Routeburn Track Independent Walk Premium Package

Premium Hiking Gear

• Pack, pack liner and pack cover – 36–75 litre, adjustable & gender specific
• Sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner – Down filled, great weight to warmth ratio
• Inflatable pillow and cover
• Head lamp
• Cooking gear – pot, bowl, cup plus utensil set – Super light, compact and easy to use
• Thermos
• First aid kit
• Hiking poles – Expandable, 2 per set
• Easy Hike care packages – Insect repellent, sanitiser, earplugs, sunscreen
• Kitchen tidy including a sponge, towel, matches

Food Packages

OUR 4 DAYS, 3 NIGHTS PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 3 × Dinner & Dessert
• 3 × Breakfast
• 4 × Lunch
• Snacks & Drinks
• Extras – Just In Case

OUR 3 DAYS, 2 NIGHTS PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 2 × Dinner & Dessert
• 2 × Breakfast
• 3 × Lunch
• Snacks & Drinks
• Extras – Just In Case

OUR 2 DAYS, 1 NIGHT PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 1 × Dinner & Dessert
• 1 × Breakfast
• 2 × Lunch
• Snacks & Drinks
• Extras – Just In Case

Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. 

At DOC Huts along the Whanganui River, mattresses are provided, but visitors need to bring their own sleeping bags and bedding. During the summer season, there are gas cookers available, but travellers should bring their own cooking equipment. The huts have long drop toilets, but visitors need to bring their own toilet paper. It is important to note that even if a hut is booked, it is recommended to bring a tent or shelter as a backup in case of unexpected circumstances. Tent hire can be arranged if needed and requested during the booking process. Being prepared is essential for a safe and enjoyable journey along the river.

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 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.

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.

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, 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.