Explore New Zealand’s Most Scenic Mountain Pass
The Routeburn Track New Zealand is one of the country’s most celebrated Great Walks, stretching 33 km between Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. This remarkable trail connects some of New Zealand’s most dramatic and pristine alpine landscapes, with every bend offering a new view – from mossy beech forests and clear rivers to soaring peaks and open valleys.
One of the track’s highlights is Harris Saddle, the highest point of the walk, where hikers are rewarded with panoramic views over the Darran Mountains and the Hollyford Valley. Nearby, Lake Harris reflects the surrounding ridgelines in its crystal waters, offering one of the most photogenic spots on the track. Wildlife lovers will also enjoy encounters with native birds like the cheeky fantail, South Island robin, and the rare whio (blue duck), often seen along the rivers.
A Rewarding 3-Day Trek Through Fiordland Wilderness
Typically completed in three days, the Routeburn Track is well-marked and managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), with huts available for overnight stays at Routeburn Falls and Lake Mackenzie. These huts offer shelter, mattresses, toilets and communal cooking areas – but hikers must bring their own food and sleeping gear. Bookings are essential, especially during the Great Walks season from late October to April.
The walk can be started from either the Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy) or The Divide (near Te Anau), with transport options available to connect either end. The trail includes a mix of gradual climbs, alpine ridgelines, and forest descents, making it suitable for hikers with a moderate level of fitness. With its remote beauty and changing landscapes, the Routeburn is perfect for those seeking a shorter, alpine-focused Great Walk.
Top Highlights of the Routeburn Track New Zealand
- Hike 33 km between Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks
- Climb to Harris Saddle for panoramic alpine views
- Visit Lake Harris, a serene and scenic alpine lake
- Stay in DOC huts at Routeburn Falls and Lake Mackenzie
- Walk through ancient beech forests and tussock grasslands
- Spot native birds like the whio, tomtit, and fantail
- Traverse swing bridges over glacial rivers and waterfalls
- Enjoy views of the Hollyford Valley and Darran Mountains
- Start from either Glenorchy or The Divide near Te Anau
- Walk during Great Walks season (October–April) for best conditions
The Routeburn Track is a 33 km one-way Great Walk connecting Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. Known for its dramatic alpine scenery, turquoise rivers, and panoramic views, this 2–3 day hike is a favourite among independent walkers. With well-equipped DOC huts and a mix of forest, tussock, and mountain landscapes, it offers a rewarding yet manageable multi-day adventure through some of New Zealand’s most impressive backcountry.
3-Day Routeburn Track Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut (8.8 km, 3–4 hrs)
Begin your walk through lush beech forest, crossing swing bridges and passing crystal-clear rivers, before a steady climb to Routeburn Falls Hut.
Day 2: Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hut (11.3 km, 5–6 hrs)
Ascend above the bushline to Harris Saddle, the highest point on the track (1,255 m), with spectacular alpine views. Descend past Lake Mackenzie to the hut nestled in a stunning forested valley.
Day 3: Lake Mackenzie Hut to The Divide (12 km, 4–5 hrs)
Walk through ancient forest and open clearings with views of the Hollyford Valley. Pass Key Summit (optional side track) before finishing at The Divide on the Milford Road.
The huts along the Routeburn Track are designed to provide hikers with basic amenities and a comfortable resting place during their journey. Here is some information about the facilities typically available at these huts:
Sleeping Areas: The huts consist of communal bunk rooms with single or double bunk beds. Mattresses are provided, but you need to bring your own sleeping bag or hire one in advance.
Cooking Facilities: Each hut has a shared kitchen equipped with gas cookers, sinks, and basic cooking utensils. You can prepare and cook your own meals here. It is advisable to bring your own food supplies, as the huts do not provide meals or sell food.
Dining and Common Areas: Huts have communal dining areas where hikers can gather, eat, and socialize. These spaces usually have tables, benches, and sometimes even a fireplace or wood-burning stove for warmth.
Water Source: The huts are usually located near a freshwater source, such as a stream or lake. You can collect and purify water from these sources for drinking and cooking purposes. It is recommended to carry water purification methods or tablets.
Toilet Facilities: The huts have shared toilet facilities, which are usually composting or pit toilets. These toilets are basic but functional, and it's important to follow the provided instructions for proper usage and hygiene.
Heating and Lighting: The huts may have limited heating options, such as a wood-burning stove or gas heaters, especially during colder seasons. Lighting is typically provided by solar-powered or gas-powered lights, but it's advisable to bring a headlamp or flashlight for personal use.
Ranger Assistance: Some huts have resident rangers who can provide information, assistance, and emergency support if needed.
