New Zealand Day 11: Routeburn Track

Our first full day in Queenstown was a busy one. We were keen to take advantage of the good weather to cram plenty of activity in. While Elise slept in, Samuel and Eric headed down to the lakefront for the first Orange Jetboat ride of the day across the lake and down the Kawarau River. It was a great morning on the water, though quite a cold one, especially when the driver spun the boat and gave us a shower. After a cold Jetboat ride, a hot pie from Ferg Bakery was just the ticket.

After our early lunch we headed out of town towards Glenorchy. The views of the snowcapped peaks over Lake Wakatipu were spectacular.

Our destination for the afternoon was the Routeburn Track. Fourteen years ago, Elise and Eric had walked half the track from the eastern track head to Harris Saddle and back in the middle of summer. In spring, with the higher parts of the track still covered with snow and under avalanche threat, we settled for the 15km return hike to Routeburn Flats Hut.

The scenery was spectacular as expected. Mostly old forest along the path of the Route Burn, with the occasional view of the surrounding snow capped peaks whenever the path broke out of the forest. At the Flats Hut we enjoyed a cold afternoon tea, taking in the views up the Route Burn North Branch and the peaks on three sides.

Arriving back in Queenstown close to 6pm, we scooted back down to town for world famous FergBurgers. They were every bit as good as promised. And Massive!

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