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The lower country section of the Routeburn Trail.


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Map Key

5.2

Miles

8.3

KM

Point to Point

3,358' 1,023 m

High

2,257' 688 m

Low

692' 211 m

Up

1,357' 414 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Permit required - New Zealand has a unique system of simple (mostly) backcountry huts that typically have wood/coal heating stoves, plastic-covered mattresses, clean water and bunkhouse communal living. Space can be limited and permits are required. Check in the LDOC offices of major towns for permits. Good information can be found here- doc.govt.nz/

Description

After a quick rise from the Lake Mackenzie hut, the trail skirts the edge of the forest line. The rest of the trail trends downhill, and the stunted trees allow for good views of the valley. There are various lush stream crossings along the way.

After a few miles, immense cliffs rise up and create dramatic waterfalls like Earland Falls. Eventually, you drop back down into the thick beech forest and soon arrive at Lake Howdeb Hut.

Flora & Fauna

Southern Beech forests, Kea and Kaka parrots, Bellbird, Grey warbler, South Island Robin, Fantail and Brown creeper, Lancewood plants, Kiwi (you'll hear them but probably not see them), invasive Australian possums.

Contacts

Shared By:

Russell Hobart

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 5 votes

#660

Overall
  5.0 from 5 votes
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Trail Rankings

#7

in New Zealand

#660

Overall
10 Views Last Month
781 Since Jan 19, 2017
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Photos

Lake Mackenzie and Ocean Peak
Feb 11, 2018 near Queenstown, NZ
Routeburn Track
Feb 8, 2018 near Queenstown, NZ
Hollyford Valley from the Routeburn Track
Feb 8, 2018 near Queenstown, NZ
Lake Howden
Feb 8, 2018 near Queenstown, NZ
Lake MacKenzie looks beautiful in the fog from MacKenzie Hut along the Routeburn Track.
Mar 9, 2017 near Queenstown, NZ
Earland Falls
Feb 8, 2018 near Queenstown, NZ

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