An Autumn through hike on the Routeburn with Sacha. This is our third crossing in 5 months, the previous two done on both the best and worst weather days possible. We’re hopeful for snow this time to keep the experience diverse. It’s certainly a colder, darker start than the last two missions and we leave the carpark at the Divide in thermals and jackets with head torches beaming.
A little way past the Key Summit turn off, still in darkness, a runner excuses himself and slips past. Visibility is low but he looks familiar and based on little more than a few Instagram photos I call out. He stops in his tracks and does a 180. Indeed it is Invercargill runner Jason Hodge! We chat briefly before he runs on ahead.
Sacha and I approach the opening at Lake Howden, well timed with the first rays of daylight. The pinky orange tones creep across the distant peaks. It’s pure magic.
The Routeburn Track crosses a small bridge to the left, the first shelter just beyond it. To the right is the Greenstone Caples Track, from which suddenly Jason appears. With just enough light, I grab a photo before he disappears for a second time.
We reach Lake MacKenzie where a couple of Kea play on the forest floor. We top up water at the Hut and contemplate a quick detour to the campsite. Deciding against it we hit the incline to Harris Saddle and hope there is snow up top and it doesn’t melt before we get there.
Unfortunately there was to be no snow underfoot this trip, but plenty of it on the higher surrounding peaks, and with perfectly clear blue skies, one can’t complain. Amazing awe inspiring views in every direction. The Routeburn is my favourite. Such bang for buck on the ‘short’ 32km Great Walk. We are so lucky to call this home! And I’ll be back for my snow soon.
Great Walk Season is nearing its end and with such a stunner day, the Tarahaka Whakatipu Shelter just before Harris Saddle is bustling with hikers and day runners. Sacha and I have talked since early this morning about recording a RunnersNZ story up top. I hoped we’d come across some runners… and I’d be able to successfully elevator-pitch them into joining the project.
Two runners had passed us on the steep section of trail above Lake MacKenzie. I assumed they’d be running right through and we wouldn’t see them again, but here they were at the Shelter when we arrived, joined now by their friend who had come up from the Routeburn Shelter. Sacha got talking with them and next thing we know they’re lining up on the lookout for a few photos. Blimmin good sorts, here on a spontaneous mission from Dunedin, it took all of ten seconds as I started explaining the project… and they were in! Promising to find us on Instagram when they were back in mobile coverage, off they headed back towards the Divide.
Shane Whooley #233
Kate Johnston #234
Andrew McCracken #235
The next section is my favourite… maybe second to the Hollyford Face on a good day. Cutting across the bluffs past Lake Harris (always a beautiful rich teal colour) to the highpoint, Harris Saddle at 1,255 m. Then as you make your way down, views to the north of rivers and rocks come to sight, beyond the tussock-covered flats. It’s AMAZING!
I do the decent a little slow. It’s a sharp gradient with a few technical bits and big step-downs that I know will test my knee. Ignoring every word of advice from the Orthopedic Specialist last week, telling me running and hiking were no longer an option, I approach it with caution, but I’m not quitting.
The last section, Routeburn Flat Hut to the Shelter carpark, reminds me of the second half of the Kepler Track…. its a bit flat, foresty and ‘same-same’. Thankfully it’s only 8km and not 30.
I make it out unscathed. We feast on jelly frogs at the Routeburn Shelter, change into fresh clothes and prepare for the long drive home. Another epic day out with Sacha!
33km with 1,400m Elev.
