Day two is the stunning alpine highlight of the Routeburn Track, a 14-kilometre trek from Lake Mackenzie to Routeburn Falls. You’ll climb steadily out of the forest, traversing the exposed, tussock-covered bluffs of the Hollyford Face with sweeping views out to the Tasman Sea. The trail peaks at the dramatic Harris Saddle (1,255 m) and Conical Hill (1,515 m) before a gradual descent towards the shores of Lake Harris. Walking beneath towering peaks, you'll wrap up the day perched right above the valley floor at the spectacular Routeburn Falls Lodge.
The Routeburn Track - Day 2 - Lake Mackenzie to Routeburn Falls
📍 FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK / MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK
Distance
13.8 km
Duration
06:31 hrs
Elev Gain
+903 m
Elev Lost
-806 m
| Date |
06 February 2026 |
| Starting Point |
Lake Mackenzie Lodge |
| Difficulty |
Moderate |
| Pace / Gear |
4.4 km/h — 50L multi-day pack |
| Highlights |
Ocean Peak Corner, Harris Saddle / Tarahaka Whakatipu , Conical Hill, Routeburn Falls |
🗺️ Interactive Route Map
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Day 2 on the Routeburn Track—crossing Harris Saddle / Tarahaka Whakatipu between Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks—is the undisputed highlight of the hike. In fact, it is arguably one of the most spectacular sections of any of New Zealand's Great Walks, rivalling the Milford Track’s McKinnon Pass or the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The superb alpine scenery makes you completely forget about the breathless climbs, bad weather or snoring neighbours and proves that while the Routeburn may be a short track, it delivers on a big scale.
We had to be patient for our Routeburn Track views, as an overnight band of rain was forecast to clear as the day wore on. It was still drizzling as we finished our morning routines and stepped out at 07:30 under a misty, murky sky, some of the group decked out in full waterproof gear. |
| We were greeted in the morning by a blanket of low cloud |
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| Early signs that the forecast would be right |
The day begins by passing Lake Mackenzie before starting a long, steady climb toward Harris Saddle / Tarahaka Whakatipu, some 7km away. The path winds through the forest above the lake, offering dramatic views of the valley, Emily Peak (1,815 m), and the Ailsa Mountains – particularly today with the clouds lifting and swirling around the ridges. Breaking through the treeline at approximately 1,000 m, the trail then contours around the southwest ridge of Ocean Peak.
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| Lake Mackenzie |
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| The Routeburn Track as it rounds Lake Mackenzie |
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| A dramatic morning on the Routeburn Track |
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| Emily Peak |
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| A view of the DOC hut on the shores of Lake Mackenzie |
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| Lake Mackenzie Hut |
Along this section, memorial plaques secured to a large boulder serve as a sobering reminder of the risks involved with high mountain hiking, even on something as established as the Routeburn Track. Two plaques honour Heather Anne McElligott and Bryan William Lamb, two 13-year-old students who perished when their group of 15 was struck by a freak blizzard in December 1963. Nearby, another memorial marks the spot where a Czech hiker tragically died in 2016.
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| The Routeburn Track heads into the mists |
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| The Routeburn Track |
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| The memorial plaques |
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| Plaque details |
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| The Routeburn Track |
As we climbed above the treeline, we reached the cloud base and entered that quiet grey world where the mountains and the sky become one. Navigation in the low visibility is made easier by orange track poles spaced roughly every 50 metres—bright beacons specifically designed to pierce through the thick alpine mist and guide the way. That said, on days like this you should be confident using a map, compass and / or GPS to navigate.
The trail rounds the shoulder of the southwest ridge at the aptly named Ocean Peak Corner. On a clear day, you are rewarded with a dramatic unveiling of an enormous panorama: the jagged Darran Mountains and the deep Hollyford Valley spread out 1,000 m below. The peak earns its name from being one of the few high-alpine spots where the geography creates a clear "window" down the valley, often allowing an unobstructed view all the way to the Tasman Sea.
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| Marker posts provide directional guidance in the mist – like this one at Ocean Peak Corner |
Ocean Peak Corner served as our pre-determined rest point after the climb from Lake Mackenzie. Fortunately, as we took a break with some hot coffee, the mist was suddenly swept away, revealing some of those views of the Hollyford Valley and the jagged, cloud-capped peaks of the Darran Mountains across The Divide.
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| Hollyford Valley from Ocean Peak Corner |
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| Ocean Peak Corner |
Refreshed and ready to move with renewed optimism for the day ahead, we continued along the level path that hugs the side of the valley, with the vast expanse of the Hollyford Valley opening up to the west. This section of the trail contours high above the Hollyford Valley, offering easy walking for a number of kilometres. It is a straightforward stretch of track that provides some of the best alpine scenery in the country without requiring much physical effort.
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| Hollyford Valley |
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| The Routeburn Track makes its way along the Hollyford Face |
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| The Routeburn Track |
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| The Routeburn Track and Darran Mountains |
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| Cloudy Darran Mountains |
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| The Hollyford Face |
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| Mount Gunn and Mount Gifford |
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| The terrain gets more interesting as it approaches Harris Saddle |
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| The Routeburn Track |
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| Looking into the Hollyford Valley |
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| Approaching Harris Saddle |
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| Harris Saddle |
After a brief climb, the Routeburn Track emerges at Harris Saddle, the natural bridge between Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. At 1,255m, it is the highest point on the Routeburn Track (excluding Conical Hill) and is home to a pair of day shelters that resemble small bunkers – designed to withstand the harsh alpine weather and heavy snow loads during the winter. Each shelter is basic, containing benches and a small communal area for day-use only. Separate toilet facilities are provided.
