Routeburn Track Day 1

Thank you fellow-Blipper for recommending Ultimate Hikes - I'd never have managed to carry 3 days of camping gear up here, so it was wonderful to have only my personal gear, food etc to carry.

We were taken by bus from Queenstown to the Divide, had two hours walking upwards through the bush then reached the tree-line for stunning views. We left our rucksacks on the trail to climb to Key Summit, about an hour return, then headed along to Earland Falls. The descent to Mckenzie lodge by the lake was sore on the knees as it was steep and I had to take high steps down through the rocks for what seemed like ages, again in bush. Glad I had taken the walking poles.

We were so lucky with the weather. - some people had got back from doing the Milford Track the day before and it had rained solidly for 5 days. They'd been up to their waists in water crossing streams.

The lodge was fantastic, like a posh hotel with fabulous food. I'm so glad we treated ourselves as it meant the walk was enjoyable and not a slog!

The extra is Mr C at Earland Falls