Description: Probably the most adventurous of the three hikes we did in New Zealand, it was also the most rewarding. It's a three day, 25.1 mile hike over Harris Saddle from The Divide (on Milford Road) to Routeburn Flats.
This is not a hike like most people from the US are going to recognize. For one thing, the popularity of the trip is not as much as with Milford, so NZ government does not restricts access to the trail; however, they do restrict access to the huts and lodges (you have to book a ticket well in advance). In our circumstance, we were planning in a hurry; the only way we could get tickets in a way that would work with our schedule was to use the guided hike approach.
Now, let's be perfectly clear on this: The guided hike approach is _not_ hiking. Don't get me wrong; it was great fun, but it's not hiking. Every night, we had to deal with lodges containing:
* A clean room, completely with ensuite bathroom.
* Hot showers.
* Bunk beds (shared with others).
* Wash and drying facilities.
* A three course meal for dinner - including alcohol.
* A full breakfast in the morning.
Not what you might call roughing it. Nor particularly cheap (about $950 US per person). So, if you take the guided approach and they tell you that you don't need a lot of gear, believe them. You can get away with two or three changes of clothes, toiletries, foul weather gear, and any creature comforts you might want to put on your back (
www.ultimatehikes.co.nz/Routeburn_Track/what_to_bring.asp).
Still, you have to walk the distance. The first day starts with 8.7 mile hike up through silver beech trees up towards Key Summit. At this time, you can take an optional side hike to the top of Key Summit, then it's to the lodge for the night.
The second day is the big day. First, a climb up to Hollyford face. Once you're there, you'll get to see the most amazing alpine setting of the Darran Mountains just across the Hollyford valley. Sir Edmund Hillary trained on the Darrans before making the first successful climb of Everest. After a few hours, you'll make it to Harris Saddle for a rest and lunch near Harris Lake. At that time, you can take another optional hike to the top of Conical Hill. I would recommend it - you'll end up a mile above sea level (if the clouds cooperate, you'll be able to see the Tasman Sea) and the views are spectacular. But, it's a hard scramble, so be forewarned. From the Harris, it's down to the lodge for the evening.
The final day is the gentle descent off the mountain. It's the reason why the word "gorgeous" was coined. Just amazing views everywhere you look.
Close