ROUTEBURN TRACK

Just 33 km’s long, the Routeburn Track is the shortest of our Fiordland Great Walks and in our opinion has the best diversity. The track climbs around mountain lakes, traverses through alpine gardens, captures views of hanging glaciers and winds through New Zealand Beech forest.

Hiking Season is from late October to Early May – we suggest walking during this time. If you want to walk outside these dates – you need to be experienced and well prepared for New Zealand winter tramping conditions. Find out more here

Scroll down the page to find out more about the Routeburn Track.

ROUTEBURN TRACK SERVICES

We are very fond of the Routeburn Track – it is the reason Easyhike exists! We specialise in car relocation and delivering your food + gear.

If you want a great all-in-one time saving solution – our Premium and Essentials packages are very popular.

PREMIUM PACKAGE

from $960*

We book your DOC huts, and provide Transport, Food & Gear.

*Includes X factor – ideal for first timers!

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THE ESSENTIALS

from $595

You book your DOC huts, we provide Transport, Food & Gear.

Save time, we will pack and deliver your bags

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CAR RELOCATION

from $229

You park at the start – we move your rental car to the end.

Enjoy the freedom of having your own transport waiting.

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FOOD + GEAR

from $155

Do you have a quick turn around and want a little assistance?

Choose our hiking food and hire gear packages individually.

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What are people saying about our service?

I thought the whole interaction/experience was fantastic. I have already told several people in the US about your firm. Dave A, USA

Easyhike, Hiking Packages

5.0

2015-07-03T14:02:04+13:00

I thought the whole interaction/experience was fantastic. I have already told several people in the US about your firm. Dave A, USA

https://www.easyhike.co.nz/testimonials/excellent/

My husband and I completed this hike in early Feb. and it was one of our highlights from New Zealand. It is a great 3 day 2 night hike, but could be done in 2 days pretty easily. We used EasyHikes to organize the trip for us. We selected their premium package and didn't have to do anything but show up, which was great! They provide high quality gear, supplied all of the food, reserved our huts and transferred our car. We stayed the first night at Routeburn Falls Hut (about a 3 hour hike from the Routeburn car park). We ended up transferring our second night hut stay from Lake McKenzie to Lake Howden hut to give us a full day of hiking. Lake Howden was great, it is less crowded so there is much less snoring and it's easier to get a good nights rest! And the last day we had a short 1-2 hour hike out and then could enjoy Te Anue and the Milford Sound.

Beautiful hike! And, highly recommend Easy Hike to help organize the trip!! Meredith L, Alabama

Easyhike, Hiking Packages

5.0

2019-06-05T09:26:43+13:00

My husband and I completed this hike in early Feb. and it was one of our highlights from New Zealand. It is a great 3 day 2 night hike, but could be done in 2 days pretty easily. We used EasyHikes to organize the trip for us. We selected their premium package and didn't have to do anything but show up, which was great! They provide high quality gear, supplied all of the food, reserved our huts and transferred our car. We stayed the first night at Routeburn Falls Hut (about a 3 hour hike from the Routeburn car park). We ended up transferring our second night hut stay from Lake McKenzie to Lake Howden hut to give us a full day of hiking. Lake Howden was great, it is less crowded so there is much less snoring and it's easier to get a good nights rest! And the last day we had a short 1-2 hour hike out and then could enjoy Te Anue and the Milford Sound. Beautiful hike! And, highly recommend Easy Hike to help organize the trip!! Meredith L, Alabama

https://www.easyhike.co.nz/testimonials/great-trek/

I enjoyed using Easyhike to help me do my Routeburn Track hike. You were so helpful every step of the way, even with my itinerary changes, and it was such a pleasure to have my car waiting for me at the end of this rainy day! I loved the food package you put together as well - so many wonderful things to eat! Thank you so much for everything. Andrea D, USA

Easyhike, Hiking Packages

5.0

2015-07-18T12:40:16+13:00

https://www.easyhike.co.nz/testimonials/loved-the-food-package/

Routeburn track is absolutely gorgeous. We used Easyhike for our logistics, including backpacks, food and relocation of our car. They are very nice and responsive. Great service! Will use Easyhike again next time. jcztrip May 2017

