Caples and Routeburn Tracks

Day 1: Head to Greenstone Road End and follow the Caples and Greenstone Track. Bypass the bridge on the left and then around 0.5 hours later bypass another the bridge on the left which heads along the Greenstone Valley. Contine along the track through open pastures and through forests. Eventually after a small incline a gorge is crossed via a bridge. Head up the slope to the Mid Caples Hut and stay the night.

Day 2: Follow track in front of Mid Caples Hut. Continue along the valley floor, crossing creeks and muddy areas where required. Eventually the forest is reached and the track continues up and around to the Mckellar saddle. Prior to reaching the saddle the tree line is reached and the surrounding hills and mountains are visible. At the Mckellar saddle continue along the path as is zigs-zags down to the Greenstone valley. At the bottom cross the wide open valley and the creek via bridge. Look for the junction of the Greenstone Track. Turn rught and follow track up to Lake Howden Hut. Stay the night at Lake Howden Hut.

Day 3: Head out of Lake Howden Hut and alonmg the track to the Divide. Take the path to Kety Summit and head up to Key Summit. Back track to Lake Howden Hut and follow Routburn track through forest and along the top side of the Hollyford valley. Pass Earland falls and continue through forest until the open area known as the orchard is reached. Contuine through orchard and on to Lake Mackenzie Hut. Stay the night at Lake Mackenzie Hut.

Day 4: Head out of Lake Mackenzie Hut and up the side of the valley. The track is a little exposed higher up. At the top look at the Hollyford valley from the Ocean Peak view point. Continue along the track and above the tree line to the Harris Saddle passing the turn off to the Deadman Track along the way. At the Harris Saddle continue along the path which goes above and around Lake Harris (We had to take helicopter along this section due to Avalanche risk). Continue along the Routeburn track to Routeburn Falls Hut passing the Routeburn Falls. Stay the night at Routeburn Falls Hut.

Day 5: Head out of Rourteburn Falls Hut and along the track to the Routeburn Flats. Pass the junction of Routeburn Flats Hut andcontine along the valley floor. Enmter the forest and cross several bridges. The views towards Lake Wakatupu start to become visible as well as the Routeburn Road End. Continue along track and cross a final bridge to the Routeburn Road End Shelter and complete the walk.