Hiking Project Logo

A steep climb through spectacular forest to a beautiful alpine basin.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

Out and Back

3,167' 965 m

High

1,015' 309 m

Low

2,152' 656 m

Up

2,151' 656 m

Down

18%

Avg Grade (10°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views

Overview

Glacier Burn Track climbs steeply through beautiful beech forest to a basin tucked beneath towering Mount Bonpland in the Humboldt Mountains. The reward for this tough walk is fantastic alpine scenery free from any crowds.

Description

From the carpark, the trail quickly approaches Glacier Burn, which must be forded (usually easy, but cold). After this crossing, the trail quickly enters the forest and begins a relentless climb. The trail is well marked and easy to follow, but can be very steep and muddy. In many areas, the beech forest is simply spectacular and is home to a good variety of native birdlife.

The trail continues through the forest to the bush line, where Glacier Basin opens above. A bit of scrambling leads to your choice of viewpoints where you can take in the waterfalls, glaciers and magnificent alpine scenery of the Humboldt Mountains. Take your time exploring the basin before heading back down the way you came.

Flora & Fauna

Look for Kea above treeline. Riflemen are easy to spot in the beech forest. New Zealand Falcons favor the open country near the trailhead.

Shared By:

Almonzo Wilder

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 6 votes

#1

in Glenorchy

#2439

Overall
  4.7 from 6 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Glenorchy

#41

in New Zealand

#2,439

Overall
34 Views Last Month
8,096 Since Mar 27, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
0%
71%
29%

Photos

Magnificent beech forest along the Glacier Burn Track
Mar 27, 2015 near Queenstown, NZ
Awesome views at the entrance to Glacier Basin
Mar 27, 2015 near Queenstown, NZ
Glacier Burn and the Dart Valley
Mar 27, 2015 near Queenstown, NZ

0 Comments

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 30, 2018
Russell Bader
As difficult down as it is up. Wear mountain boots as the rocks slip and you may need to ford the glacier stream at times. Gorgeous view from top 4.6mi
Apr 8, 2018
Deon Bishop
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.