Chopper ride bonus for trampers

'SERIOUSLY AWESOME': Tramper Anna Wirth, of the United States, gets out of a helicopter on the Routeburn Track yesterday, directed by Ultimate Hikes guide Kevin Skoropada.

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Routeburn Track trampers are taking their experience to giddy new heights this season as track closures force them into helicopters.

Department of Conservation Wakatipu visitor centre manager Andrew Evans said parts of the 32km track had been closed since October 27 because of the high risk of avalanches and ice falls.

In other years, partial track closures have meant trampers have been unable to pass between Routeburn Falls Hut and Lake Mackenzie Hut; this year, helicopter transfers have been offered to bypass the closed sections.

The transfers initially covered most of the high-country terrain between the two huts, but are now only necessary, because of snow melt, over a one-kilometre section near the Harris Saddle.

Although only small pockets of snow and ice remained, there was a risk tourists could be hit by a block of ice – some are as large as dinner tables – falling from above. Bouncing off snow tussock and down sheer cliffs, the chunks of ice plummeted quickly and silently on to the track below, Mr Evans said.

"When you're hit by ice, it's got the same consistency as cement."

It cost independent travellers $55 for the helicopter transfer, while guided walkers had their fare paid for by guiding company Ultimate Hikes.

Mr Evans said the few walkers who chose not to take the flight were turned back and had their DOC hut fees refunded for any un-stayed nights on the other half of the track.

Many of the 50-plus trampers who took a helicopter transfer yesterday were buzzing at the experience, saying that the airlifts were well-organised and enjoyable.

Describing her first helicopter flight as "seriously awesome", American Anna Wirth said she had unsuccessfully tried to persuade the pilot to take her on a longer route.

Mr Evans said the helicopter flights had also been offered over closed sections of the Milford Track last week; the Kepler Track remains closed between Forest Burn Shelter and Iris Burn Hut.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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