The Routeburn Track is a 32 km long tramping (hiking) trail in the Fiordland and Mt Aspiring national parks on the South Island of New Zealand.
Understand
[edit]The Routeburn Track follows ancient Māori trails once used to traverse the Southern Alps. Today, it serves as a spectacular link between Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. The trail ascends from an elevation of 200 m to its highest point at the Harris Saddle, which sits at 1255 m.
The track can be walked in either direction, beginning at the Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy) or The Divide (near Te Anau). While the hiking distance is modest, the two trailheads are roughly 350 km apart by road, as vehicles must skirt the massive mountain range the track crosses.
As one of New Zealand's premier Great Walks, the track features ranger-staffed huts during the peak summer season (late October to late April). These facilities must be booked in advance through the Department of Conservation (DOC) at a cost of approximately $65 per night. While the Routeburn does not sell out as instantaneously as the Milford Track, it is highly recommended to book as soon as your dates are confirmed, as peak-season spots are often claimed months in advance.
Prepare
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The Routeburn Track requires thorough advance planning and a backpack-only approach. Due to the rugged alpine terrain, the trail is not suitable for carts, strollers, or wheelchairs. You must pack high-quality wet-weather gear and warm layers, as heavy rain is frequent near Milford Sound. Always carry a dry change of clothes, as your hiking gear will likely get wet during the day. For evening comfort, bring insect repellent for the sandflies and a book or game for entertainment.
Eat
[edit]You must carry all your own food, as there are no shops or restaurants on the route. Focus on high-energy, lightweight meals and always include an extra day of emergency rations. During the peak season, huts provide gas cookers, but you must bring your own pots and utensils. In the off-season, you must carry your own portable stove and fuel.
Drink
[edit]Water is available at huts from tanks or nearby rivers, but it is recommended that you use your own treatment or filtration method. Use a bottle or hydration bladder that is easily accessible to ensure you stay hydrated during the strenuous climbs.
Sleep
[edit]Huts provide mattresses, but you must carry your own sleeping bag and gear, as no linens or heating are provided in the bunkrooms. Since quarters are shared, earplugs are recommended. There are no showers; bring a small, absorbent towel for washing. Use the provided toilets along the track whenever possible; otherwise, bury waste far from water sources and the trail.
Climate
[edit]The weather is highly unpredictable, with rain occurring 9 to 18 days per month. While summer highs can reach 29°C, overnight temperatures frequently drop below freezing even in peak months. Be prepared for rapid changes in conditions at any time of year.
Get in
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Walkers can depart from Queenstown to enter the track via the Routeburn Shelter, or from Te Anau to enter via The Divide. Because the two trailheads are 350 km apart by road, transport must be arranged in advance.
Shuttles and Buses
[edit]During the Great Walks peak season (late October to early May), several operators provide daily scheduled transport to both ends of the track.
- 1 Info & Track (Info & Snow), 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown, ☏ +64 3 442 9708, toll-free: 0800 46 22 48, [email protected]. Check-in: 7:30AM–6:00PM (Summer). Provides daily bus services from Queenstown to the Routeburn Shelter and return transport from The Divide. They also offer equipment rental and luggage storage.
- 2 Tracknet, 77 Manapouri-Te Anau Highway, Te Anau, ☏ +64 3 249 7777, toll-free: 0800 487 225, [email protected]. Specializes in connections between Te Anau, the Divide, and Queenstown. They offer flexible "Track Packages" that allow walkers to start at one end and be picked up at the other.
Car Relocation
[edit]Car relocation is a popular time-saving option. A driver moves your vehicle from your starting trailhead to the finishing point while you hike, ensuring your car (and a change of clothes) is waiting for you at the end.
- Easyhike, ☏ +64 21 445 341, toll-free: 0800 327 944, [email protected]. Provides professional car relocation services for the Routeburn, Milford, and Kepler tracks. They use a secure lockbox system for key transfers and can also provide food packages and gear hire.