Easyhike, Hiking Packages

2018-05-21T21:04:02+13:00

https://www.easyhike.co.nz/testimonials/easyhike-2/

There was loads of food! I really liked the dinner and desserts, they were awesome, and so was the porridge. Laura E, Aus

Easyhike, Hiking Packages

5.0

2015-07-18T12:49:23+13:00

There was loads of food! I really liked the dinner and desserts, they were awesome, and so was the porridge. Laura E, Aus

https://www.easyhike.co.nz/testimonials/really-liked-the-dinner-and-desserts/

We traveled from California to do the hike - and could not possibly have been able to manage it as easily, if at all, without the amazing services offered by Bobbie and her team at Easyhike. They reduced the logistics of the trip to virtually zero for us: Delivering rucksacks with absolutely everything we'd need or want, from rain gear and sleeping bags to food and first aid kits, right to our hotel the day before the hike. They also arranged to move our car from the start to the finish, so it was awaiting us when we got there. Literally all we had to do was dress and show up. The whole adventure was amazing - and if you have even an inkling that this might be something you'd enjoy, then DON'T HESITATE!! It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience... David L January 2018

Easyhike, Hiking Packages

2018-05-21T20:38:15+13:00

https://www.easyhike.co.nz/testimonials/routeburn-track-easyhike-3/

I was a little leery about using rented equipment. What Easyhike provided was very high quality. No different than what I would have brought for myself. The packs were great. Dave A, USA

Easyhike, Hiking Packages

5.0

2015-07-03T14:06:31+13:00

I was a little leery about using rented equipment. What Easyhike provided was very high quality. No different than what I would have brought for myself. The packs were great. Dave A, USA

https://www.easyhike.co.nz/testimonials/high-quality-equipment/

A truly memorable experience. A mixture of weather conditions, but it didn't spoil the breathtaking scenery! I did the track over 3 days, finishing at The Divide. Stayed in DOC huts, that were all very clean. I also chose to use a food package from EasyHike company which delivered to my accommodation in Queenstown the day before my hike. Totally hassle free, great food options, plenty of food, light to pack and carry. I was very happy. A must do Great Walk! Kit Y April 2018

Easyhike, Hiking Packages

2018-05-21T20:24:00+13:00

https://www.easyhike.co.nz/testimonials/must-great-walk/

Our family of 5 (3 teenagers) hiked the Routeburn Track in mid-December. It was a great time, not too hot and only one day of rain. The track is an amazing way to see a huge variety of NZ terrain, plants and birds. Every turn was a photo opportunity.
We used Easy Hike to provide all our packs, food and sleeping bags, as well as relocate the car. As the name says they made it really easy and I would highly recommend them. Saves a lot of hassle in what you need to think about bringing.
The DOC huts along the track are really well laid out with just the right amount of comfort to get you through the night, but still allowing you to experience the great outdoors. David A, Sydney Australia

Easyhike, Hiking Packages

5.0

2019-06-05T09:44:33+13:00

Our family of 5 (3 teenagers) hiked the Routeburn Track in mid-December. It was a great time, not too hot and only one day of rain. The track is an amazing way to see a huge variety of NZ terrain, plants and birds. Every turn was a photo opportunity. We used Easy Hike to provide all our packs, food and sleeping bags, as well as relocate the car. As the name says they made it really easy and I would highly recommend them. Saves a lot of hassle in what you need to think about bringing. The DOC huts along the track are really well laid out with just the right amount of comfort to get you through the night, but still allowing you to experience the great outdoors. David A, Sydney Australia

https://www.easyhike.co.nz/testimonials/a-great-way-to-experience-a-hike-in-nz/

I thought the food package was great. There was so much food. It was great. Dave A, USA

Easyhike, Hiking Packages

5.0

2015-07-03T14:07:40+13:00

I thought the food package was great. There was so much food. It was great. Dave A, USA

https://www.easyhike.co.nz/testimonials/so-much-food/

The package we have got from easy hike was just what needed to have when you are coming to a track but you don't want to bring all the gear for few nights only. Ami

