The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand's legendary Great Walks and my favourite hike in the world.
Located in the Southern Alps, this 33km, one-way trail runs between Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks and should be on everyone's bucket list.
Over 2 nights, 3 days, you’ll walk through native forests, past waterfalls, and up into the alpine with views so stunning they don’t seem real. It’s widely considered one of the top 5 walks in Aotearoa, and I can’t think of a better way to experience this beautiful corner of the country.
To help you prepare for hiking the Routeburn Track, I'm writing a dedicated Travel Tip that includes everything you need to know about the Great Walk, including practical tips, transport, costs, what to pack, and safety information (coming soon!)
Track overview
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 33km | 20 miles
Time: 3 days, 2 nights
Elevation: 1,487 meters
Open: The Great Walk season runs from October to May. Outside of this time, the conditions are more dangerous, facilities are reduced, and hiking is only recommended if you have mountaineering experience.
Where should you start?
The Routeburn Track has two trailheads. It doesn't matter which side you start from, as there's a free carpark and toilets at either end.
Routeburn Shelter: Located in Mount Aspiring National Park. This trailhead is about 25km (30 minutes) from Glenorchy or 68km (1 hour) from Queenstown.
The Divide Shelter: Located in Fiordland National Park. This trailhead is about 34km (45 minutes) from Milford Sound, 85km (1.5 hours) from Te Anau or 253km (3 hours 15 minutes) from Queenstown.
Transport between the trailheads
If you’re hiking the full 33 km Routeburn Track (end-to-end), you’ll need to book transport between both trailheads. Here's an overview. I’ve got more info about this in my full Routeburn Travel Tips post :)
Car relocation
This is the most convenient and cost-effective option if you're travelling with your friends. If you're a large group (5+), renting a van in Queenstown would be even cheaper! You can book your car relocation through Easy Hike.
Bus or shuttle
This is a great budget-friendly, straightforward option if you're travelling solo or in a smaller group. But they don't give you much flexibility as they run on a schedule, you’ll have to start walking with everyone else and make sure you’re back on time.
Accommodation on the Routeburn Track
Reservations open in May before the Great Walk season and sell out faster than Taylor Swift concert tickets. You might get lucky and get a last-minute slot, but I recommend setting your alarms and booking as soon as they’re released.
DOC Huts: Routeburn Flats Hut, Routeburn Falls Hut, and Lake Mackenzie Hut
Each of the huts along the Routeburn Track has slightly different facilities, max. capacities etc. But they’re all managed by DOC and all have bunks, communal kitchens, and toilets.
Campsites: Routeburn Flats and Lake Mackenzie.
A cheaper alternative to staying in DOC huts. These are usually easier to book, but you should reserve them in advance, especially if you want to hike in January/February or over public holidays.
If you're unsure how to book accommodation, have a look at my Travel Tips :)
How much does it cost?
This often catches people off guard. You don't need a permit to hike the Routeburn Track like you do for some of the most popular walks in other countries, like Canada. However, you do need to book the huts and campsites in advance.
DOC huts: $80 per night for New Zealand residents and $120 for international visitors
Campsites: $28 per night for New Zealand residents and $42 for international visitors
The fee you pay supports the Department of Conservation (DOC). It helps cover everything from wildlife conservation and track maintenance to flying the toilet waste out from the huts by helicopter!
What to pack
If you're doing part of the Routeburn Track as a day hike, I've got my personal packing list under Travel Tips! If you're doing the whole 3-day trail, DOC have a really good multi-day version on their website.
Safety tips
The weather: Conditions in New Zealand are highly unpredictable, even in summer. It can get freezing, and hypothermia is a huge risk all year round. Make sure you check the forecast once, twice, and three times before you go out. I like to use MetService, NIWA, and DOC.
You must have the right hiking gear: Take warm layers, a rain jacket, sturdy boots, a comfortable backpack and plenty of food & water.
Don't push yourself: Bailing is not failing, and your life is far more important than any good view. Also, remember that if you're visiting outside Great Walk season, you won't be able to do the Routeburn Track unless you have mountaineering experience. Check the DOC's website for specifics.
Leave no trace: Take only photos, leave only footprints. Please respect our wildlife and one another, stick to the designated tracks, and leave the environment in better condition than you found it.
To read other information on the importance of land in Aotearoa and safety tips, see my Travel Tip: "Read This Before You Start"
