Routeburn Track
Routeburn Track
5
About
Great Walks season is October - April (see website for exact dates). Outside this period facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional safety hazards to consider. Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- JMR926Melbourne, Australia102 contributionsSpectacular Mountains, Waterfalls & GlaciersWe started our half-day hike in Mount Aspiring National Park from the Routeburn Shelter trail head and hiked to Routeburn Flats Hut to view a snowcapped Somnus. Mount Aspiring NP is a "dreamland of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes and waterfalls" with distant views of the Remarkables. This was an easy 4 hour return hike.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 March 2024
- Sparcs07Epsom, United Kingdom1,213 contributionsExcillerating challenge, rewarding and a memory for lifeI only had a day, so walked from the Routeburn shelter up-to the Harris Shelter ( Summit) and back .. Reading past reviews, I made sure I would arrive and start my walk by 07:30 … 1hr 10 min drive from Queenstown in the dark. Drive the final part of the track to the Routeburn track at daybreak, knowing it’s a rough road and I needed to drive very slowly.. Starting out from the shelter to the Routeburn Flats took 90mins , nice and refreshing and easy flat walk, as it’s a valley a bit damp so had coat on . The climb to Routeburn Falls was challenging, constant uphill loose footing , but spectacular views of valley. By 10:00 I had arrived and took a much needed 20min rest and drink . Great views from balcony and friendly staff .. The final leg to the Harris shelter - wow , you climb up next to a small water fall and then you seem to be in the highlands of Scotland. Stunning , weather seemed to change with the sunlight, as I slowly climbed . With some tougher steep sections to Lake Harris . The final 30mins we turned away from the sun, and had yet another weather change with bleak cloud as we hit the summit . The Harris Shelter is not manned , but a place to warm up and rest, speaking to other walkers. 12:00 I had completed my mission and within 3hr 30min was back at the carpark . Note I had a daypack, the real climbers were carrying much more, and sleeping in the cabins so moving slower. Tips - dress for cold wet and sun , so carry clothes for both, carry and eat energy bars and take your time on the loose boulders .. This suits all ages and skills, just be careful on some sections .Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 1 April 2024
- Colin D123 contributionsBeautiful hike/climb through lush forestsThis is a famous three day hike through the mountains and forests of southern New Zealand. We did just one day of the hike starting at the trailhead which is one and a quarter hour’s drive from Queenstown. It took us a little over two hours to get to the Routeburn Flats Huts and Campsite and another hour and a half up steeper terrain to get to the Routeburn Falls Hut. A few of us continued upwards to Harris Saddle for another hour and a half. Coming down took almost three hours. This is a beautiful hike through lush beech forests with views of snow capped peaks. It’s not easy and was a little more than we bargained for with 12 and 16 year olds. Still, they had a huge sense of achievement. We left at 9 am and got back to the car park at 7 pm!Visited December 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 December 2024
- Donald MGlencoe, Illinois13 contributionsA MustThe highlight of our 3 weeks in New Zealand! We were a group of 14 w 4 outstanding young, knowledgable, personable guides! Nick, Lindsay, Craig and Tom. 10 plus miles first 2 days and 7 last day. We are both in mid 70s and pretty fit. Yes hike was challenging w terrain more then stamina. The scenery was beyond Epic! Both small lodges comfy, clean and food very good. There are always options at meals. A must for do !!! Thank You to our outstanding guides!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Visited February 2025Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 February 2025
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5.0
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Cherie Thomas
55 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Absolutely spectacular 3 day tramp through varied flora and fauna. Even saw deer on the horizon, 5 kaka playing above us on the track and heard that brilliant sound of the kea high in the hills. Special sing out to TRACKHOPPER as they relocated our car from Queenstown to The Divide so it was waiting for us when we came off the track. Brilliant communication from Kiyomi right from the time of booking , a truly seamless service that we would highly recommend.
