Earnslaw Burn Track
Alerts
Avalanche NZ
Check Avalanche NZ for the full avalanche forecast before you go.
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NIWA weather risks
NIWA's Parks Weather site lists daily weather risks for the forecast point below.
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Forecast point: Harris Saddle (1255m) · 18.8km away
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
Following Earnslaw Burn through bush to the tussock basin at the head of this valley for impressive views of an icefall on Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Sampled from the national 8m elevation model. No LiDAR survey covers this route yet.
Description
Follow the rough and technical Earnslaw Burn Track through the bush to a viewpoint. This viewpoint has impressive views of an icefall on Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi at the edge of the forest where the track ends. For shelter an overhanging rock is just within the forest on the true right, looking downstream, of Earnslaw Burn.
River crossing and route finding experience is essential. There is also windfall and slips along the track that you need to get over.
The DOC track ends at the forest edge and there is no marked DOC track beyond this point. DOC does not manage any hazards off the track or up the valley. The area is overgrown with speargrass.
Anything beyond the end of the DOC track is not included in the track time of 4-6 hours (one way). The waterfalls are an additional 1-hour walk (one way) further up the valley.
Getting there
The track starts on the true left bank of the Earnslaw Burn partway along Lovers Leap Road, a right turn off the gravelled Glenorchy - Paradise Road, 20 minutes from Glenorchy.
Know before you go
Camping
Camping is allowed on the public conservation land at the forest edge or Rock bivvy. Camping is not allowed on the private land in the upper valley. No fires allowed.
Be prepared
Earnslaw Burn Track does not have any toilet facilities, plan accordingly.
Hazards
This area is subject to severe weather events, flooding, frost/snow and extremes of temperature.
This is a challenging track which is not recommended for young children.
- This track is difficult to find in places – you will need strong track finding skills
- There can be extensive windfall along this track which may slow your progress
- Numerous slips along Earnslaw Burn Track. Expect longer walking times.
- The river crossing to get to the bivvy is dangerous in heavy rain
- There is no toilet on the track. What to do if there's no toilet.
- There is no mobile phone coverage in this area.
Completing the track in a day
If plan to complete the Earnslaw Burn track in a day, you need to consider:
- day light hours – check NIWA Weather: Harris Saddle for sunrise and sunset times
- whether you have the necessary fitness and navigation skills
- bringing a communication devices (PLB).
It is a very long day walk. When tiredness and darkness set in, navigation is difficult.
Alternative hikes
If you do not have the necessary experience, fitness or gear, consider walking day walk tracks instead:
If you have the fitness and gear, consider hiking this track instead:
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track