Earnslaw Burn Track

Overview

Earnslaw Burn is a big, rewarding out‑and‑back up a deep glacier‑carved valley to the foot of Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi. Expect lush beech forest, a tussock basin walled with waterfalls, and a close look at a dramatic hanging glacier right at the head of the valley. You won’t see the glacier until you’re nearly there—part of the tease. The full return to the glacial amphitheatre is about 15.7 miles (total), with roughly 2,900 feet of gain. Most hikers either tackle it as a long day (8–12 hours) or split it as an overnight.

Route Snapshot

From a small car pull‑off on Lovers Leap Road, a stile/fence step leads you quickly into beech forest. The first 9 km are slow going: rooty, muddy, undulating tread with windfall and occasional slips—follow markers closely. At the forest edge the official track effectively ends; views open to a broad tussock valley lined with waterfalls. Beyond here, a user route continues beside Earnslaw Burn with unbridged side streams and occasional river crossings. Navigation is on you—no markers in the upper valley. Water is plentiful from streams.

Difficulty & Hazards

This is an advanced tramp disguised as a day hike: rough underfoot, long, and very weather‑dependent. Rivers rise fast after rain and can become impassable; the crossing to the rock bivvy can be hazardous in high flows. Above the valley floor, stay well clear of rock/icefall beneath the hanging glacier. There’s little to no cell reception. Basic route‑finding skills are essential.

Camping & Access Rules

There are no toilets or facilities. Camping is allowed on public conservation land at the forest edge (and at the simple rock bivvy on the true right just inside the forest). The open upper valley is private land with only a narrow public access easement along the river; camping is not permitted there. Fresh water is handy throughout—treat before drinking.

Best Time to Hike

You can walk it year‑round, but the smart window is summer (December–March) when daylight is long and snow/ice less likely. Avoid or delay after rain—waterfalls are gorgeous, but swollen crossings end trips. For a day push, start at first light. Once out of the trees, you’re exposed—pack sunblock and layers; valley weather swings quickly.

Gear & Tips

Wear sturdy boots for mud, slick roots, and rough tread; gaiters help with spiky tussock (Spaniards). Trekking poles are clutch for crossings. Carry a headlamp, extra food, warm/wet‑weather layers, and a locator beacon. If doing it in a day, set a firm turnaround time so you’re not route‑finding in the forest in the dark.

Why Go

Because few places deliver this combination of solitude, cinematic scale (yes, it’s a film location), and the visceral feel of walking into a wall of waterfalls under a hanging glacier. It’s a serious effort—but an unforgettable one if you’re prepared.