Off the Beaten Path: Earnslaw Burn, New Zealand

Glenorchy (about 25 miles from Queenstown) is one of the most alluring destinations in New Zealand, famous for its stunning alpine scenery and its spirit of adventure. It is also one of the most popular visitor destinations in the country, but up in the valleys and mountains there is space and solitude for every traveller.

When you're visiting Queenstown, why not detour off the beaten track for a few hours and follow in the footsteps of dwarves and hobbits and take the track to Earnslaw Burn glacier. One of the most magical locations in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.  Earnslaw Burn is a glacier that has created a number of cascading waterfalls  that tumble down huge rock faces and the hike offers spectacular views at the head of the valley over the glacier and beyond. You can follow Bilbo's tracks when he and his company of dwarves continue their quest after leaving Rivendell.

Diamond Creek, 20 minutes one way
From Glenorchy on the Routeburn Road you can follow Diamond Creek up to Reid Lake. This track is sometimes boggy as it is one of Glenorchy's wet lands allowing great viewing of birdlife and magnificent mountain views of Paradise and the Dart Valley. 

Double Barrel Creek, 30 minutes one way
This easy short walk from the Routeburn Shelter will take you through a tall red beach forest overlooking Sugarloaf Pass, the cirqued rock face of Momus, and Bridal Veil Falls cascading from the hanging valley. 

Routeburn Day Walk
From the Routeburn Shelter Hut, take this popular day walk up to Routeburn Flats Hut, or if you feel you would like more of a challenge then the extra 3 km onwards to the Routeburn Falls waterfall is well worth a visit. The Routeburn Track is listed as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and is rich in native flora and bird life. 

Horse Riding
Glenorchy is known for its horses and some of the most scenic riding in the world. Two commercial companies operating in the area offer great riding opportunities for everyone from the complete beginner to the experienced. Two hour, all day or multi day treks will take you riding through open flat land, river crossings and untouched beech forests, while taking in the mountain vista.

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!






Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com