TE KOMAMA | ROUTEBURN FALLS
This captivating long exposure image captures one of the many incredible scenes encountered along the Routeburn Track. Taken during the summer months of 2022, it marks one of the initial quests into capturing the beauty of my outdoor adventures.
Nesteld a mere two-minute walk from Falls Hut on the Routeburn Track, the Routeburn Falls is a great place to unwind after a day of walking, or serves as a picturesque setting for a midday meal during a return day walk from Routeburn Shelter carpark. Although the map states it as a 176-meter waterfall, this image only reveals a fraction, approximately 20-30 meters, of its cascading descent along Te Komama/Route Burn river.
Te Komama/Route Burn boasts a rich history dating back to early Māori settlements, where pounamu/greenstone was discovered in the surrounding areas. Te Komama was an integral part of the ara tawhito (traditional travel route) connecting Whakatipu Waimāori (Lake Whakatipu) with Whakatipu Waitai (Martins Bay), one of the largest Māori settlements in South Westland.
Ever since European settlement the track has witnessed plenty of transformations. The discovery of gold on the West Coast and the founding of the Martins Bay (Jamestown) settlement spurred the ambitious endeavour to construct a 112km road stretching from Kinloch over the Harris Saddle to Martins Bay. Just a few years later the attempt failed due to the complexity of winter snow and slow work in rugged terrains. Tourism potential was recognised in the 1880s and has the area has since been a focal point for outdoor enthusiasts, prompting continuous upgrades and repairs to the track and huts due to weather impacts and the burgeoning demand for tourism. In 1992, the Great Walks were established, with the Routeburn Track earning its place among them, often being lauded as one of the premier hikes worldwide.
The Routeburn Track traverses diverse habitats including valley flats, forests, and alpine lands, home to various bird species. Beech forests, especially in the east at lower altitudes, support birds like fantail, brown creeper, rifleman, and South Island robin. Scarcer species include yellow-crowned parakeet, yellowhead, and kākā, which are challenging to spot but can be heard. The New Zealand falcon is observed hunting small birds, rodents, and lizards. In summer, shining cuckoos and long-tailed cuckoos can be heard. Kea, bold alpine parrots, are common in alpine sections, while rock wrens are elusive. Paradise shelducks are found in valley flats, and moreporks are heard in the forest at dusk. NZ scaup are commonly seen on Lake Howden.
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