Earnslaw Burn New Zealand is a hidden gem of an in a single day hike from Glenorchy. Flowing glacial rivers, valley waterfalls and spectacular glacier views await.
The Earnslaw Burn hike is an unforgettable in a single day hike close to Glenorchy. In the event you’re up for an accessible, but off-the-beaten-path observe with unbelievable views, you then’ve come to the precise place.
Whereas the paths of the Routeburn and Kepler can get crowded within the peak season, hikers heading to the Earnslaw Burn will most likely have the path all to themselves! I discovered it mind-boggling that this observe wasn’t extra fashionable because the views at occasions simply rival a number of the nice walks.
The place is Earnslaw Burn?
The Earnslaw Burn and glacier are a part of Mount Earnslaw, situated within the Mt Aspiring Nationwide Park. Entry to the observe is close to the city of Glenorchy, roughly one hour’s drive from Queenstown.
In the event you don’t have a automobile, you possibly can guide a bus to Glenorchy right here.
The best way to get to Earnslaw Burn
The beginning of the Earnslaw Burn observe is situated on a bend on Lover’s Leap Highway. There are not any apparent indicators to this hike, so discovering it and not using a little bit of analysis can show tough.
From Glenorchy, comply with Glenorchy-Paradise Rd for roughly quarter-hour earlier than turning proper onto Lover’s Leap Highway. From right here, preserve driving till you see the apparent “right-angle” bend. Simply earlier than this bend is a flat space the place there could or is probably not vehicles parked. That is the place you’ll start the hike.
These roads are largely gravel, nonetheless any 2WD could make the drive in good circumstances.
For comfort, I’ve additionally pinned the precise location on the map beneath.
Discovering the Trailhead
Even when you arrive on the makeshift “carpark” you need to soar a farmer’s gate and stroll alongside the apparent observe till you possibly can lastly spot the trailhead signage. From right here, the observe is comparatively straightforward to comply with.
For Hobbit Followers: Do you know that Earnslaw Burn New Zealand was featured in Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit”. Strolling the observe, you’ll be following within the footsteps of Bilbo and the dwarves as they proceed on from Rivendell.
Associated: Routeburn Observe Day Hike From Glenorchy – Mountaineering Information
What to Count on on the Earnslaw Burn Observe
The Earnslaw Burn is a geological watercourse carved by means of the mountainside by the run-off from the Earnslaw Glacier. The observe follows the “burn” or glacial river, inside the forest and alongside slopes of the ridge earlier than breaking out right into a tussock valley with unbelievable views of the Earnslaw Burn Glacier.
WANT TO HIKE THE KEPLER?: Learn the complete Kepler Observe information
First Part: Beech Forest
The observe begins with an incremental climb by means of the beech forest on non-public land earlier than hopping over one other fence.
From right here, it’s an extended, rocky and muddy observe by means of the forest for 11 KM. Nearly all of this hike is inside the forest, which is gorgeous however can get somewhat bit repetitive. There may be additionally quite a lot of windfall and dust/rock slides alongside the observe. Be certain that to test the DOC for updates and to comply with the orange markers which mark the route.
This part took us roughly 4 hours, with many dips and climbs alongside the way in which.
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Tussock Valley, Waterfalls and Glacier Views
After lastly breaking by means of timber, we had been instantly awarded with unbelievable views of Mt Earnslaw and the glacier from afar. Quickly after, we needed to jump over rocks cross the river, which I might think about could be pretty harmful after heavy downpours.
From right here, the marked observe ends. Nevertheless, you possibly can comply with the tracks all the way in which alongside the river to the bottom of the glacier. We determined to cross a shallow part of the freezing river, which flowed gently at round knee-height on this event.
From right here, we climbed a small bushy hill for unbelievable glacial views. This half isn’t precisely a observe, however you possibly can see the place we went for the point of view on the GPX file beneath.
You may discover some helicopters flying over the valley and over to the glacier. That is the choice and far simpler solution to attain the Earnslaw Burn. I’d think about the views from up there could be completely unbelievable when you’ve got a sneaky $900 to spare for an Earnslaw Burn helicopter flight.
Earnslaw Burn GPX File
The beneath GPX file follows our return route and elevation information as recorded on my Garmin. You can too obtain this GPX map to add to your telephone or GPS watch by clicking the hyperlink beneath.
GPX File: Obtain
My Strava: Go to
READ MORE: COMPLETE LIST OF BEST THINGS TO DO IN QUEENSTOWN
In a single day Tenting Spots
It’s doable to camp within the tussock valley beside the burn at no cost. The perfect tenting spot in my view is discovered shortly after breaking out of the forest, simply beside the observe.
That is the levelest floor you’ll discover, full with a big rock for a desk and a campfire setup. This spot is kind of a bit removed from the glacier although, so it could be a good suggestion to arrange your tent, chuck your baggage in and make your solution to the glacier for the afternoon earlier than returning.
In the event you’d desire, there are additionally a number of degree areas alongside the observe to the glacier the place you possibly can pitch a tent, together with proper close to the glacier itself. You’ll have nice views at these spots, and the bottom is flat sufficient to have an honest sleep.
The Earnslaw Burn Bivvy
In the event you didn’t deliver a tent, then it’s doable to get some shelter on the Earnslaw burn bivvy. It is a massive rock bivvy fashioned by the overhanging rocks. That is situated in your proper, simply previous the primary tenting spot I discussed.
Earnslaw Burn Falls
The Earnslaw Burn hike was in my view one of the crucial scenic hikes in New Zealand. Alongside the observe to the glacier, there are an array of infinite waterfalls on both aspect. Probably the most noteable was the big, multi-leveled plungers on the west of the valley.
In the event you make it so far as the Earnslaw Burn glacier, you’ll additionally see dozens of epic waterfalls cascading down the cliff from the melting glacier.
Earnslaw Burn Glacier View
The additional you stroll up the burn, the higher the views of the glacier appear to grow to be. Listed here are some images that I took on the way in which and from the point of view talked about above.
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Extra Images of Earnslaw Burn New Zealand
I hope that you simply discovered this information to the Earnslaw Burn New Zealand hike helpful. In the event you’re making an attempt the journey, keep in mind to evaluate circumstances and to be ready for an extended stroll with an opportunity of chilly river crossings. For extra hikes and adventures in New Zealand’s South Island, try the associated articles beneath.
Most of all, get pleasure from!
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