by newhue » Thu 19 Nov, 2015 10:08 pm
Actually because the Routeburn has hut wardens, and gas, it was a plus for us to do the walk. By providing daily weather reports it gives us some predictability of success if things turn pear shaped. We could just sit it out and wonder at the NZ rain. Of course if the forecast was bad for the week than we would just pull the pin, but that also becomes a pain if you have paid, and I'm not overly confident late March will be plain sailing and blue skies. It's one thing sitting at a desk in Qld heading into summer thinking how nice it will be, but I still remember when the NZ clag comes in how your beautiful day can turn into a cold wet miserable push. Kind of figured the kids will coupe, but only the once and we would have scared them for life if that happens. So short days, sunny weather, an easy pass would be very cool with some big mountain views, hopefully not to many people, and some quaint huts for added wonder for the kids, and lighten the load for mum and dad. Cant be too hard to find in NZ.
As for Routeburn pricing, kids are free, but adults are $50 per day, we were going to take 4 days, and $100 each for transfers, so basically $800. I know it's not that much, and probably is good value, but when you know what you get for free, it's just hard to cough up the cash.
Kainas, I thought the basic rule was walk their age, carry 1/4 of their weight. So for your 3yo to do 5 and 10km is very good. My 6 yo did 7km easy when he had some older boys to look up to. I think for him to do 7 on his own it would be quite painful unless we have some good wow factor going. Even then the acting will rival the best world cup soccer player.