MKR 2025. Day 3. Routeburn

 

 Milford, Kepler, Routeburn (MKR) 2025

DAY 3. ROUTEBURN

24 November 2025

https://www.strava.com/activities/16549249648

MKR Day 1

MKR Day 2

We were up at a sensible time and drove 1 hour  (thanks W and B for the driving!) around to The Divide for the start of the Routeburn and to meet Bruce! (our car relocation non-rally-driver and non-pyromaniac).

Today was a mere 33km of trails, so although we were starting tired it didn't seem too daunting. (except for Barnaby, whose knee was knackered).

The track set off from the Divide, but wasn't actually as steep as I remembered it, and was largely runnable. I was using my (weirdly broken and floppy) poles again today (same as yesterday), and that was certainly a help on the uphill sections.

There were gorgeous views across the valley to the snow covered hills, and lovely waterfalls to admire!

We took stock of our timing at the first stop at Lake Howden. There was a bit of concern that Barney's slow pace downhill might jeopardise our finish time and eventual flight out that evening from Queenstown. This was of little concern to me, since another day down here would be just fine!

We pressed on through just the prettiest scenery and great trails to various views and the awesome Erland Falls.

Eventually it opened out and we got to Mackenzie Hut and Lake Mackenzie.

I was just loving this whole day. I felt fine (zero sore points), and not too tired to run at our slow pace.

 

We climbed up the tough hill out above Lake Mackenzie, which afforded views that just got better and even better.

Its an ok trail.

After working our way around the edge above the Hollyford river for ages, with beaut running (well, jogging a bit anyway), we finally got to Harris Saddle and the shelter there.

From here it was nearly all downhill (after a short climb to start) around Harris Lake, past the Waterfall Hut and eventually down, down to the Routeburn River.

Nev and I had a short running stretch out on the last 2km to the end of the Routeburn.

The END!

We were promised the adventure of a lifetime (by Will), and it didn't disappoint!

I wore my white Hoka Tecton X for the first day, which were ok, but I had sore right squished bit across my foot (they are a bit small), so the other two days I used my Saloman SpeedCross shoes, which were great, with more underfoot padding and comfier toe area (for my somewhat swelling feet). I used my blue camelbak thing perfectly, with the poles tucked in the back pocket. The blue shorts with the liners were perfecto for any chafing.