nz:bushwalks
bushwalks / tramps / tramping in New Zealand
South Island
north-east region
north-west region
Heaphy Track:
82km mod/easy 4-5 day remote, rugged track but subject to high rainfall and potential floods
annual rainfall on western coast is around 5,000mm
base activities in Nelson
starts 35km from Collingwood
ends 16km from Karamea in the west
optional fly back to car
Queenstown region
average maximum temperatures summer 20deg C, winter 8deg C
it is around 4-5 degC cooler than Christchurch
annual rainfall: Glenorchy 1200mm; Routeburn 5000mm; Fiordland 7000mm!
weather most settled Dec-March;
track may be impassable in winter due to snow while 32 avalanche areas cross the track and these are most problematic in Spring and late Winter
Routeburn Track:
33km moderate 2-3 days remote track (but well served by public transport at both ends) through beech forest
much was destroyed by floods and huge landslips in Jan 1994 although path has been repaired
The Divide to the 28 bunk Lake Mackenzie hut:
Lake Mackenzie hut to Routeburn Falls hut:
11.5km 4-6hrs is the most spectacular section but has some exposed parts which can be treacherous in high winds
climb above treeline after a series of steep switchbacks climbing 300m
no camping near hut nor in the Harris Basin
Routeburn Falls hut to Routeburn Shelter:
Milford Track:
53.5km easy 4 day remote track with the exciting walk over Mackinnon Pass
Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut
Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut
Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut
14km over 5.5-6.5hrs
toughest section, steep 400m ascent of Mackinnon Pass and long punishing descent into Arthur Valley
views over a 800m vertical drop to the north-west
option rest at Mackinnon Pass Shelter
optional extra 1.5-2hr round side trip to Sutherland Falls is worth it
Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point
Kepler Track:
67km 3-4 day moderate strenuous track requiring fitness to complete the whole circuit
purpose built walk developed in 1988
best done in early Nov to late April as weather can be problematic
starts and finishes at Lake Te Anau Control Gates at southern end of the lake 4km from Te Anau which is a pleasant 45min stroll around the lake
Te Anau to Luxmore Hut
Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut
Iris Burn Hut to Moturau Hut
Moturau Hut back to Te Anau
Stewart Island southernmost island off Invercargill
nz/bushwalks.txt · Last modified: 2016/02/20 12:29 by gary1