The Routeburn Track is a stunning hike in Fjordland on the South Island of New Zealand. The mix of alpine and rainforest with some great views is superb. I had done this walk a few years ago and consider it one of the best walks I’ve done anywhere in the world; the availability of huts all made for a perfect pick for Masako’s first multi-day hike outside Japan (and its superb hut system).

So it was off to Queenstown with DOCS hut bookings in hand.

I recently went to New Zealand to visit some friends and do some walking. Some friends from Sydney were keen to go over around the same time so it all…