Easyhike, Hiking Packages

5.0

2019-06-05T09:40:13+13:00

The package we have got from easy hike was just what needed to have when you are coming to a track but you don't want to bring all the gear for few nights only. Ami

https://www.easyhike.co.nz/testimonials/great-walk-and-great-service-from-easy-hike/

Overall the meals exceeded expectations. Rachel and I had a fantastic time and look forward to using Easyhike again. Skip W

Easyhike, Hiking Packages

5.0

2015-07-18T12:22:57+13:00

Overall the meals exceeded expectations. Rachel and I had a fantastic time and look forward to using Easyhike again. Skip W

https://www.easyhike.co.nz/testimonials/fantastic-time/

ROUTEBURN TRACK TOP TIPS

1. PLAN YOUR TRANSPORT/ITINERARY EARLY

The Routeburn Track access points are 5 hours (325 kms) apart by road! Be efficient with time and build your walk into your itinerary. Allow plenty of time for stopping along the way – both roads offer some of the best scenery in New Zealand!

Transport Options: Car Relocation or Bus Transport
Access Locations:

Routeburn Shelter: 30 minute (25 mins) drive from Glenorchy, 1.5 hours drive from Queenstown.
The Divide: 1.5 hours (85 km) drive from Te Anau (approx half way to Milford Sound)
Greenstone Car Park: Combine the Routeburn with the Caples or Greenstone and finish on the same side of the mountains.

2. BOOK YOUR HUT TICKETS WELL IN ADVANCE

The Routeburn Track is very popular and huts usually sell out well in advance. We recommend you plan your trip early so you can nab those ideal dates.

3. WEAR COMFORTABLE FOOTWEAR

Do you need hiking boots to walk the Routeburn Track? It depends and comes down to personal choice.

Factors you should consider: Your hiking experience and fitness, how heavy your pack will be and how fast you are wanting to travel.

Either way, your feet need to be used to walking in your footwear – this helps to prevent blisters! And no one wants blisters…

ROUTEBURN TRACK LOGISTICS:

DISTANCE: 32kms (plus a few short side tracks) One way – Transport required. If you have the time (5 days or so) you can connect the Routeburn with the Greenstown or Caples track and walk back to the other side of the mountains.

DURATION: You can choose. Most people spend 2 nights/3 days on the track. There are 4 huts to choose from at different locations along the way. Many people start and finish around midday at either end.

ACCOMMODATION: Department of Conservation huts (bunks and shared facilities).

DIRECTION: You can choose to walk either way. We suggest beginning at the Divide (near Milford and Te Anau) and walking towards Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy and Queenstown). Less uphill in this direction and the logistics work really well for the best use of your time. The views are incredible in both directions.

WHEN TO BOOK: Everything needs to be pre booked, and the track sells out very quickly – months and months in advance. We start taking bookings very early in the year for the following season.

To tick off this beauty please contact us as soon as possible to have the best chance of choosing your ideal dates.

Routeburn Track – Further Information

Possibly one of the most well-located New Zealand Great Walks, the Routeburn Track links Fiordland with Mount Aspiring National Park – meaning you start the trail near Queenstown, and finish it close to Milford Sound (or the other way around).

Hiking the Routeburn Track rewards walkers with spectacular mountain, alpine and lake views, as well as forests draped in moss and pristine waterfalls. It’s a shorter distance than some of the other New Zealand Great Walks at only 32kms, but it packs a real punch when it comes to scenery! You’re likely to be joined for much of the Routeburn by native birds – listen for the call of robins, bellbirds, fantails and wood pigeons.

The logistics of this hike can take a little to get your head around (we can help with that!), but the Routeburn Track can perfectly work into your plans for visiting Milford and Queenstown – and save you a lot of time sitting in the car or on a bus (5 hours + one-way). Use this time to see and do more on your own time schedule. Photo stops along these two spectacular scenic drives can be incredible – just ensure you have enough camera battery and memory card space after you’ve come off the trail!

The Great Walk Season runs from late October until late April every summer. If you are looking at walking this trail outside Great Walk Season, click here to find out more about walking in ‘winter’.