THE ROUTEBURN TRACK

Mountains, lush forests, alpine lakes and the famous Routeburn River

The Routeburn truly has a lot to offer and is one of the more diverse hiking trails out there. It's only 33km start to finish but with plenty of side trips on offer to make it feel like a proper 3 day adventure for those interested. Pristine lakes, fantastic alpine valleys, rivers with a dramatic blue hue and lush forests floors are some of the things to look forward to, not to mention the fantastic great walk huts.

Summary

Time to complete

2-3 Days

Accommodation style

Back-country hut OR Camping

Track type

One way (Shuttles required)

Distance

33km

Difficulty

Easy-Medium

Bookings required

Yes, except May-Oct

Highlights

Stunning beech tree forests
Cross over the Harris saddle, an alpine pass at almost 1300m elevation
Spend the night at some of our best equipped huts or campsites
Walk alongside and up to the source of the famous Routeburn River
Marvel at some of our best Alpine lakes
Take a side trip up up Key Summit or Connical Hill for 360 degree views over the surrounding landscapes

Page Navigation

Track info

Trip Guide

Gallery

All about the trail

The Routeburn Track is the second most popular ‘Great Walk’ hiking trail in Aotearoa after the Milford track and it really deserves its popularity. The track is typically walked from east to west, beginning a short drive from the small town Glenorchy and finishing on the highway between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

There's something for everyone on this trail. Beautiful forests, golden river flats, the famous Routeburn river with its stunning blue water, an alpine crossing, mossy cloud forest and a collection of stunning lakes along the way. All with an ever changing and impressive backdrop of the southern alps. There is also a decent amount of birdlife due to the extensive network of predator traps. If you're lucky you'll also come across some of Aotearoa's threatened bird species along the way such as the Kea and our smallest bird, the Rifleman.

Track condition
-Very good condition with easy hiking most of the track.
-Between Harris saddle and Lake Mackenzie the path does get a little rocky but is generally quite easy to walk

Optionals
-Walk up the Connical Hill side track for a great 360 degree view of the area
-Key Summit is another great side track to take for some excellent 360 degree views of the area

Getting there

The track is a one way track and so track transport needs to be arranged to and from the trail in advance. There are many shuttle companies operating to both ends of the trail and so you must find an option that suits your trip. Many people combine a trip to see Milford Sound at the end of their hike.

Trail start location: Routeburn Shelter

Trail finiah location: The Divide Shelter

Sleep

-Huts:

The huts are reasonably modern with great facilities. Flush toilets and cleaning equipment for dishes etc provided inside with wood burners for cold nights.

-Camping:

Only possible in the designated camping areas.

-Booking:

Bookings required for both huts and campsites.

-Back-country hut pass:

Cannot be used.

What To Take

As with the rest of the southern alps, the weather here is very unpredictable given its geographic location. Therefore even with a favourable forecast, plan for things to deteriorate just in case. Wet weather gear and warm layers are a.must all year round.

Summer | Example packing list

Spring + Autnum | Example packing list

Winter Hiking

Alpine gear required for the pass towards the end of may and onwards. Crampons and Ice axes need to be taken and check in at the visitor centre to determine any additional precautions.

Website And Other Links

Department of conservation website | Fiordland National Park Weather

Elevation Profile

Trip Guide

Day 1 | Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut

9.8km | 2.5-4 Hour

1.5-2.5hr | Routeburn Flats
The first day takes you up alongside the Routeburn river as it climbs up the valley, crossing the river a coupletimes. It is fairly easy going until Routeburn flats is reached in around 1.5-2.5 hours.

1-1.5hr | Routeburn Falls
From here the steep climb towards the Routeburn falls hut

Optional
-Many people stay at Routeburn Flats Hut instead of the busy Routeburn Falls hut. If staying here, heading up the North Branch track is an interesting side trip if you have plenty of spare time.
-There is a fantastic natural swimming pool just above the hut. Follow the track up to the top of the Routeburn Falls where you will see a small side track to the pool.

Day 2 | Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hut

11.3km | 4.5-6 Hours

2-3hr | Harris Saddle Shelter
From Routeburn falls hut, you quickly get above the tree line and enter a large valley which feels like a set from the Lord of the Rings movie. Continue up a lot of stairs and moderate inclines until you reach the Harria saddle, the highest point on the track.

2.5-3hr | Lake Mackenzie hut
After the saddle, the track flattens out and the mountain range above the Hollyford Valley is traversed towards Lake Mackenzie. There is a steep descent through a marvelous cloud forest right before reaching Lake Mackenzie.

Day 3 | Lake Mackenzie Hut to The Divide

12km | 4-5 Hours

The final day is mostly downhill and is under tree cover most of the way. There are a few notable points of interest along the way such as Earland Falls and Lake Howden plus many birdwatching opportunities for those interested.

Optionals - 1-2hr return
-Key Summit is a fantastic side trip to do, especially if you had lots of cloud cover between Harris Saddle and Lake Mackenzie Hut. Drop your main pack near the base of the climb to make it easier.
-Extend your trip by spending a night at McKellar Hut, which is a couple hours beyond Lake Howden OR adding the entire Caples Track (Guide coming soon)