- Trackhopper, ☏ +64 21 187 7732. A dedicated car relocation service specializing in the Routeburn and Greenstone/Caples tracks. Their service includes a detailed relocation plan and insurance coverage for the driver.
Walk
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6.5 km
2-3 hr
The track begins at the 3 Routeburn Shelter with a gentle climb along the true left bank of the Routeburn River, crossing it several times on wooden bridges. The well-graded path passes Sugarloaf Stream and the Bridal Veil waterfall before a steeper climb above the gorge leads to Forge Flats, the site of an old blacksmith camp. From there the forest opens up and the wide, grassy river flats come into view — a good spot to rest and take in the surrounding mountains before reaching 1 Routeburn Flats Hut.
4-5 hr return
An advanced off-track route for experienced trampers only. The North Branch leads into the upper Routeburn Valley and also links toward Lake Sylvan and the Sylvan campsite. Consult DOC rangers before attempting this route.
2.3 km 1 hr
A short but steep climb from Routeburn Flats Hut rewards walkers with one of the track's finest viewpoints. Above the treeline, the Route Burn snakes through a tussock-covered bowl, with sweeping views back down the Routeburn Valley toward the Humboldt Mountains. 2 Routeburn Falls Hut sits right at the bush edge, and the cascading Routeburn Falls nearby are worth exploring in the evening after you arrive.
11.3 km 4-6 hr
This is the most spectacular and demanding section of the track. Past the falls hut, the route narrows and becomes more technical as it sidles around Lake Harris beneath bluffs, with views up toward "the valley of trolls" and Lake Wilson at the head of the Routeburn. The track reaches the 1 Harris Saddle emergency shelter at 1,255 m — the highest point on the walk and the boundary between the two national parks. From here the track descends and traverses the exposed Hollyford Face, with wide-open views across the Darran Mountains and an impressive display of alpine plants. The descent to 3 Mackenzie Hut involves a steep series of zigzags. Note that this section can flood after heavy rain, so expect wet feet in poor weather.
1-2 hr return
A steep side track climbs from behind the Harris Saddle shelter to 2 Conical Hill. A lookout two-thirds of the way up already offers excellent views, but continuing to the summit gives a full panorama across Fiordland all the way to the Tasman Sea. Most walkers leave their packs inside the emergency shelter while doing this detour.
8.3 km 3-4 hr
From Lake Mackenzie, the track crosses a small flat and climbs to the treeline, then gradually descends past the "Orchard" — an open grassy area dotted with ribbonwood trees — and continues to Earland Falls, which plunge 174 m. The trail passes close enough to walk at the base of the falls, though you will get wet; a safer alternative track further from the falls is clearly marked if water levels are high. The terrain becomes rocky after the falls, so watch your footing. The section ends at 4 Howden Hut, set in beech forest.
3.4 km 1 hr
A short climb through the forest brings you to a fork. Turning right leads directly to 4 The Divide car park and the end of the track. Turning left takes you on the optional Key Summit side trip, a boardwalk nature trail through alpine wetlands, past tarns and bogs, with expansive views over the Fiordland mountains. Key Summit adds roughly an hour to the day and is well worth it in clear weather.
Stay safe
[edit]Ensure you follow the precautions outlined on the Department of Conservation brochures and any other information provided to you. The track traverses approximately 10km of exposed alpine which can be dangerous.
Kea (mountain parrots) are common in alpine areas like the Kepler Track and Harris Saddle. While spectacular to watch, these birds are highly intelligent, cooperative, and destructive. They can quickly shred backpacks, boots, or clothing with their powerful beaks, often using group tactics to distract hikers while others raid gear.
To protect your equipment, never leave gear unattended or outside overnight. If taking a side trip, store your pack inside a designated emergency shelter. Finally, please do not feed the kea; they are a threatened species, and human food is harmful to them.
Go next
[edit]Other Great Walks:
Nearby places: