ROUTEBURN TRACK

Day 1: The Divide to Lake Mackenzie Hut (4 – 5 ½ hours, 12km)
Day 2: Lake Mackenzie Hut to Routeburn Falls Hut (4 ½ – 6 hours, 11.3km)
Day 3: Routeburn Falls Hut to Routeburn Shelter (3-4 hours, 9.8km)

See the DOC Routeburn Track brochure for further details on the terrain covered each day.

Insider Tips:

• It is possible to walk the track in the opposite direction (starting Routeburn Shelter, finishing at The Divide) however we recommend the above route because it means less uphill and logistically, it is the best use of your time.
• If you have the time (5 days or so) you can connect the Routeburn with the Greenstone or Caples track and walk back to the other side of the mountains. Learn more about the Greenstone Caples Track here.

During the Great Walks season, the huts have basic cooking facilities, heating, bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, solar-powered lighting, running cold water and A DOC ranger in residence. There are no cooking utensils or showers in the huts and bookings are required.

The Routeburn Track is very popular and we recommend you plan your trip early so you can secure your ideal dates. Our premium package includes DOC hut tickets and we also offer a hut only booking service.

Both starting/finishing points of the Routeburn Track are accessible by road. The distance between the Divide Shelter and the Routeburn Shelter is approximately 325km, so you do need to arrange transport. We can take care of all of your transport including car relocation and/or bus.

The Divide Shelter is approximately 1 ½ hour (85km) from Te Anau on the Milford Road. The Routeburn Shelter is accessed 30 minutes (25km) from Glenorchy and 1 ½ hour (70km) from Queenstown. The last 8km of the road is unsealed.

The weather in New Zealand and Fiordland National Park is very changeable. Even if the forecast is for fine weather or it’s the height of summer, you should always be prepared. Heavy rain, strong winds, cold temperatures, snow can happen at any time of the year so make sure you have the right clothing including warm layers and a rain jacket. Check the weather forecast before heading out – here is the Metservice weather report for Fiordland National Park.

A good level of fitness is needed to walk the Routeburn Track and you should make sure it suits your abilities. By walking in the direction of the Divide to the Routeburn Shelter, you will avoid the gradual climb to Harris Saddle, but there will be some steeper sections towards the Routeburn Falls hut and beyond. Talk to us about tramping poles which are an excellent tool to assist you throughout the hike.

See our Great Walks packing list for what you need to take, or book our Great Walk Gear Package and we’ll supply it all for you! Your footwear is one of the most important factors to consider. Most people opt for hiking boots over trainers but it’s a personal choice. Factors you should consider when deciding which footwear include your hiking experience, fitness level and how heavy your pack will be. We recommend hiking boots for support and comfort, but either way, your footwear needs to be well worn in and used to your feet, otherwise – hello blisters! No one wants blisters…

Food-wise, you’ll want to make sure you have enough to last the 3-day walk, plus contingency. Food should be lightweight, tasty, nutritious and provide you with much-needed fuel! Our food packages take care of this.

The Routeburn Track is very popular and usually sells out 6 months to 1 year in advance. We recommend planning and booking your trip as early as possible to secure your ideal dates. 
 
The Great Walk Season runs from late October until late April every summer. If you are looking at hiking outside of the season, talk to us or find out more about walking in ‘winter’ here.