I aimed to do the walk next day - starting as early as in the morning as possible to beat the crowds, as well as have plenty of time to enjoy the walk and scenery.
first half return walk: Routeburn shelter to harris saddle
The track begins at Routeburn Shelter. There is a shorter walk for a whole family to enjoy and get a great views of the track without much effort required.
The main track follows the clear, vivid coloured Route Burn river, passing the Sugarloaf Stream and Bridal Veil Waterfall, until you reach to an open grassed flats with incredible mountain views. The walk is not demandingly the way to the Routeburn Flats Hut and Campsite. From here the track starts a steady climb through beautiful forest. Don’t forget to take a moment to admire Humboldt Mountains, before arriving to Routeburn Falls Hut, and Routeburn Falls cascade.
From the hut you continue climbing up the valley through wetlands and tussock-covered flats, before sidling along the bluffs above Lake Harris to reach the highest point on the track at Harris Saddle/ Tarahaka Whakatipu, elevation 1,255 metres. At this section rain started to creep in, throwing occasional shower and as I climber further along, some of the paths were covered with snow, and became extremely slippery.
It was good I was prepared just in case for this and didn’t leave my backpack behind to the previous had as first thought, as even the route wouldn’t have been passable, however it would have been extremely dangerous due the ice and hazards underneath the snow.
Nested right next to the mountain jewel Lake Harris is Harris Saddle shelter. I stopped here to have a bite to eat and wait a little bit hoping for a weather to ease up. Wind was picking up and snow and hale, mixed with water, was falling down sideways which made the track extremely slippery. Due this I wasn’t able to attempt to climb up to the Harris Saddle itself.
After a while weather wasn’t showing any signs of easing up so I decided to make my move and return the track back to the same route where I came from. As I was walking dawn tracking my route, the weather of course started to ease up and rest of the walk I was spoiled with sunshine and warmth. Was I upset? Not at all, as I am very well used to the fact higher you get, often the weather is more unpredictable. Trust the mountains give that extra experience hahah!
As I was getting closer to the car park, I came across more people who were up on a track making it a nice short day walk. I decided to make most of my spare time and did all the little side loops as while I was there, why miss a thing as next time I am on this track, I most likely will be on a western side exploring the second half of the track - from Divide to Harris Saddle shelter and hopefully then I have a chance to climb up to the saddle itself.
Routeburn done… well, the was side of it.
second half return walk: The divide to harris saddle
The section from the Divide to Harris Saddle to Divide, or return trip from Divide wasn’t possible this time, however this is in my radar to be checked out later date and I simply cannot wait! I will keep you posted for any updates.
quick tips:
Check the weather for the national parks, again and again.
Plan well, allow time to complete the trek, and let someone know about your plans, even thou this is a busy Great Walk.
You have an option to make this a return trip, or one way. During the summer you have more day light even to make it one day walk, however it is better to make it al least two day trek to fully appreciate an ever changing sections and scenery.
Take sunblock in all seasons. As weather can change quickly, other equipment worth taking is a waterproof jacket and pants, warm layered clothing, hat and gloves and a head torch. There are toilets along the way but sometimes no paper, so bring your own.
Take food and snacks to keep your energy up. Just remember to bring ALL your rubbish - including food scraps - back with you. It’s a great practice to learn, no matter where you hike, to support sustainable activities, as well as preserving nature.
Hiking boots hold be worn for this all times. Even the track looks pretty straight forward from the start, conditions can change rapidly (and even snow can appear) and you don’t want to get injured due such a minor thing as footwear.
As always, it is good to have a map and cellphone. Even thou the trail is pretty straightforward and well marked, you are expected to stay on marked paths. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Go and explore this wonderful track. No wonder this is rated one of the best ones in New Zealand.