I was my first Christmas in NZ. I left on Boxing Day and drove down to Milford Sound to have a look. Then it was off to the start of the Routeburn Track late in the day. The Routeburn is one of nine “Great Walks” in NZ. Typically it is done over three days (I made it through in 1.5 days).

Along the way you book to stay at huts or campsites along the way.) The Routeburn is supposed to be one of the best tramps, and it really was. I chose to start the walk from the end opposite to most people and start on the Te Anau side. The tramp started off with a climb through beach forests and a series of switchbacks. Boy, at first I wasn’t sure if I would make it to my hut for the night. The track continued through some waterfalls where I saw another person (though heading in the opposite direction). Then the fog and rain set in as I finished my way to MacKenzie Hut.

I arrived at the hut after a heavy rainstorm, but with dry feet, hung my shoes and coat on the porch and went inside for a hot cuppa. It was a long day for everyone and the place was settled in for bed, ready for an early start to the next day. I got up earlier than most, ate a quick breakfast and headed out for a long day tramp back to my car. I started up through the beach forest before climbing switchbacks up the side of the mountain. I came around the last corner and was met with a beautiful view of the valley all the way to the ocean. This was my favorite part of the track, walking along the exposed mountain side.

The track then continued to climb up to the shelter at the peak. I dipped inside right before a rainstorm started up. Inside, I met a few German folks and had some scroggin (trailmix). The rain didn’t seem to be letting up and I had quite a long way back down.

Hoods up, head out. The track down consisted of scrambling over some rocks but also had some fantastic views (even with the rain). Once I reached the bottom, the rain started to let up as I walked through the beach forests and over the many bridges all the way out to the carpark.

I hopped in the car and drove into the city of Queenstown where I found some accommodation at a backpackers, had a quick shower, and went straight to bed after a long day’s walk. The Routeburn was really an awesome experience, especially to be able to do it alone. I got some time to think about what makes me tick and how hard I can push myself. Not to mention, very beautiful as well.