Routeburn Track Independent Walk

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4 or 5 Days - Routeburn Track - from Queenstown

Like the idea of having everything arranged for you but walking independently? Our unguided walking track package give you more time to enjoy this stunning hiking track, letting you experience this New Zealand "Great Walk" to the full!

The Routeburn Track New Zealand Independent Walk traverses wild and scenic mountain country in Fiordland National Park, between the Hollyford and Dart valleys at the base on New Zealand's Southern Alps. Independent walkers stay in DOC huts, situated at Lake Howden, Lake Mackenzie and Routeburn Flats or Routeburn Falls. These huts must be booked.

Itinerary  - 33kms Walking

Day 1       Arrive Queenstown

Check in to your accommodation in Queenstown. At 3pm there is a pre-walk briefing at our Queenstown Office.

Day 2       Queenstown to Routeburn Falls Hut           3-4hrs     8.8km walk
A 9am transfer from Queenstown via Glenorchy to the beginning of the Routeburn Track. This well formed, easily graded track begins to climb steadily up the gorge after about half an hour through red, silver and mountain beech forest into the narrow Routeburn Gorge, then around the open, grassed Routeburn Flats. Past Sugarloaf Stream the track is the remnant of the old bridle path built in the 1870s.

From Routeburn Flats, there is a steady grade, through red beech forest, then silver and mountain beech and onto the cooler, higher slopes. The track re-enters the bush to the Routeburn Falls Hut.

Day 3     Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake McKenzie Hut  6-7hrs    11.3km walk
The track rises steadily past waterfalls, alpine lakes and rock studded basins to the Route Burn at its outlet from Lake Harris and then across the Harris Saddle (1277 metres). This sub-alpine section of track is above the bush line and very exposed and can be extremely hazardous in adverse weather conditions. Be sure that you heed the advice of conservation staff in such conditions. Allow one to two hours for the climb. Sub-alpine herbs and cushion plants are a feature of the vegetation, please keep to the track, especially around Harris Saddle, to protect these very fragile plants in the vicinity.

On a fine day a short rewarding climb from the Harris Saddle up Conical Hill offers views of all points of the compass, the Hollyford Valley through to Lake Mckerrow, the Darran Mountains, Martins Bay and the Tasman Sea, and down the Routeburn. Allow 1 to 2 hours for the return trip.

Past the Harris Saddle emergency shelter and toilet the track drops steeply down a gully from the saddle and traverses along the exposed Hollyford face, before descending on a well-formed series of zigzags leading down to Lake Mackenzie Hut.

Day 4    Lake Mackenzie Hut to Lake Howden Hut       5-6hrs    12.2 km walk
It's a leisurely walk this morning down to Howden Hut. The track climbs for about 30 minutes then sidles along the mountain face to Earland Falls and Howden Hut. It provides great views of the Hollyford Valley and passes through silver beech forest. Stop and listen for the bush robins, tomtits or the wood pigeons.

After lunch, climb the 919m Key Summit. This fragile alpine area has an amazing array of plants which flourish here, such as orchids, bog pines and bog daisies, with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes. before arriving at the Divide to catch the 4.20pm coach back to Queenstown. (This option is the 4 day/4 night package).

Milford Sound Option

Day 4      Lake Mackenzie Hut to Lake Howden Hut       5-6hrs    12.2 km walk

As above except accommodation is booked at Howden Hut for your 3^rd night on the track. This option gives you more time to take in the views or enjoy a leisurely morning at Lake Mackenzie, or relax around Howden Hut with ample time the next morning to catch a bus to Milford Sound.

Day 5       Lake Howden Hut to Queenstown
The track continues down past Lake Howden and through beech forests to finally join the Milford Road at the Divide. Here you will be picked up and taken onto Milford Sound where you board a cruise to take in the sights of the world famous Milford Sound and Mitre Peak. Complementary tea and coffee and a licensed bar are on board the purpose built vessel and a picnic lunch is included in your package so you have fresh sandwiches after your walking adventure.

After your Milford Sound cruise, your luxury coach returns to Queenstown with a short comfort stop in Te Anau. Reclining seats and ample leg room mean it's hard to stay awake on the journey home. You will arrive back at your hotel in Queenstown early evening for a well deserved shower and choice of dining options!

Note: Extra night's accommodation are available in Queenstown before and after your tour, prices are available on request.

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