The Routeburn track
The Routeburn track includes a spectacular crossing of New Zealand's Southern
Alps and takes you through the incredible landscapes of Mt Aspiring and
Fiordland National Parks. (see
Routeburn Track (D.O.C). )
We took three days to do this walk. The weather was not as good as the
Milford. It closed in with a lot of cloud on the evening of the first and
morning of the second.
We were in for a treat however and though missing a good portion of the spectacular ridge line views, we did not miss appreciating the many other aspects of this walk.
As well as lovely cool forests. The track as with the Milford and as with the
'Great Walk' standing has an easy surface to walk on. (Not to say that there
isn't a gradient workout, as there is on the ridge ascents.)
The hut facilities. like the Milford, have gas cookers. Had we of known, our
Trangia stoves would have remained at home.
The ridge line ascent was to our dismay engulfed in cloud. No mountain views
for us. Special though is that cotton wool blanket covering the valleys once
we ascended high enough to be be above them.
The camps and huts are often near lakes. Lake Mckenzie in particular fits in
that "spectacular" description.
Water is a special feature of this walk. A running stream is irresistable.
Stripping down we take advantage of the (very) chill waters and enjoy a fresh
open spa.
The Routeburn track is a power packed walk rather like a punchy advert, you
get an enormous amount of quality varied scenery in a short space of time. If
the weather was bad, it could have been a different story and I would say to
anyone book in another set of days: it is not to be missed.
I say a big thanks to Ray for organising all of the logistics. He put in a
great deal of work and it has rewarded us all. Also to my other walking
companions who made the enjoyment of the trip all the more.
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