Trekking Route: Routeburn Track, Queenstown, New Zealand
Hey there! Let's talk about a sensational hike I recently embarked on, even though I'm not a big fan of hiking. This ultimate adventure unfolded in the heart of New Zealand's stunning South Island, and it was truly a game-changer.
So, here's the story. With my son reaching the ripe age of 14, I felt it was the perfect time for one last bonding adventure before he becomes too cool for school. An indoor-loving teenager, you ask? Yep, that was me too, back in the day. So, when the opportunity arose to join five dads and five boys on a three-day, two-night hike through the mountains of New Zealand, south of Queenstown, I jumped at it.
Now, I've never been a big fan of mountains, but there was something enticing about this trek, maybe it was the promise of cozy lodges, sumptuous meals, and perhaps a glass (or two) of New Zealand's famous Pinot. The hike was operated by Ultimate Hikes, the only operator offering overnight hikes in the region. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint!
The weather conditions could have been anything from torrential rain and freezing temperatures to blazing sunshine. But we were equipped for each scenario and had the luxury of three guides leading us through varied terrain across 32Kms and reaching heights of 1600m. The difficulty level was rated as 'moderate.'
The adventure began in Queenstown the day before we set off. We had our briefing and enjoyed a dinner with the boys before hitting the sack for a 6am start the next day. The weather looked promising, so we were filled with hope. We boarded a bus and headed to Te Anau, the starting point of our journey.
Our hike took us through mesmerizing landscapes, traversing forested mountainsides, crossing swift-flowing rivers, and scaling steep hills. We reached Key Summit, where each day offered an optional extra hike for those seeking more adventure. After catching our breath, we descended to Lake Howden for lunch, and let me tell you, the food on this trip was phenomenal! Fresh produce, plenty of it, and mouthwatering dinners at the lodges left me in a food coma every night.
After a long day of hiking, we arrived at Mackenzie Lodge, ready for a refreshing shower, a hearty meal, and a few glasses of wine. The lodges were far beyond my expectations, boasting rooms with warm fires, comfortable beds, and even a lake where some of the boys took a quick dip. Alas, the water was far too cold for my taste.
Day two commenced early, with a continental or hot breakfast available. By 9am, we were off to conquer another day of hiking, some more sore than others. The day two ascent was lengthy and took us across diverse terrains, with some sections requiring a fair amount of mental (and physical) strength. But the breathtaking views made it all worthwhile.
As we reached the highest point of the day, the vistas were nothing short of spectacular. Snow-capped mountains gleamed in the afternoon sun, and the air was crisp and invigorating. The hike downhill was steep, but the sight of the Routeburn Falls Lodge, our final destination for the day, gave us renewed energy. The lodge was cozy, the food was delicious, and the company was fantastic.
Day three was a relatively easier day, with a gorgeous descent through Routeburn Valley leading us to the finish line. Along the way, we encountered ropes bridges, wide plains, and tumbling waterfalls. The final leg of the journey took us through a tree avalanche site from 1994, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The hike concluded with a 45-minute bus ride to Glenorchy and a brief stop at a local pub before heading back to Queenstown. Disconnecting from our phones and technology for three days was a refreshing change, and reconnecting with nature and the beauty of New Zealand was a truly eye-opening experience.
If you've ever considered taking on a guided hiking adventure, my experience with Ultimate Hikes comes highly recommended. Regardless of your age or hiking abilities, this adventure offers a unique and unforgettable way to explore the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand's South Island. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an exhilarating adventure with Ultimate Hikes!
As I reflect on this memorable journey, it's evident that this hiking experience wasn't just about conquering the mountains, but also about bonding and creating unforgettable memories with my son. This adventure, filled with varying terrains and breathtaking landscapes, also served as a gateway for us to explore new interests, such as travel and sports.
Embracing the outdoors and the thrill of sports, we found ourselves eagerly anticipating the next challenge throughout our three-day hike, embodying the excitement that comes with embarking on a new travel lifestyle.
