Day Hike to Harris Saddle (Routeburn Track)

The Routeburn Track is world famous, and with good reason. But the because it is a through hike that requires multiple hut reservations and an expensive car-shuttle or two day bus ride to complete, many people feel overwhelmed or underprepared. This day hike options allows you a no-strings-attached option to seeing the best parts of this 5-star hike.

Start at the Routeburn Shelter end (East end) of the track. The hike begins in beautiful beech forest under the sweeping walls of rocky mountains.

At the half-way point you will pass the Routeburn Flats and begin climbing the south wall of the valley up to the impressive Routeburn Falls Hut passing a recent landslide and remarkable views of the Humboldt Mountains. Climb above the Falls and into an expansive alpine basin. Wind around the left side of the basin and climb among giant boulders as you approach Lake Harris, which will surely leave you speechless.

From your first vantage of Lake Harris, a short walk walk along the bluffs on the south side will bring you to the emergency shelter and your final destination, Harris Saddle.

Views from Harris Saddle include the impressive display of glaciated Mounts Crosscut, Sabre, Adelaide and Gifford.

Turn about and return the way you came.