Written 8 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wayfarer Travel Co
Hobart, Australia279 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
What an excellent hike. We did it over 2 nights and 3 days starting at the Routeburn Shelter. 2 of the 3 days were beautiful weather. The 2nd day was forecaster for 100mm of rain, and it certainly felt like it. We got to the Lake Mackenzie hut not soggy but drenched. Didn't get too much in terms of views but the waterfalls were amazing. Due to poor weather we didn't make it up Conical Hill but on day 3 we did go up Key Summit which had extraordinary views. What a fabulous 3 days in Mount Aspiring and Fiordlands National Parks. The ranger at Lake Mackenzie has been there for over 21 years and is very passionate about bird conservation which was amazing to hear
He even started his own program and has got a lot of support!!
Here's to the next Great Walk in NZ!!
He even started his own program and has got a lot of support!!
Here's to the next Great Walk in NZ!!
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SD2606
Christchurch, New Zealand2,442 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Rad Routeburn
I completed this Great Walk over three days the first week of November.
We walked about 10-12km a day, with the total being about 30km.
We had a terrible forecast for weather and it turned out to be quite bad.
We had snow (!) and a lot of rain.
So much rain that the waterfalls grew and became quite the dominating feature!
There were a few slips on the track and some sections of the track were closed. There was a detour track which you had to take ‘off roading/off piste’.
One girl broke her arm and a helicopter was arranged to come and pick her up.
Without sounding obnoxious, I am very fit and found that track to be very enjoyable and quite easy.
The uphill sections weren’t too long and weren’t too strenuous.
Most of the track was in excellent condition, like a glorified foot path.
At both huts there was a doc ranger who did a talk in the evening. Very informative and entertaining.
The huts have running water (boil before drinking) and gas in the kitchen.
The ablution block had flushing toilets which was a treat.
There was a long drop toilet positioned along the walk which was a nice surprise.
I would advise any one who wants to do the walk to:
Do some training prior to the trip. Walk 10km at least 2-3 times a week for two months prior – with a weighted pack (15kg)
Take clothing for all weather (ie snow and rain!)
Take extra food in case you get stuck in a hut for a night because of bad weather (we got out just in time)
I completed this Great Walk over three days the first week of November.
We walked about 10-12km a day, with the total being about 30km.
We had a terrible forecast for weather and it turned out to be quite bad.
We had snow (!) and a lot of rain.
So much rain that the waterfalls grew and became quite the dominating feature!
There were a few slips on the track and some sections of the track were closed. There was a detour track which you had to take ‘off roading/off piste’.
One girl broke her arm and a helicopter was arranged to come and pick her up.
Without sounding obnoxious, I am very fit and found that track to be very enjoyable and quite easy.
The uphill sections weren’t too long and weren’t too strenuous.
Most of the track was in excellent condition, like a glorified foot path.
At both huts there was a doc ranger who did a talk in the evening. Very informative and entertaining.
The huts have running water (boil before drinking) and gas in the kitchen.
The ablution block had flushing toilets which was a treat.
There was a long drop toilet positioned along the walk which was a nice surprise.
I would advise any one who wants to do the walk to:
Do some training prior to the trip. Walk 10km at least 2-3 times a week for two months prior – with a weighted pack (15kg)
Take clothing for all weather (ie snow and rain!)
Take extra food in case you get stuck in a hut for a night because of bad weather (we got out just in time)
Written 9 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GaryandLesleyTravel
Auckland Central, New Zealand7,814 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Our 5th Great Walk and in my opinion the most spectacular in regards to scenery. Following advice from previous walkers we started at the Divide walking towards Glenorchy a decision we were happy with. Although the weather was not the best the walk was still stunning and of course with rain come waterfalls. The huts at both Lake MacKenzie and Routeburn Falls were very good and waking up to snow falling at the later was beautiful and again glad we were going down from here and not up. The transport to the beginning and pick up at the end all worked seamlessly and was much appreciated. We hired a locator beacon from DOC for this walk as there is no cell coverage on it.
Written 1 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren T
2 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We recently completed the Routeburn Track from Routeburn Shelter car park to the Divide. We experienced the expected 2/3 days of rain, which only added to the dramatic vistas.
