Starting approximately 15 minutes from Kinloch on the Routeburn-Glenorchy road, the Diamond Creek walk is a gentle stroll.  Diamon Creek is a very popular stream with trout fisherman and avid birders.  This sometimes boggy track to Lake Reid gives excellent opportunities for viewing waterfowl and views up to Paradise and the Dart Valley.

Time: 1hr
Difficulty: Easy

View track description on Department of Conservation website >>

About 20 minutes drive from Kinloch or Glenorchy, the Earnslaw Burn Track is a challenging daywalk or multi-day hike with fantasitc views of an icefall on Mt. Earnslaw.  The track follows the Earnslaw Burn through the bush to the tussock basin and viewpoint at the head of the Rees Valley.  Permission is required from Earnslaw Station to do this walk.  See DOC pamphlet for information.

Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required as the track is mainly unformed and muddy.  Unbridged stream and river crossings can also be expected.

Time: Full Day or Multi-day
Difficulty:  Challenging

View track description on the Department of Conservation website >>

The Glacier Burn track is the closest day walk from Kinloch (3km away) and can be accessed without a vehicle.  This steep track climbs straight up the mountains through the beech forest behind the lodge.  Follow the creek until you see the marker for the crossing.  You'll see old saw-milling snig lines near the start of the track. After approximately two hours, you will arrive in Glacier Basin.  If you follow the creek further up you'll be treated to views of the Humboldt Mountains. This challenging day walk offers excellent photo opportunities and the chance to view native bird life.

Do not go above the bushline in winter or spring as the area is prone to avalanches.

Time: 3+ hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

View track description on the Department of Conservation website >>

Follow the Greenstone/Caples Track from the car park. After 2-3 minutes walk a stock bridge gives access to the Lake Rere Track (do not cross here but keep to the true left bank looking downstream). The track continues past the confluence of the Caples and Greenstone Rivers. Another swing bridge provides access to the Greenstone Track. Going further up the Greenstone track will lead to several deep holes ideal for swimming on a summer's day.  Follow the track back the way you came to get back to the car park.

Time: 1 hour return
Difficulty: Easy

View descriptions of the Greenstone and Caples tracks on the Department of Conservation website >>

For a full day walk on the Routeburn Track, trampers with moderate to extreme fitness levels can make it to the Harris Saddle and Conical Hill.  Spectacular views make this day walk particularly rewarding on clear bright days.

From the Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie, the track climbs steadily following the Route Burn to its outlet from Lake Harris. A steep sidle through moraine and around the bluffs above Lake Harris leads to the Harris Saddle (1255m) and the shelter, which is available for day use only. Allow 11⁄2 - 21⁄2 hours for the climb from the Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie. 

Conical Hill, 1 - 2 hours return from Harris Saddle. A short, steep, rocky climb from the Harris Saddle up Conical Hill gives superb views of the Hollyford Valley through to Lake McKerrow, Martins Bay and the Tasman Sea.

This walk is not recommended in snow or adverse weather conditions.

Time: Full Day or Multi-Day
Difficulty: Challenging

View track description on Department of Conservation website >>