April 1, Routeburn track part 2, Harris Saddle

Morning wakes up on the frosty side but it doesn’t rain. Around 8am sun rises, not a cloud in the sky. 


Routeburn track gets our official mark as second best after Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 
We head out at 10am after backcountry breakfast (stove set up in the parking lot) and get above tree line around 12:40. At 2:40 we’re at Harris Saddle, 1277m. The beautiful, eye-popping sub-alpine track follows the wild Routeburn River through dense rainforest peppered with valley and mountain views, then golden valley of tussocks, waterfalls, and lakes at higher altitudes. As the Saddle enfolds from around the cliff, views of lush valleys below and snowcapped mountains above leave us speechless. Because we haven’t reserved a hut on the trail and freedom camping opportunities are non existent, having now covered 80% of the track over two days we head back, arriving at the parking lot around 5pm.  

crossing Routeburn River

mid-way across the forest

Moods fluctuate with priorities - I try to take a photo with every step and Sebastian's set on beating the track record. 

pink fashion is of out most importance when hiking

at Harris Saddle!

Driving down the shoreline through Glenorchy in the late afternoon, looking for a campsite, we stop at Twelve Mile Delta, one of DOC’s worst - it literally looks under construction. There’s nothing but unleveled gravel, no toilet in sight and cars scattered across the site. Pitching a tent is impossible and it seems unreal they would actually ask campers for money to stay here. It’s too late to travel any further and, for the first time, we end up sleeping in the car.