We used TrackHopper to relocate our car and would highly recommend this service. Mike and Kiyomi communicated promptly beforehand and delivered our car with a full tank, note with petrol receipt, and service checklist. We even bumped into Kiyomi in the Routeburn Shelter car park, who was extremely friendly and offered some local knowledge before starting the track. The convenience and quality of service more than justify the cost as compared to the shuttle. An awesome, Glenorchy-based small business!
We used TrackHopper to relocate our car and would highly recommend this service. Mike and Kiyomi communicated promptly beforehand and delivered our car with a full tank, note with petrol receipt, and service checklist. We even bumped into Kiyomi in the Routeburn Shelter car park, who was extremely friendly and offered some local knowledge before starting the track. The convenience and quality of service more than justify the cost as compared to the shuttle. An awesome, Glenorchy-based small business!
Written 25 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank Rizzo
Auckland, New Zealand162 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
The scenery on this hike is absolutely magnificent. We were blessed with perfect weather though so that did make a difference. You can hike it in either direction but we did East to West over three days. We also camped so this left us with a short and easy first day and a hard second day. Campsites are simple but in superb locations. There are lots of streams along the way to fill water bottles. I found the hike a bit harder than expected, there's some fairly hefty climbs and I hadn't appreciated how tricky the descent was down to Lake Mackenzie on the second day. Very rocky, with some large drops down which was a little arduous with a large pack. Overall a stunning walk and you get to see Kea and South Island robins too!
Written 1 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasper050
Cheltenham, UK258 contributions
Dec 2019
Walked this in Summer from the Divide end and was a highlight of our holiday.
The walk is beautiful in may ways from lakes, to mountains, to woods, to open plains and river views as well as many waterfalls and would recommend to anyone as long as they respect that this is mountain terrain so you need to be prepared for all weathers.
We are fit regular hikers and would still recommend doing it over three days to enjoy and take the diversions to the alternative summits. Would also recommend going from the divide.
Take plenty of provisions and enjoy being with nature with no mobile signal or internet.
The main huts have cold (very) running water and flush toilets and stoves and of course the bunks, which at McKenzie can be four next to each other to make a very large four man bed - very cosy!. And that is it. You will need to book these in advance as they can soon get booked up. On a clear night you can enjoy the night time constellations without the light pollution.
Thoroughly recommend Trackhopper who can relocate your vehicle including hired campers to the end. They provide a very efficient and reliable service which has also been used by friends previously. They will also assist in relocating any kit hired at Bevs in Te Anau - again another small business I strongly recommend for hiring tramping kit.
The walk is beautiful in may ways from lakes, to mountains, to woods, to open plains and river views as well as many waterfalls and would recommend to anyone as long as they respect that this is mountain terrain so you need to be prepared for all weathers.
We are fit regular hikers and would still recommend doing it over three days to enjoy and take the diversions to the alternative summits. Would also recommend going from the divide.
Take plenty of provisions and enjoy being with nature with no mobile signal or internet.
The main huts have cold (very) running water and flush toilets and stoves and of course the bunks, which at McKenzie can be four next to each other to make a very large four man bed - very cosy!. And that is it. You will need to book these in advance as they can soon get booked up. On a clear night you can enjoy the night time constellations without the light pollution.
Thoroughly recommend Trackhopper who can relocate your vehicle including hired campers to the end. They provide a very efficient and reliable service which has also been used by friends previously. They will also assist in relocating any kit hired at Bevs in Te Anau - again another small business I strongly recommend for hiring tramping kit.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt Burns
1 contribution
Jan 2023
Easyhike was brilliant - really helpful and went out of their way to take our booking when they were in the middle of moving offices. The car was waiting for us as soon as we finished our hike, so it was great to be able to head back to Te Anau without waiting for a bus. Would definitely recommend!
Written 23 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
123Alison456
Cromwell, New Zealand43 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Wow is a word I repeatedly said describing every corner of this tramp. When else do you get to walk in two National Parks on a Great Walk.
Starting at Glenorchy end of the track and finishing the three day tramp at the Divide. We were greeted by Keas at Routeburn Shelter so we’re pleased that we had arranged Trackhopper to relocate our car, fantastic team highly recommend.
Day one is a pleasant walk through to Flats hut nice spot for a picnic lunch and then a steady climb to the sublime Falls hut. Take ear plugs if you are easily disturbed by snoring.
