Entries for the 'Challenging' Category

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 >>

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 >>

Mt. Alfred is a pleasant day walk affording spectacular views of the Dart River Valley.  The track is steep, but three quarters of the climb follows a good zig zag track.  After this, a marked route can be followed as far as the bushline. Above the bushline this track is steep and exposed. This track is not recommended for young children.  The approach is on the Western (Dart) side of the peak - look for small car park area unmarked on the lef hand side of the Glenorchy to Routeburn road. 

NOTE: Permission is required from Earnslaw Station for accessing the upper part of Mt Alfred - once you leave the bushline. Please minimise disturbance to stock.

Time:  4 - 8 hours
Difficulty:  Moderate to Challenging

View track description on Department of Conservation website >>

This track is suitable for people with moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience. Situated north of Glenorchy and signposted near the Scott Creek bridge left on the Routeburn/Kinloch Road.

The walk is 5 hours to the bushline and the route is irregularly marked.  The track is steep and in some places parts are obscured or washed out.  You may occasionally need to follow the creek bed.   From the old musterers hut, you can access the Caples Valley via Kay Creek.

WARNING: This track is irregularly marked and requires river crossings, which can be dangerous during high rainfall. You can be bluffed out at the saddle in poor visibility. Not recommended for children, route finding skills essential.

View track description on Department of Conservation website >>