Routeburn Track

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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.

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. 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 granfathers beard which gave it an enchanted look. Absolutely beautiful.

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. My attached pictures hopefully give you some feeling of the beauty of this area.

Day three and the rain was back with a vengeance. The track was fine and scenery lovely, but alot of time was 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.

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.

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Photos

Routeburn Track
Arriving at Key Summit

Routeburn Track
View from Key Summit

Routeburn Track
Track with moss and granfather's breard, looking enchanted

Routeburn Track
On way to Mackenzie Lodge, Earland Falls

Routeburn Track
View across the valley

Routeburn Track
View of track and across valley

Routeburn Track
Again, beautiful track, with ferns and moss ground cover.

Routeburn Track
Great view across valley

Routeburn Track
Approaching Mackenzie Lodge

Routeburn Track
Looking towards Lake Mackenzie

Routeburn Track
Walking towards Ocean Peak Corner

Routeburn Track
Views from Ocean Peak Corner

Routeburn Track
Views from Ocean Peak Corner

Routeburn Track
More views from Ocean Peak Corner, was certainly a special place to sit and take in the view

Routeburn Track
On the way down to Routeburn Falls Lodge

Routeburn Track
View from Conical Hill

Routeburn Track
On way down to Routeburn Falls Lodge

Routeburn Track
On way down to Routeburn Falls Lodge