Great facilities and Ranger John is really nice with amazing stories.
Day two again is Wow! With the walk up to Harris Saddle. On your way up you pass the amazing Lake Harris that is gorgeous before crossing through the saddle and reaching the Fiordland National Park and the Harris Saddle.
Found Fiordland side a lot harder going with the path narrowing and with rocky pathways. Make sure you are well equipped with good walking boots that are well broken in. Walking poles help. I found my gaiters with metal loops under my boots a hindrance as caught on rocks and branches.
When walking down to Mackenzie hut make sure you stop and turn back as the view behind you changes so much.
Overall this is an amazing tramp, you do need a reasonably good level of fitness, be prepared for all weather it is an alpine crossing after all.
Starting at Glenorchy end of the track and finishing the three day tramp at the Divide. We were greeted by Keas at Routeburn Shelter so we’re pleased that we had arranged Trackhopper to relocate our car, fantastic team highly recommend.
Day one is a pleasant walk through to Flats hut nice spot for a picnic lunch and then a steady climb to the sublime Falls hut. Take ear plugs if you are easily disturbed by snoring.
Great facilities and Ranger John is really nice with amazing stories.
Day two again is Wow! With the walk up to Harris Saddle. On your way up you pass the amazing Lake Harris that is gorgeous before crossing through the saddle and reaching the Fiordland National Park and the Harris Saddle.
Found Fiordland side a lot harder going with the path narrowing and with rocky pathways. Make sure you are well equipped with good walking boots that are well broken in. Walking poles help. I found my gaiters with metal loops under my boots a hindrance as caught on rocks and branches.
When walking down to Mackenzie hut make sure you stop and turn back as the view behind you changes so much.
Overall this is an amazing tramp, you do need a reasonably good level of fitness, be prepared for all weather it is an alpine crossing after all.
Written 22 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aussieastrogirl
Jervis Bay, Australia3,489 contributions
Feb 2023
See my review in Ultimate hikes.
The Routeburn is a tough track. We are a small group in our 60s and fairly fit. We went after school was back. Not many people on the track.
We had great weather but heard stories about the week before and you need to be prepared for all conditions. The scenery was spectacular and we saw lots of birdlife and beautiful flowering plants. Most of the Routeburn is a single track with a steep drop off on one side. We didn’t have trouble with sandflies but I did spray my shoes and pack with picaridin daily.
Anyone with moderate fitness (able to walk up stairs for 1 hr but huffs and puffs a bit) can do the walk but it is much more enjoyable if you have good fitness (able to walk up stairs for 1 hr with heart rate below 120 and no huffing and puffing). Some people we walked with found the down hill sections challenging others found the uphill sections challenging. Of course others just breezed through the lot!
We walked from the Divide to the Routeburn Shelter. I thought this was a good direction to go. The first hour of the first day from the Divide is up a very steep track. The first hour and a half of the second day from Lake Mackenzie Hut is up steep rough “stairs”. The third day was "mostly" downhill.
There is lots of drinkable water on the track but we filled up each morning at the lodge and didn’t need refills. There were enough facilities along the track to make a comfort stop in the bush unnecessary. We did the track in 3 days. This gave us enough time to enjoy just being there. Great walk.
The Routeburn is a tough track. We are a small group in our 60s and fairly fit. We went after school was back. Not many people on the track.
We had great weather but heard stories about the week before and you need to be prepared for all conditions. The scenery was spectacular and we saw lots of birdlife and beautiful flowering plants. Most of the Routeburn is a single track with a steep drop off on one side. We didn’t have trouble with sandflies but I did spray my shoes and pack with picaridin daily.
Anyone with moderate fitness (able to walk up stairs for 1 hr but huffs and puffs a bit) can do the walk but it is much more enjoyable if you have good fitness (able to walk up stairs for 1 hr with heart rate below 120 and no huffing and puffing). Some people we walked with found the down hill sections challenging others found the uphill sections challenging. Of course others just breezed through the lot!
