Routeburn Track

The long-distance end-to-end Routeburn Track is located in Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park in the Otago and Fiordland regions of the South Island of New Zealand. This popular trail meanders through the Routeburn gorge following the beautifully clear Route Burn river, with highlights including breath-taking views of the Hollyford Valley and Darren mountains, Routeburn Falls and Earland Falls at 174 m . The medium rated 33 km route is usually completed over several days and can be hiked in either direction with transport being required at each end, either starting from the Routeburn Shelter just 25 km from Glenorchy, or The Divide Shelter which is 85 km from Te Anau. Hiked year-round, the Routeburn Track offers meadows and alpine lakes in the summer months from November to April, known as the Great Walks season, making it suitable for hikers with a good level of fitness. During this period, it’s safer to hike the trail, which features steep drop-offs along the whole track, and there’s access to more facilities. (During the summer huts and campsites on-route require bookings.) In the winter, from May to October however, extreme alpine weather, ice, snow and shorter days and less daylight means this route should only be attempted by experienced and well-equipped hikers and those confident in navigation, river crossing and mountain skills. Being an exposed alpine environment with little to no phone signal and an area prone to adverse and changeable mountainous weather year-round, this route is advised as unsuitable for children under 10. For accommodation in any of the huts on the Routeburn Track, bookings are essential. The hut facilities include bunks with mattresses, heating, toilets, and basic cooking facilities. Lighting is solar-powered, and there is cold running water. Anything else, i.e., food, cooking equipment, showers and bedding must be carried in and out. Campsites are a cheaper alternative and offer basic amenities including toilets and a water supply. Check availability and book online at https://bookings.doc.govt.nz/Saturn/Facilities/SearchViewGW.aspx?placeId=465 Based on our data, the trail is graded as medium . For information on how we grade trails, please click here. Also, check our latest community posts for trail updates. This trail can be completed in approx. 2 – 4 days. Caution is advised on trail times as this depends on multiple variables. For more info, click here.