Frequently Asked Questions about New Zealand Travel

The Routeburn Track is a renowned 33-kilometre hiking trail in New Zealand's South Island, connecting Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park. It showcases the beauty of the Southern Alps through alpine meadows, beech forests, and mountain passes. With stunning views of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, it offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure. It's a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts seeking to experience New Zealand's natural beauty firsthand.

The Routeburn Track begins (or ends) halfway along the Milford Road, near The Divide, and extends to the Routeburn Shelter near Glenorchy, New Zealand.

To access the Routeburn Track, you have two options:

Routeburn Shelter:

• Location: About 25 km from Glenorchy.
• Access: Travel along a partially unsealed road
• Transportation: Arrange transportation from Glenorchy to Routeburn Shelter through transport operators.

The Divide Shelter:

• Location: Approximately 85 km from Te Anau.
• Access: Accessible via the Milford Road.
• Transportation: Organize transportation from Te Anau to The Divide Shelter through transport operators.

Remember that transportation is necessary at both ends of the track as it is not a circuit.

The Routeburn Track is 33 kilometres long, which is approximately 20 miles.

The Routeburn Track offers several highlights along its route. Some of the notable highlights include:

• Snow-Capped Peaks: Hikers on the Routeburn Track are treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, adding to the scenic beauty of the walk.
• Alpine Lakes: The track provides glimpses of sparkling alpine lakes, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
• Immense Valleys: Hikers will encounter vast valleys along the Routeburn Track, offering expansive and awe-inspiring landscapes.
• Routeburn River: The track follows the picturesque Routeburn River, providing opportunities to appreciate its beauty and serenity.

• Mt Tutoko: Hikers can enjoy views of Mt Tutoko, which is Fiordland's highest peak. This majestic mountain is a sight to behold along the track.
• Harris Saddle: At an elevation of 1,255 meters (4,117 feet) above sea level, Harris Saddle offers a magnificent viewpoint and is considered the track's highest point.

These highlights contribute to the ever-changing panorama that makes the Routeburn Track a popular choice for nature enthusiasts.

The Routeburn Track offers several walking options for visitors. Here are the details:

• Full Track: Walk the entire Routeburn Track from one end to the other. Most walkers take 3 days and 2 nights to complete the track, usually staying at Routeburn Falls Hut and Lake Mackenzie Hut. The total distance of the full track is approximately 33 km (one way).
• Extended Trip: You can extend your Routeburn experience by staying at additional huts along the track. This allows for a longer and more immersive journey.
• Circuit Option: The Routeburn Track can be made into a circuit by linking it with the Greenstone and Caples Tracks. These tracks start and finish near the Routeburn Shelter, providing a circular hiking route.

• Day Walks: Enjoy shorter walks along the Routeburn Track. Some popular day walks include the Earland Falls Track, Key Summit Track, Lake Howden Track, and Routeburn Nature Walk. These day walks offer opportunities to experience the track's highlights within a shorter timeframe.

Whether you choose to do the full track, an extended trip, a circuit, or opt for day walks, the Routeburn Track offers a variety of options to suit different preferences and time constraints.

The highest point on the Routeburn Track is Harris Saddle, which is located at an elevation of 1,255 metres (4,117 feet) above sea level. From this vantage point, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine landscapes.

The Routeburn Track is an intermediate-level hiking trail that requires a moderate level of fitness and hiking experience. It includes steep and rough sections, and hikers should be prepared for varying terrain and potentially slippery conditions. Outside of the Great Walks season, additional skills and equipment may be necessary. Prior preparation and assessing one's abilities are important before hiking the Routeburn Track.

Track is not recommended for children under the age of 10, due to the exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions.

Yes, it is possible to walk the Routeburn Track independently. Independent walkers have the option to stay in Department of Conservation (DOC) huts or tents along the track. However, it's important to note that during the Great Walks season (late October to late April), the track must be pre-booked, and bookings are essential for tent sites. Independent walkers will also need to arrange transportation, such as a bus or transfer service, as the track is not a circuit.

Typically, the Routeburn Track takes 3 days and 2 nights to complete. However, the duration can be customized based on individual preferences and fitness levels.

While it's possible to hike sections of the Routeburn Track in one day, completing the entire track in a single day is not recommended. The track is best experienced over the recommended 3-day duration. Consider hiking shorter sections or opting for day walks instead.

The Routeburn Track is near Glenorchy and Te Anau. Glenorchy offers various accommodation options and is located 45 minutes' drive from Queenstown. Te Anau is closer to the other end of the track and provides accommodation options near Lake Te Anau.

Yes, Te Anau is a recommended place to base yourself before or after hiking the Routeburn Track. It offers plenty of accommodation options near the picturesque Lake Te Anau. Additionally, Te Anau is known for its glowworms, nice restaurants, and being the gateway to Milford Sound, making it an appealing destination to stay for a few nights.

Weather conditions along the Routeburn Track can vary significantly depending on the time of year and the specific weather patterns in Fiordland National Park. It's important to be prepared for a range of weather conditions during your hike.

