Anyone familiar with the trek and have any footwear suggestions? I'll be there the first week of November this year and I'd love to just wear some waterproof trail-runner shoes and gaiters, rather than big high-top hiking type shoes.
Normally on this kind of distance I wouldn't have an issue wearing lower-cut trail shoes, but I'm not sure what is along the trail the first week of November, being a kind of shoulder season. Are there rivers to cross or a lot of mud/snow or something that would warrant the hassle-factor of bringing along boots that would only be used for a few days?
Thanks to all!
dmsfca
1
otari
The trail itself is hard packed and gravelled for the most part, although the section from Harris Saddle to Lake McKenzie has lots of rocks and tree roots. There aren't any rivers to cross (unless you take a side trip up the North Branch of the Routeburn, which is spectacular), but when it rains the track tends to channel water and turn into a stream.
If you're used to carrying a heavy pack in the trail hikers, you should be ok as long as you've got gaiters. Personally, I like the ankle support and protection of hiking boots.
2
lostinthevoid
Hi,
I walked the Routeburn and the Milford in February last year, and I strongly suggest that you take proper hiking boots.
You just can't begin to comprehend how variable NZ weather is until you actually get there. In fact, I guarantee that you'll be walking in the rain at some point of the track. That makes the ground muddy, slippery and (frequently) rocky. Not a nice combination. If you add a huge backpack, winds at altitude, the perpetual irritation of sandflies and a general sense of exhaustion, you'll quickly find that the prospect of slipping becomes dangerously high.
Yes, carrying around giant boots is inconvenient. But breaking your ankle and having to be airlifted to safety is much more so.
3
nilsy
Also - on the Routeburn the daily distances won't be that long, so your feet won't complain too much.
5
neilm
I'm pleased to hear that the track following the North Branch of the Routeburn is so spectacular, as I intend to walk it in January, staying at Routeburn Flats hut. How far does that track go, and is it easy to follow?
6
bushtrekker
It only takes acouple of hours to walk in to the Routeburn Flats Hut. I love this hut, its older, cosier and has a great outlook. Another bonus is that it dosent get nearly as much use as the nearby Routeburn Falls Hut, which is newer, and much larger. I would suggest dropping your packs ( if youre overnighting) at the Flats Hut, then going for a wander up to the Falls Hut. From there you have a higher, more alpine outlook, and it only takes about an hour to get there.
7
bushtrekker
Sorry, just saw your other questions. Track is extremely easy to follow. Well formed paths and the river crossings are bridged.Tra.ck to the Flats Hut has no big hills, just gently undulating, but the climbing starts from the Flats Hut up to the Falls Hut.
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