🏔️
Harris Saddle / Tarahaka Whakatipu
The Harris Saddle day shelters provide temporary refuge and basic long-drop toilet amenities, but overnight camping or bunk stays are strictly prohibited here. If you plan to tackle the side-scramble up Conical Hill for a view of the Tasman Sea, drop your heavy expedition packs inside the shelter first to save your knees on the rock fields.
⚠️ Weather Safety Warning: The Harris Saddle alpine area sits at 1,255 m in New Zealand's Fiordland/Mt Aspiring National Parks and is highly exposed. Weather changes rapidly and can turn dangerous in hours. Always carry a waterproof shell and thermal layers, and check the latest official forecasts. From May to October, conditions can be challenging – only attempt if you have the skills.
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| The twin shelters at Harris Saddle |
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| The shelter on the left is used by independent hikers, while the shelter to the right is for guided groups. Both groups use a single toilet hidden around the back |
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| Signage at Harris Saddle |
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| Harris Saddle shelter |
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| The Darran Mountains from Harris Saddle |
As well as providing a handy shelter, Harris Saddle acts as the base for an optional side trip to the summit of Conical Hill. In good weather this is a must-do, as it provides the only 360-degree view anywhere along the Routeburn Track. You can leave your heavy pack at the shelter before tackling the 90-minute trip to Conical Hill.
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| Beginning the trek to Conical Hill |
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| Harris Saddle |
The trail is rocky and steeper than the Routeburn as it twists and turns up the side of Conical Hill. The climb to the top is broken just over halfway by a superb viewpoint of Lake Harris.
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| The trail heads to the dip on the right of the horizon |
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| Looking back to Harris Saddle and Ocean Peak |
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| Lake Harris Lookout |
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| Mount Xenicus |
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| Lake Harris |
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| Lake Harris panorama |
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| Lake Harris |
After a bit more climbing, we reached the top and were rewarded with sweeping views in every direction. To the north and east is the ring of mountains surrounding Lake Wilson, culminating in the peaks of Mount Erebus and Mount Xenicus, while the enormous Darran Mountains form the western wall of the Hollyford Valley.
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| The summit of Conical Hill |
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| The eastern view, including Mount Xenicus, Lake Harris and Ocean Peak |
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| Tuhawaiki Mountain |
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| Apirana Peak and Mount Revelation |
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| The Darran Mountains above the Hollyford Valley |
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| Unnamed peaks above Lake Wilson |
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| Panorama from the Darran Mountains to Mount Xenicus |
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| Mount Revelation and Korako Glacier |
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| The full 360° view from Conical Hill |
Eventually, we had to tear ourselves away from the incredible views to return to Harris Saddle and complete the last part of the day between Harris Saddle and Routeburn Falls. As with many stops, we were left to our own devices to complete this last section, and it was nice to have some 'alone time' amongst the mountains.
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| There is a fine view of the next section of the Routeburn Track as it rounds Lake Harris |
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| Hollyford Valley looking south |
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| Back at Harris Saddle |
It's a relatively short hike to the lodge at Routeburn Falls; however, the entire section is a real feast for the eyes as the Routeburn Track contours along the side of Lake Harris and then enters the large hanging valley that collects the small streams flowing into Route Burn Left Branch.
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| Mount Gunn |
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| Leaving Harris Saddle |
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| Mount Xenicus and Lake Harris |
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| The Routeburn Track at Lake Harris |
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| Lake Harris |
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| Entering Mount Aspiring National park |
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| Mount Xenicus |
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| Route Burn Left Branch |
After passing Lake Harris, I entered the final stretch for day two, contouring around the southern side of a large hanging valley that cradles the infant Routeburn River (technically the Left Branch). It’s a short, impossibly beautiful section of the track, winding along the cliffside until the trail brings you right to the lip of Routeburn Falls at the very edge of the valley. |
| The high peaks of Centaur East and Mount Ferguson can be seen on the horizon |
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| The sinuous Route Burn Left Branch |
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| The Routeburn Track |
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| Mount Xenicus |
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| The crystal-clear waters of Route Burn Left Branch |
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| The Routeburn Track |
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| Looking back towards Ocean Peak |
Reaching that lip reveals a stunning view of the river stretching out far below along the foot of the Humboldt Mountains. Perched right on this dramatic threshold is the Routeburn Falls Lodge, my accommodation for the evening (don't worry, independent hikers—the DOC hut is located on the same spectacular site). Once again, we were welcomed with a quick drink, a snack, and an orientation before being left to our own devices to enjoy the view. |
| Route Burn River |
After dumping my pack, I headed out to explore the waterfalls just behind the lodge. While not particularly tall, they crash through a deep fissure in the rock that makes them incredibly dramatic. The river plunges into a natural crack in the bedrock, ripped open during the tectonic uplift of the Southern Alps. Over millennia, the water has eroded the softer rock inside this fracture much faster than the surrounding stone, carving out the tight, steep slot canyon seen today. The crystal-clear pools looked inviting, but a quick dip proved they were impressively cold. |
| Routeburn Falls Lodge |
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| Routeburn Falls |
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| Routeburn Falls |
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| Routeburn Falls |
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| Routeburn Falls |
After a bracing dip, it was time to retire for the evening. Reflecting on the day, crossing the exposed sub-alpine terrain of Harris Saddle had provided some of the finest alpine scenery of the entire trek. It was a deeply rewarding section, though it had been incredibly difficult to leave those sweeping panoramic viewpoints at both Conical Hill and the main saddle behind, even with the comfort of the lodge waiting at the end of the day. |
| Views from the lodge as the clouds begin to roll in |
So, on to Day 3—the final, short leg of the Routeburn Track from the falls down to the shelter near Glenorchy. This marked the end (for me, at least) of an epic, eight-day tramping adventure that had taken me through the very best of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks.
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