During the Great Walks season (1 November to 30 April), you can expect a mix of weather, including warm and sunny days, as well as periods of rain, wind, and cooler temperatures. Fiordland National Park is known for its high rainfall, with up to 9000 mm per year, so be prepared for wet weather at any time.

Yes, it is possible to hike the Routeburn Track in winter, but it is more challenging and hazardous. Winter hiking requires additional skills, experience, and proper equipment. Facilities along the track are reduced, and weather conditions can be harsh. It is recommended for experienced hikers only.

The accommodation options along the Routeburn Track include three huts: Routeburn Flats Hut, Routeburn Falls Hut, and Lake Mackenzie Hut. There are also two campsites available: Routeburn Flats Campsite and Lake Mackenzie Campsite. Bookings are required for all accommodations, and facilities include bunk beds, cooking facilities, toilets, and water sources (which require boiling before use). In addition to the huts and campsites, there is a guided tour operator that runs private lodges along the Routeburn Track. These private lodges offer alternative accommodation options for those seeking a more luxurious experience. These lodges provide comfortable amenities, including private rooms, gourmet meals, and personalized guided services. Booking arrangements for these private lodges can be made through the guided tour operator that operates them.

The campsites along the Routeburn Track offer basic facilities to accommodate visitors. Here are the available amenities:

• Non-Powered/Tent Sites: The campsites provide designated areas for pitching tents or setting up non-powered camping equipment.
• Shelter for Cooking: Each campsite has a sheltered area where visitors can prepare their meals. These cooking shelters typically include basic facilities like benches and tables.
• Toilets: The campsites have toilet facilities, ensuring basic sanitation for visitors.

• Water Supply: Water taps are available at the campsites for accessing water. However, it's important to note that the water is not treated, so it should be boiled before use for drinking or cooking.

Please keep in mind that campers at the campsites are not permitted to use the facilities provided in the nearby accommodations. Additionally, bookings are required for the campsites along the Routeburn Track, so it's important to plan and secure your camping spot in advance.

Yes, water sources such as rivers, streams, and lakes are available along the Routeburn Track. However, it is important to treat or boil the water before consumption to ensure it is safe to drink. Carry enough water between water sources, as availability may be limited in some sections.

Swimming in the lakes and rivers along the Routeburn Track is possible, but caution should be exercised. Check water conditions, consider safety hazards, and be aware of cold temperatures. Practice responsible outdoor ethics and prioritize your safety.

The Milford Track and the Routeburn Track are two of New Zealand's most famous and spectacular Great Walks, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking scenery. Here's a comparison of the two tracks:

• Scenery: Both tracks showcase breathtaking natural beauty, but they differ in their landscapes. The Milford Track is renowned for its dramatic fiords, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests, providing a more dramatic and diverse scenery. The Routeburn Track, on the other hand, takes hikers through alpine terrain with snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and sweeping valleys, offering stunning alpine vistas.
• Length and Duration: The Milford Track is longer, spanning approximately 53.5 km (33.2 miles), and typically takes 4 days to complete. In contrast, the Routeburn Track is shorter, measuring about 32 km (19.9 miles), and can be completed in 2-4 days depending on the pace and side trips taken.
• Accessibility: The starting points of the two tracks are different. The Milford Track starts at Glade Wharf and ends at Sandfly Point, accessible via a boat journey from Te Anau. The Routeburn Track can be accessed from either Routeburn Shelter near Glenorchy or The Divide Shelter along the Milford Road.
• Difficulty: The Milford Track is considered moderately challenging, with some steep sections and potentially harsh weather conditions. It requires a good level of fitness and stamina. The Routeburn Track is also moderately challenging, but it is generally more accessible to hikers of moderate ability.
• Facilities and Crowds: Both tracks are part of New Zealand's Great Walks network and offer accommodation facilities such as huts and campsites. However, the Milford Track tends to be more crowded and has a quota system for bookings due to its popularity. The Routeburn Track also attracts visitors but may have slightly fewer crowds.

Both tracks offer unforgettable experiences, and the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences, time available, fitness level, and the type of scenery you wish to encounter. Many hikers find it rewarding to explore both tracks to fully appreciate the beauty of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks.

Yes, you can indeed combine both the Milford Track and the Routeburn Track for an extended and awe-inspiring adventure in New Zealand. By connecting the end of the Routeburn Track to the start of the Milford Track, hikers can experience the diverse landscapes of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. Although this combined hike requires careful planning, it offers an unforgettable journey through breathtaking grandeur, stunning vistas, and natural beauty. Be well-prepared, and consider the increased distance, duration, and difficulty for a safe and rewarding exploration of these iconic Great Walks.

Great Walks huts are the most comfortable accommodation option on New Zealand’s Great Walk tracks. They typically include mattresses, running water, toilets, hand washing stations, and heating with fuel supplied. Some huts also offer solar lighting, cooking facilities with gas provided, and an on-site hut warden during the walking season.