South Island
NZ$1,710.00
One of the most popular and spectacular treks in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the Ball Pass Summit Walk is for experienced hikers.
Climb 850m up to the superbly located Caroline Hut, on the Ball Ridge, straight o...
Overview
The Routeburn Track for the 2024-2025 hiking season is now FULLY BOOKED.
We are now accepting waitlist applications for the 2025–2026 season. Please fill in the booking enquiry form, and we'll get back to you with the details.
Experience the Classic Routeburn Track and enjoy walking it in your own time on a Routeburn Track Premium Package Independent Walk in New Zealand. Considered one of the most well-located New Zealand Great Walks, the Routeburn Track connects Mount Aspiring National Park with Fiordland, which means you’re in the best spot to begin walking the trail beginning near Queenstown and ending close to Milford Sound (or the reverse).
At 32kms, the Routeburn Track is shorter in distance than some of the other New Zealand Great Walks, but it doesn’t fall short in stunning scenery. Walkers on the Routeburn Track will encounter sparkling waterfalls, moss-covered forests, breathtaking alpine and lake vistas, and magnificent mountain views. Listen to the call of native birds like bellbirds, robins, fantails and wood pigeons that make regular appearances on the track.
Putting together a hike like this by yourself can be challenging (this is where we can help), and if you’re planning to visit Milford and Queenstown as well, the Routeburn Track can easily work into your schedule and save you time spent sitting on a bus or in the car, which easily takes up more than five hours, one way. Instead, make better use of your own time schedule to see and do more. After you’ve come off the trail, put your spare camera battery and memory card space into capturing awe-inspiring scenery on photo stops along these two incredible scenic drives.
Your car (or a pre-arranged shuttle) meets you at the Routeburn Shelter at the end of your hike from the Divide Carpark (between Te Anau and Milford Sound). From the Divide, most walkers choose to start the Routeburn Track at around midday to allow enough time to explore Milford Sound beforehand, then finish around midday at the Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy/Queenstown).
Car Relocation:
Traveling independently provides unparalleled convenience, especially when on holiday. Having a car at your disposal allows you to explore at your own pace without being tied to rigid schedules or meeting times. Our car relocation service enhances this freedom, ensuring your vehicle is ready for your onward journey without backtracking or logistical hassles.
It’s a straightforward, secure option that takes care of insurance arrangements with your rental car company, making it ideal for groups seeking a cost-effective alternative to public transport. Plus, you’ll have the added comfort of fresh clothes and snacks waiting for you at the end of your trek.
How it works:
- Collect a key lockbox in Queenstown or Te Anau and attach it to your car when you park.
- Your car is relocated while you walk (typically over 3 to 4 days; for faster relocation, contact us or select same-day car relocation in extras).
- Drive away when you finish and return the lockbox to Queenstown or Te Anau on your way back.
NB: All Routeburn Track relocations include a $40 fuel top-up to ensure the distance between the start/finish of the track (approx. 324kms) can be covered, with plenty of fuel left in the tank for you to get back to a fuel station. A receipt for the purchase of fuel will be left in the vehicle after the relocation. If it isn’t necessary to top up the full $40, the balance will be refunded to you.
Details
Difficulty: 3
Hiking season: November to April
A moderate level of fitness is recommended.
Start: Queenstown
Finish: Queenstown
Includes:
- Accommodation: 3 nights in bunk accommodation in the Department of Conservation (DOC) Great Walks huts with shared facilities.
- Hut Booking Service: Space in the DOC huts is subject to availability.
- Hiking Gear Package (Premium): 4 days.
- Hiking Food Package: 3 days, 2 nights.
- Track Transport: Either car relocation (from the Divide to the Routeburn Shelter) or bus services (from Queenstown to the Divide, then from the Routeburn Shelter to Queenstown).
Premium Hiking Gear Package inclusions:
- Pack, pack liner, and pack cover (36–75 litre, adjustable, and gender-specific)
- Sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner (down-filled for an excellent weight-to-warmth ratio)
- Inflatable pillow with a cover
- Headlamp
- Cooking gear including a pot, bowl, cup, and utensil set (super light, compact, and easy to use)
- Thermos
- First aid kit
- Hiking poles (expandable, 2 per set)
- Easy Hike care packages containing insect repellent, sanitiser, earplugs, and sunscreen
- Kitchen tidy essentials, including a sponge, towel, and matches
Premium Hiking Food Package inclusions:
3 Days, 2 Nights:
- 2 x Dinner & Dessert
- 2 x Breakfast
- 3 x Lunch
- Snacks & Drinks
- Extras – Just In Case
Not included:
-
Hiking boots, clothing, rain jacket, rain pants, and personal belongings.
Pricing:
Cost per person
October 2025 - April 2026
- 3 Days/2 Nights: NZ$1,495
Payments:
- A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure and confirm a booking.
- Final payment is due 60 days before the travel start date.
Cancellation Policy:
- Outside 8 weeks from date of hike departure: 75% refund
- Between 8 – 2 weeks of the date of hike departure: 50% refund
- Between 2 weeks – 3 days of the date of hiking departure: 25% refund
- Within 48 hours (NZ time) of the date of hiking departure: No refund
Please note: Credit card and booking fees, if applicable, are non-refundable. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.
Currency ConverterOverview
The Routeburn Track for the 2024-2025 hiking season is now FULLY BOOKED.
