New Zealand is probably best known for its striking mountains, covered with snow throughout the year despite the fact that the tallest reach only around 12,000 feet of elevation. One of the best ways to explore these mountains is probably through the Routeburn Track, probably one of the prettiest, and less traveled of New Zealand’s great walks trails. The standard hike through the mountains starts an hours drive from Queenstown and lasts for 3 days (2 nights), with an optional extension trail for 1-2 days.
Here is the road leading towards Queenstown, and the start of the Routeburn trail. We passed by countless beautiful lakes, but this little section really stood apart for me.
Once on the Routeburn trail, it wound through trees, across suspension bridges, and across mountain passes far above treeline. It was really beyond description. Take a look at some photos, the best way to get a feel for what it was like.
Each night is spent at a Department of Conservation (DOC) hut, with gas stoves, and a surprising amount of luxury for such a remote area. These have to be booked months in advance, and the limited space means that there are really not many people who get out onto the trails.
I put in the following picture not because it is incredibly beautiful, but because it shows off the incredible location of one of the huts where we spend the night. The long walks meant I wasn’t able to wait for the perfect light as much as I would have hoped for with more time. Still, look at the middle of the photo a little the right and notice the speck of a building on the shore of the Lake Merritt. All materials for these buildings are brought in by helicopter, with supplies also being flown in every few days as well. These are truly spots of isolated beauty, and a surprisingly comfortable place to stay over, especially during the frequent bouts of bad weather. One local we talked to had a funny statement. “If you can see the mountains around you, it means it is going to rain. If you can’t see them because of the clouds then it is already raining.” Funny. Until you are hiking in the bitter cold and rain that is. Luckily we escaped any terrible weather, and the few sprinkles we felt were rather pleasant.
A small side trail along the side of Lake Merritt lead us to this great rock, aptly named Split Rock. Another great example of the mossy rainforest area that I grew to love in New Zealand.
And a final view from Lake Merrit
In all, the Routeburn Trek was a thrilling escape into the wilderness, and one of the absolute highlights of our trip.
Yes, still more photos to come. I’m about blogged out at the moment, but have another final set that I’m really happy with. Who wants to go to New Zealand now?
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