Less Talking, More Walking

Routeburn Track

In 2012, we spent three months exploring New Zealand, where trails are tracks and hiking is tramping. We did seven Great Walks. Sometimes we camped in our tent, and sometimes we stayed in huts provided by the Department of Conservation (DOC).

In March, we spent three days and two nights on the Routeburn Track. It begins in Mount Aspiring National Park and ends in Fiordland National Park. John was 59 and I was 57. We stayed in huts.

The views started right away. We hiked past a lovely stream …

Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

… and Routeburn Flats.

Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

We began to get better views …

Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

… as we gained elevation.

Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

We arrived at the Routeburn Falls Hut and managed to secure two of the remaining three bottom bunks. At that point in our lives, we wanted to avoid climbing up and down from top bunks, especially when we needed to get up to pee in the middle of the night.

Routeburn Falls Hut in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Routeburn Falls Hut in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

After dropping our gear, we explored the area, John with camera in hand. The highlight of the area is Routeburn Falls.

Routeburn Falls seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Routeburn Falls seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

It was such a lovely cascading waterfall.

Routeburn Falls in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Routeburn Falls in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

We also had views of distant mountains.

Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

The next morning, we looked back for a changed view of Routeburn Flats. It always amazes us to see the same area under different lighting conditions. It was like seeing a completely different place.

Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

We continued to gain elevation …

Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Seen on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

… as we headed toward Harris Saddle, enjoying views of Lake Harris along the way.

Lake Harris seen from the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Lake Harris seen from the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

Once at the saddle, we hiked to the top of nearby Conical Hill for still more great views, including bits of Milford Sound and the Tasman Sea in the far distance.

John and Jean on Conical Hill along the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
John and Jean on Conical Hill along the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

We had entered Fiordland National Park. We then descended from the saddle and got our first sight of Lake Mackenzie.

Lake Mackenzie on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Lake Mackenzie on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

As we descended further, we entered a wooded area …

John on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
John on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

… aptly named The Enchanted Forest.

Seen on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Seen on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

We arrived at the Lake Mackenzie Hut, where we would stay for the night.

Lake Mackenzie Hut on the Routeburn Track within Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Lake Mackenzie Hut on the Routeburn Track within Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

The next day, the track took us by Earland Falls. It flows into a lovely green pool.

Earland Falls on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Earland Falls on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

This is another beautiful cascading waterfall.

Jean and John at Earland Falls seen on the Routeburn Track within Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Jean and John at Earland Falls seen on the Routeburn Track within Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

The Routeburn Track is a relatively short one, but it is jam-packed with gorgeous scenery!

All photos from this trip are on Flickr.

Comments

Leave a Reply