We are now accepting waitlist applications for the 2025–2026 season. Please fill in the booking enquiry form, and we'll get back to you with the details.
Experience the Classic Routeburn Track and enjoy walking it in your own time on a Routeburn Track Premium Package Independent Walk in New Zealand. Considered one of the most well-located New Zealand Great Walks, the Routeburn Track connects Mount Aspiring National Park with Fiordland, which means you’re in the best spot to begin walking the trail beginning near Queenstown and ending close to Milford Sound (or the reverse).
At 32kms, the Routeburn Track is shorter in distance than some of the other New Zealand Great Walks, but it doesn’t fall short in stunning scenery. Walkers on the Routeburn Track will encounter sparkling waterfalls, moss-covered forests, breathtaking alpine and lake vistas, and magnificent mountain views. Listen to the call of native birds like bellbirds, robins, fantails and wood pigeons that make regular appearances on the track.
Putting together a hike like this by yourself can be challenging (this is where we can help), and if you’re planning to visit Milford and Queenstown as well, the Routeburn Track can easily work into your schedule and save you time spent sitting on a bus or in the car, which easily takes up more than five hours, one way. Instead, make better use of your own time schedule to see and do more. After you’ve come off the trail, put your spare camera battery and memory card space into capturing awe-inspiring scenery on photo stops along these two incredible scenic drives.
Your car (or a pre-arranged shuttle) meets you at the Routeburn Shelter at the end of your hike from the Divide Carpark (between Te Anau and Milford Sound). From the Divide, most walkers choose to start the Routeburn Track at around midday to allow enough time to explore Milford Sound beforehand, then finish around midday at the Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy/Queenstown).
Car Relocation:
Traveling independently provides unparalleled convenience, especially when on holiday. Having a car at your disposal allows you to explore at your own pace without being tied to rigid schedules or meeting times. Our car relocation service enhances this freedom, ensuring your vehicle is ready for your onward journey without backtracking or logistical hassles.
It’s a straightforward, secure option that takes care of insurance arrangements with your rental car company, making it ideal for groups seeking a cost-effective alternative to public transport. Plus, you’ll have the added comfort of fresh clothes and snacks waiting for you at the end of your trek.
How it works:
- Collect a key lockbox in Queenstown or Te Anau and attach it to your car when you park.
- Your car is relocated while you walk (typically over 3 to 4 days; for faster relocation, contact us or select same-day car relocation in extras).
- Drive away when you finish and return the lockbox to Queenstown or Te Anau on your way back.
NB: All Routeburn Track relocations include a $40 fuel top-up to ensure the distance between the start/finish of the track (approx. 324kms) can be covered, with plenty of fuel left in the tank for you to get back to a fuel station. A receipt for the purchase of fuel will be left in the vehicle after the relocation. If it isn’t necessary to top up the full $40, the balance will be refunded to you.
Itinerary
Open AllDay 1Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hutapprox. 3-4 hours/9.8 km
Please Note: This hike can be done in either direction, depending on hut availability.
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 2 Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hutapprox. 4.5–6 hrs/11.3 km
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 3Lake Mackenzie Hut to The Divideapprox. 4-5.5 hrs/12 km
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).
The track continues down past Lake Howden and through beech forests to finally join the Milford Road at the Divide.
Your car (or a pre-arranged shuttle) meets you at the Routeburn Shelter at the end of your hike from the Divide Carpark (between Te Anau and Milford Sound).
Side Trip: Key Summit
This popular walk climbs above the bushline to an alpine wetland and, in good weather, offers magnificent views of the Darran Mountains and the Hollyford valley. A self-guided alpine nature walk passes a range of native vegetation: beech forest, subalpine shrublands and alpine tarnsand bogs. Birdlife is prolific and tomtits, robins, New Zealand pigeons/kererū and bellbirds/korimako are commonly seen.
At the Divide you will be picked up and returned to Queenstown.
Cost per person
October 2025 - April 2026
- 3 Days/2 Nights: NZ$1,495
Payments:
- A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure and confirm a booking.
- Final payment is due 60 days before the travel start date.
Cancellation Policy:
- Outside 8 weeks from date of hike departure: 75% refund
- Between 8 – 2 weeks of the date of hike departure: 50% refund
- Between 2 weeks – 3 days of the date of hiking departure: 25% refund
- Within 48 hours (NZ time) of the date of hiking departure: No refund
Please note: Credit card and booking fees, if applicable, are non-refundable. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.
Itinerary
Open AllDay 1Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hutapprox. 3-4 hours/9.8 km
Please Note: This hike can be done in either direction, depending on hut availability.
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 2 Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hutapprox. 4.5–6 hrs/11.3 km
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 3Lake Mackenzie Hut to The Divideapprox. 4-5.5 hrs/12 km
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).
The track continues down past Lake Howden and through beech forests to finally join the Milford Road at the Divide.
Your car (or a pre-arranged shuttle) meets you at the Routeburn Shelter at the end of your hike from the Divide Carpark (between Te Anau and Milford Sound).
Side Trip: Key Summit
This popular walk climbs above the bushline to an alpine wetland and, in good weather, offers magnificent views of the Darran Mountains and the Hollyford valley. A self-guided alpine nature walk passes a range of native vegetation: beech forest, subalpine shrublands and alpine tarnsand bogs. Birdlife is prolific and tomtits, robins, New Zealand pigeons/kererū and bellbirds/korimako are commonly seen.
At the Divide you will be picked up and returned to Queenstown.