The Routeburn Track is teeming with notable landmarks and points of interest that draw hikers from all over the world. Here are some of them:
Routeburn Shelter: The starting point of the trail for those beginning from the Glenorchy side, this shelter provides parking and basic facilities.
Routeburn Flats: An expansive open area with stunning views of the Humboldt Mountains, offering a scenic spot for rest and relaxation.
Routeburn Falls Hut: Located near a spectacular waterfall, this hut is one of the most popular overnight stops on the track.
Lake Mackenzie Hut: This is another overnight stopping point on the trail, located near the serene and beautiful Lake Mackenzie.
Lake Howden Hut: This is often the final overnight stop for hikers on the track, surrounded by lush forest and located near the tranquil Lake Howden.
Preparing for a hike on the Routeburn Track involves both physical readiness and ensuring you have the necessary supplies and equipment. Here's what you need to do in preparation and what to bring:
Preparation:
- Physical Fitness: Build up your fitness level in the weeks leading up to the trek. The Routeburn Track involves a mix of flat and steep sections, so regular cardio exercise, such as jogging, cycling, and hill walking, will help a lot.
- Research: Familiarize yourself with the track's layout, including its huts, points of interest, and any potential danger spots. Check the Department of Conservation website for any recent notices about the trail's condition.
- Weather Forecast: Check the weather forecast close to your departure date. Keep in mind that weather in this region can change rapidly, so prepare for a variety of conditions.
- Reservations: The huts along the Routeburn Track are in high demand and must be booked during the Great Walks season, which runs from late October to late April. Reservations for the huts typically open in May or June, with peak periods booking out within minutes. To ensure a successful booking, it is crucial to make your reservation as early as possible, and providing a range of suitable dates. This will give the reservations team the best opportunity to secure a booking for you.
Emergency Plan: Let someone know about your hiking plans before you leave. This should include your expected itinerary and what to do if you don't return or check-in as planned.
What to Bring:
- Backpack: A sturdy backpack with enough capacity for all your gear, food, and water.
- Footwear: Waterproof, comfortable hiking boots that have been broken in.
- Clothing: Pack layers of clothing suitable for all types of weather. This should include quick-drying garments, thermal layers for warmth, and waterproof jacket and pants for rain.
- Food and Water: Carry enough high-energy food for all meals during your hike. Also, bring a water bottle or hydration bladder. Although water is available at the huts, it's a good idea to carry purification tablets or a filter as well.
- Sleeping Gear: A good quality, warm sleeping bag is a must. A sleeping pad is needed if you plan to camp.
- Cooking Supplies: If you plan to cook meals, bring your own pot, cutlery, and a lighter or matches. Cooking stoves are provided in the huts.
- First Aid and Personal Items: This includes a first aid kit, personal medications, toiletries, sunblock, insect repellent, and a torch or headlamp with spare batteries.
- Map and Compass: While the track is well-marked, it's good to have these for backup.
Remember, packing should be guided by the expected weather, personal needs, and a commitment to leave no trace. Be sure to pack out all your rubbish to help preserve the natural beauty of the Routeburn Track.
The Routeburn Track is a one-way track that can be accessed from both ends - the Routeburn Shelter near Glenorchy on the Queenstown side, and The Divide near Te Anau on the Milford Roadside.
Queenstown to Routeburn Shelter:
The Routeburn Shelter is about a 1-hour drive from Queenstown. There are several transport options:
Self-Drive: You can drive and park your vehicle at the Routeburn Shelter car park. However, as the track is one-way, you'll need to arrange transportation back to your vehicle from the end of the track.
Shuttle Services: Various companies offer scheduled shuttle services from Queenstown to the Routeburn Shelter. Many of these services also offer a pickup from The Divide at the end of your hike and transportation back to Queenstown.
Te Anau to The Divide:
The Divide is roughly a 1.5-hour drive from Te Anau. Again, there are several transport options:
Self-Drive: You can drive and park your vehicle at The Divide car park, but you'll need to arrange transport back to your vehicle after your hike.
Shuttle Services: There are shuttle services from Te Anau to The Divide, with pickups from Routeburn Shelter at the end of your hike and transportation back to Te Anau.
If you plan to start at the Routeburn Shelter and finish at The Divide (or vice versa), there are track transport services that offer vehicle relocation. They move your vehicle from your start point to the end point while you are on the track.
Remember to book your transport in advance, especially during the peak season. All driving times are approximate and can vary based on road conditions and traffic. It's always a good idea to allow extra time to ensure you catch your transport connections.
We offer the convenience of booking transportation along with various other services as a comprehensive package. These packages include transport or car rental relocation to and from the Routeburn Track, hut bookings, equipment rental, and even food provisions. We can accommodate most dietary requests. Opting for this package ensures that all the logistical aspects of your journey are well taken care of, making it a convenient choice.
