Monday, March 23, 2009

Routeburn Track

Hello everyone!!

I suppose it is about time I update this blog since it's been a few months! I haven't really been up to anything too exciting other than writing papers and studying statistics and meanwhile I'm still seeing those patients with Osteoarthritis!

Anyway, I was finally able to get away for a weekend "tramp" this weekend over to the Routeburn Track which according to National Geographic is considered the 10th best hike in the WORLD!! I was joined by my friends Dan and Emily who helped push me along as we climbed these mountains!

We started off a a bit late on Friday evening meaning that we had to walk part of the first 2 hours in the DARK! Probably not smart considering some of the places we crossed are considered dangerous as avalanches can occur. Luckily, it's late summer so we didn't have too much risk. We arrived at our 48 bed bunk which was pretty nice and had some amazing views as it was located next to the Routeburn Falls. We then hiked the next day up to Harris Saddle along the mountain ridge and then down to Lake McKenzie hut. You'll see pictures of the lake below and that water is COLD!! Trust me! I know from personal experience!! ;). The next day we made it out of the track and back home!

Here is a bit about it according to the Deparment of Conservation of New Zealand!

The Routeburn Track traverses 32 kilometres of Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, part of Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area and is administered by the Department of Conservation on behalf of the New Zealand public.
Located in the southwest of the South Island the track extends between the head of Lake Wakatipu and S.H. 94, the Te Anau – Milford Road. The track passes through several avalanche paths colonised by ribbonwood, one of New Zealand’s few deciduous trees. Above the bushline between Lake Mackenzie and the Routeburn Falls are snow tussock grasslands, and herbfields with mountain buttercups, daisies, and ourisias. The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s most popular tracks, with over 13,000 walkers completing the track each year.

Enjoy!

Day 1 Track

Lake McKenzie Rocks

Random Falls

Lake McKenzie


Routeburn Falls Hut


More Falls

Lake McKenzie and Emily Pass


Lake in the Mountains





River Valley



More of the Valley

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