We walked from the Divide to the Routeburn Shelter. I thought this was a good direction to go. The first hour of the first day from the Divide is up a very steep track. The first hour and a half of the second day from Lake Mackenzie Hut is up steep rough “stairs”. The third day was "mostly" downhill.
There is lots of drinkable water on the track but we filled up each morning at the lodge and didn’t need refills. There were enough facilities along the track to make a comfort stop in the bush unnecessary. We did the track in 3 days. This gave us enough time to enjoy just being there. Great walk.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
punyty
Budapest, Hungary
Hi, I might don't find something, but how is it possible that the only transportation between The Divide and Routeburn shelter car park is via soooo expensive bus? It costs 160 AUD per person. We don't have such a lot of money for a bus trip, is there any other options? We will have a rented car and we have to somehow get back there. (I found car relocation companies, but it is more expensive than the bus). Only millionare people hike in New Zealand? Thanks for the recommendations.
Written 23 November 2024
Recommendations on doing the Routeburn Track to Harris Saddle return in one day in late October?
Written 25 October 2021
Hi, I'm doing track in late March, finishing at the divide before getting bus back to Queenstown. Would you recommend rushing and getting the 10.10am bus or taking time and catching the 15.15pm bus. Thanks.
Written 30 December 2019
The drive back to QT is approx 3.5 hours from the divide
The walk from Mackensie to Divide is about 5 hours total or Howden is 1 hour ......so depending where your staying perhaps the 15.15 bus would be advisable for Mackensie
It’s a wonderful section so don’t rush it 😀
Written 1 January 2020
Hi I’m 65 years old in good shape don’t mind steep sections but don’t like the idea of narrow paths where I am right on the edge . How is Routeburn Track regarding that concern ?
Written 29 November 2019
We walked the Routeburn last weekend. There are some sections where there are big drops but the path is normally quite wide so you aren't teetering on the edge. I can't recall many narrow places. There are a few short swing bridges.
Written 24 December 2020
Hi
We are planning on a one day hike from glenorchy.
Can we do it by ourself or do we need a guide
Is there any entrance to the national park if so is it open on dec 25 th. We are planning to do this on Christmas Day .
Written 14 September 2019
No need for a guide the track will be busy as peak season
Couple of hours to first hut or for a real challenge hike to Harris saddle and back about four hours each way
Written 26 September 2019
Hi, what huts would you recommend staying at when completing the walk in 3days starting from the divide? Thanks
Written 9 June 2019
I would recommend Routeburn Falls & Lake Mackenzie Huts. You may find this brochure useful - has all the information
Written 8 July 2019
thank you for your post on the routeburn trek. we are planning on hiking the milford, kepler and routeburn hikes. did you do the routeburn from the divide to the shelter or the other way? we would be coming from te anau if we separate the milford and the routeburn hike for 1 day to rest, wash and restock food. would you recommend doing the right after each other or a rest day? any other suggestions would be very much appreciated
Written 14 May 2019
It all depends on your fitness but doing it the next day is fine
Written 25 June 2019
How much is the cheapest option for transport from The divide back to the Shelter? Do you have any recommendations next to the official transport buses?
Written 26 December 2018
For two of us it seemed worth it to pay for car relocation... not that much more than the bus and much more convenient. We used EasyHike and they were great!
Written 22 January 2019
I was wondering if this is doable in one day. I'm not keen on staying in a hut- I have sleep issues! We are very fit- run marathons etc. How difficult is the trail? Thanks!
Written 31 July 2018
When we did the track there were a few fit people that were doing it in a day, looked like a long day but as you say you are fit it is very do-able. The track itself is wide and well marked.
Written 1 August 2018
Hi guys I am looking to do this hike as well as a few others this upcoming june/july would you recommend it? We have quite good hiking gear - just saw that the avalanche warnings are in place for those months - has anybody any experiences to share/opinions? Many thanks
Written 12 May 2018
Sorry, I did not receive this notice earlier in my email. just noticed while I logged in TA. Had you been already? If not, then I wold recommend not to approach in Jun July unless you are very serious and skilled trekker. We had been in January. Mid November to February , enjoyable journey. it is not always to achieve the mission also we want to make sure the journey is pleasant.
Written 17 August 2018
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