Planning your first Dolomites adventure? This comprehensive 12-day itinerary combines Alta Via 1 trekking, rock climbing, and alpine relaxation. Get insider tips on rifugio bookings, transportation logistics, weather preparation, and the best mountain towns to explore in Italy’s stunning UNESCO World Heritage range.
We hiked the Routeburn Track in two unforgettable days, soaking in everything from mossy goblin forests to sweeping alpine panoramas (and a kea with serious stage presence). This post covers our full trip report – mileage, logistics, hut tips, birds, waterfalls, and one extremely scenic detour that made us feel like kings of Middle-earth. If you’re curious whether Routeburn lives up to the hype – spoiler: it does – this is for you.
Think of it as the greatest hits of New Zealand’s wilderness, packed into one wildly beautiful hike. Bonus: dehydrated meals that slap and canyoning FOMO near the finish line.