Great Walks of New Zealand
Routeburn
South Island
The Routeburn Track is one of the most popular Great Walks in New Zealand, offering stunning views of the Southern and Fiordland National Park. The 33-kilometer track takes hikers through diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows to ancient forests and cascading waterfalls. One of the shortest but no less beautiful New Zealand Great Walks.
ROUTEBURN
Each track has its own story - click the links below to find out what awaits you
Quick Overview
Routeburn Track
The Routeburn track is located in Fiordland National Park in the South Island. It is one of the most popular Great Walks alongside the iconic Milford Track. The Routeburn Track is one of the shortest Great Walks at only 33kms and can be walked in either direction. The track should be attempted by most hikers during the Great Walk Season only from November to end of April. Outside of this season the walk should only be attempted by hikers with alpine experience due the risk of encountering ice, snow, short daylight hours, and potential avalanches.
Due to its popularity, to secure a booking you will need to book on the day the bookings open prior to the next Great Walks Season. It is not a loop track so you will need to start either at The Divide (close to Te Anau) or the Routeburn Shelter (close to Glenorchy). It is possible, for very fit and experienced hikers, to walk it in one day during the Great Walk season if you leave early, but know your limits and check the weather before heading off.
The Routeburn Track will give hikers breathtaking views of the Hollyford Valley and Darran Mountains, captivating lakes, waterfalls, and crystal-clear gorges. Whilst it's hard to pick a favorite Great Walk as they are all incredible in their own way, we think it is one of the most spectacular. Walking from The Divide to The Routeburn Shelter gives the best views but honestly, it's awesome no matter which direction you walk.
Most hikers will stay at the two large main huts on the track, Routeburn Falls Hut (48 bunks) and Lake Mackenzie Hut (50 bunks). Both have fires, running water, flushing toilets, and gas hobs with fuel to use during the great walks season. If camping, walkers will tend to stay at Routeburn Flats (20 bunks) /Campsite (30 campers) and at Lake Mackenzie campsite (18 campers).
What To Expect
From The Divide (near Te Anau) to Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy):
Day 1 - The Divide to Lake Mackenzie Hut - 12km / 4 to 5hrs 30mins
Day 1 will take approx 4-5 hours to Lake Mackenzie Hut. Hikers gradually ascend 3.4km through beech forest to Lake Howden where there used to be a DOC hut. From Lake Howden hikers will continue the steady ascent to Earland Falls and through 'The Orchard', a nice grassy area which is a great stop for lunch. It's an 8.6km from Lake Howden to the final destination at Lake Mackenzie Hut. The lake, although chilly, is a great place for a swim to freshen up.
Day 2 - Lake Mackenzie Hut to Routeburn Falls Hut - 11.3km / 4hrs 30mins to 6hrs
Day 2 will take around 6hrs of walking over 11.3km and is one of the most scenic parts of the track in good weather. Hikers will climb up a series of zig zags out of the valley to the exposed Hollyford Valley face. From here hikers get incredible views to the valley below and traverse the face towards Lake Harris. The Harris Shelter is a good place to rest or drop your packs and complete the 1hr 30 min – 2hr return side trip to Conical Hill. From here hikers descend to Routeburn Falls Hut with incredible views of the Routeburn Valley. The hut is situated on the side of the Routeburn Falls which is a great place for a pre-dinner swim.
Day 2 - Routeburn Falls Hut to Routeburn Shelter - 9.8km / 2hrs 30mins-4hrs
Day 3 is a nice and easy 9.3km descent to Routeburn Shelter and car park which should take approx 2hr 30min - 3hrs. The track is wide and cruisy and there is a great little stop at Forge Flats where you can have the last refreshing swim of the hike.
Check out The Mountain Safety Council video of The Routeburn Track here
Day Walk Options
It is possible to complete day walks on the Routeburn Track either at the beginning or end of the track. Walk in as far as you wish and return.
Suggestion:
Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut (return) - 18.6km / 5 -7 hrs - The drive from Queenstown to Routeburn shelter takes approx 1hr 10 mins. The track starts on an easy gradient as you cross multiple swing bridges under beech forest. A steady climb will begin just after the Routeburn Flats Hut but the track is wide, well-formed and easy to navigate. Have lunch at the Routeburn Falls and return downhill.
Difficulty
The Routeburn track is not too difficult compared to other Great Walks, and the climbs are not as challenging. As its one of the shortest Great Walks, this also makes hiking easier. Luckily, we had good weather for 2 of the days which certainly helped. Often experience and fit hikers who may have missed out on huts/campsites may choose to hike the track in one day.
Routeburn Track Elevation Profile
Source: Department of Conservation
Logistics & Bookings
The Routeburn Track is one of the most in demand Great Walks with huts/campsites booking out on the day the bookings open for the season. Throughout the year bookings may be cancelled and become available. Before you book anything, secure bookings for the huts/campsites first. For more information on Department of Conservation (DOC) huts/campsites and tips on securing bookings check out the BOOK IT section above or click the link below.
Track transport will need to be arranged as the Routeburn Track is not a loop track and The Divide and Routeburn Shelter are hundreds of kilometers apart by road. There are options for buses/shuttles and for your car to be relocated to the end of the track for you. Check out the BOOK IT sections above or click the link below for options.
Things We Learnt
1. Carry clothes pegs - we were soaked on the first day by the time we reached Lake Mackenzie. And in true style we are often the last to arrive, preferring to spend the day on the track. There are often clothes lines outside on the deck of the huts, but unless you have pegs to hang them, they will fall off or get pinched by a curious Kea (mountain parrot). They are a handy addition to your pack.
2. Pack more than one pair of socks - there is always one hiker who takes only one pair of socks and then has to dry them by the fire stinking out the whole hut. Socks don't take up a lot of room, take a few pairs and take care of your feet.
3. Be careful what you leave outside - Keas are cheeky little birdy thieves that will try and steal anything left outside. Tie your boots together and hang them up so they can't make off with them. Pack away items rather than leave them outside the hut or tent.
4. Leave early - ahem, yeah so, we didn't really have time for the Conical Hill return trip on Day 2 because of our casual departure from Lake MacKenzie Hut. If you are keen to do this, it is a 1hr 30 min – 2hr return side trip, so rise and shine and baby.
TIPS from the Crew
1. Don't forget your swimming gear for a dip in Lake McKenzie and the Routeburn Waterfalls.
2. Forge Flats is another great lunch spot and swimming hole between Routeburn Falls Hut and Routeburn Shelter.
3. There are lots of rivers and streams to get water on the second day between Lake McKenzie Hut and Routeburn Falls Hut, so you can carry less water this day to lighten your pack. The fresh alpine water tastes incredible.
