Routeburn Track

(see map) trin: The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand's eight Great Walks. Lonely Planet describes it as "eye-popping alpine scenery." I would describe it with just one word: wet. We had been warned about the rainy weather in the Fjordlands but chose to ignore the forecast and proceeded on our three day "tramp" as planned.

Like the more popular Milford Sound Track, Routeburn is a hut hike. The huts, manned by rangers, offer bunks for sleeping and a large kitchen to prepare your food. The facilities are really nice but we opted use our gear and camp.

Day One: Routeburn Shelter to Flat Huts (6.5km) 

Forecast: Some rain

The first day we hiked through a forested valley with a snaking aquamarine river.

We arrived at our camp around one in the afternoon and finished setting up the tent just as it started to rain. After a good soak the sun and blue sky made a rare appearance.

Day Two: Flats Hut to Mackenzie Hut (13.5km)

Forecast: Rain

We hiked in the rain most of the morning which varied between mist and heavy downpours. As we climbed up to Emily Pass the rain turned to snow which believe it or not was an improvement, as it was less wet.

At the Harris Saddle we took refuge in a day use hut and tried to warm up with some hot soup and tea. After lunch we started the descent down into Hollyford Valley.

Lake Harris in the distance.

While wearing my black rain gear and pack cover Mike told me that I looked like a Yard Size Hefty Bag moving along the side of the mountain. I was offended by the term "yard size."

Back below the tree line we were amazed by all of the small scale plant life growing on every surface.

Day Three: Mackenzie Hut to the Divide (12km)

Forecast: Heavy Rains. Sunshine in the late afternoon.

After a night of heavy rains, all of the streams were rushing and crossing became more and more challenging. When we reached Earland Falls there was a flood detour but the detour was flooded too! We literally had to climbed up the side of the waterfall. I wish we had a photo now because its hard to believe how crazy it was. At one point, I reached up to grab on to a rock and saw the arm of my rain jacket fill with water. After that I gave up on trying to stay dry.

As it continued to rain the trail itself became increasingly difficult to navigate. This is the trail!

Of course, the sun came out as soon as we reached the roofed shelter at the end of the hike. While we were disappointed that we missed a lot of the views, it was still a memorable experience. I am glad we did it. Easy to say now that it's over.

The weather was beautiful when we reach our motel in Te Anau and we immediately hung out all our gear to dry in the sun.

Mike only brought one pair of pants on the trek. While I washed and dried his legs, he walked around the town in his Spidey pants. He definitely got some strange looks while doing it.

My Dad was in the area a few days later and took this photo. So, we were able to see what we missed out on.