Routeburn Track
We make getting on the Routeburn track and back, EASY!
Routeburn TRACK HIGHLIGHTS
- The Routeburn Track is our personal favourite walk as it takes your breath away every time (even if you do it repeatedly!). Being relatively short and somewhat easy to get to – is achievable for most people.
- Routeburn Track is beautiful the whole 32 km and you have the option to travel as fast or slow as you want. Some people finish a lot faster than expected and have to wait for hours to catch the next bus. Others arrange the easy option of car relocation and drive away when they finish.
- Routeburn Track takes you on a type of short cut from Queenstown to Milford Sound winding through the mountains between both Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. This makes the track truly awesome, and if you create your travel plans (accommodation, transport, hire gear) with this in mind you can see and do more with less driving time.
- Our best advice – don’t leave the itinerary details to the last minute and take advantage of being close to so many iconic kiwi spots. Hire gear that you can return at the other end (ie. Easyhike, who deliver it to you) and plan to stay an extra night or two and relax while you are so close. There is a reason these places are so popular with travellers!
TRACK LOGISTICS
DISTANCE: 33 km (plus a few short sidetracks) one way – transport required.
DURATION: Your choice – most people spend 3 Days / 2 Nights but it is possible to spend between 1 to 4 days.
START: The Divide (Milford/Te Anau side) or Routeburn Shelter (Glenorchy/Queenstown side).
FINISH: Routeburn Shelter (Glenorchy/Queenstown side) or the Divide (Milford/Te Anau side).
ACCOMMODATION: Department of Conservation huts (bunks and shared facilities) and limited camping.
ROUTEBURN TRACK HIKING SERVICES
Packing food and gear for a hike is a hassle when relaxing on holiday. Get on the track and back with Easyhike, and enjoy the ease. Our specialty is car relocation and delivering on food and gear, but our true passion lies in helping you get out there and hiking happy.
Premium Package Inclusions
Local Support
& Advice
Hut
Bookings
Car relocation or bus transfers
Hiking Food
Premium
Gear Hire
Routeburn Track Premium Package
2 nights- We will get you to the track and back with efficiency and easy. Enjoy a better hiking experience.
- Avoid the hassle and stress when hut bookings open. Enjoy a streefree booking experience
- Accommodation in DOC huts, starting at the Divide. 2 Nights Included
- Bus or self drive to start/finish when you wish and walk in your own time. Bus transfers from Te Anau to Queenstown or car relocation included
- Select easy, nutritious meals from our tried and tasted hiking menu. Most dietary requirements available
- Borrow our specially chosen, light and comfy hiking gear or bring your own. Have confidence in your gear & skip luggage hassles.
HUT ACCOMMODATION
Bunk accommodation in the Department of Conservation Great Walk huts with shared facilities. (Subject to availability).
We will book your DOC Hut tickets as soon as the hut bookings open. DOC will advise by 30 April, at the latest, of each year when the hut bookings will open for the season starting that same year.
For example, on 30 April 2024, DOC announced that the bookings for the 2024-2025 season would open on 28 May 2024 for the Milford track, on 5 June 2024 for the Routeburn track, and on 6 June 2024 for the Kepler track.
UPDATE: DOC has now announced their opening dates for the Routeburn Track for the 2026-2027 season: Friday, 15 May 2026
TRANSPORT
Choose between car relocation (recommended) or bus transport.
Included is your Car Relocation from the Divide to the Routeburn Shelter or Bus transfers from Te Anau to Queenstown. If you need to add the leg from Queenstown to Te Anau, we can add that in for you for $67pp.
Find out more about how our Car Relocation works. See below for the Routeburn track bus timetable (subject to change).
STAY/CRUISE MILFORD
Fiordland is world-renowned for its breathtaking natural features, wilderness areas and natural history. Along with being a hiking mecca, Fiordland is also home to the lakeside towns of Te Anau and Manapouri and is the gateway to the jaw-dropping Milford and Doubtful Sounds. If you’re making the journey to Fiordland for your hike, why not stay a bit longer and make the most of our incredible backyard with a cruise or overnight stay in Milford Sound which you can add on to your package when booking online.
STAY IN MILFORD SOUND
Hiking the Routeburn Track? Milford Sound is only a 45-minute drive from the Divide (the starting point of the track) on one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand. Because of the shorter distance on the first day of your Routeburn experience, you’ll have plenty of time to fit in a cruise before or after your hike – or stay a little longer with an overnight in Milford Sound.
Prices from $1750 per chalet – Ask us to add this to your Easyhike booking.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Appropriate outdoors clothing and footwear. Make sure you wear in your hiking boots before getting on the track. This will minimise blisters and ensure your feet are comfortable.
Rain jacket (Essential! Even in summer and even if there is no rain on the forecast as the weather can change quickly) and rain pants (it is a love it or loathe it situation with rain pants and you will need to decide what suits you). Those are such a personal choice and a personal fit, we do not include them in our packages anymore.
Clothing, personal items and toiletries. There are no showers in the huts. You will have access to flush toilets and sinks with cold water.
A medium level of fitness is required, make sure to go on walks, preferably carrying a backpack), to prepare.
FOOD
Easy to prepare, lightweight, tasty and nutritious. You select your preferences from our menus and we do the rest. Dietary requirements are catered too. Find out more about our Hiking Food options.
GEAR LIST
High quality, lightweight and easy to manage gear plus a few extras to enhance your hike. Including:
- Backpack / backpack cover/ backpack liner
- Hiking poles
- Sleeping bag / sleeping bag liner / inflatable pillow
- Cooking and eating tools (pot/plates/cups/utensils/kitchen tidy kit)
- Thermos
- First aid kit
- Care package (including insect repellent, sanitiser, earplugs, and tissues)
- Head torch
DELIVERY
Our base is in Te Anau, you can pick up your gear and food from us the day before your hike starts.
However, we can also deliver your hiking gear and food to your local accommodation (Queenstown or Te Anau) the day before your hike starts, if that is more convenient.
We recommend spending a night in Te Anau (or 2 in Milford Sound) before starting on the Routeburn Track.
When you finish at the Routeburn Shelter, you can leave your gear in Glenorchy or Queenstown and we will collect from your accommodation.
Routeburn TRACK KEY POINTS
Suggested Itinerary
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.
DOC Huts
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.
Transport
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.
Weather
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.
Fitness
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 strong climb to Harris Saddle, but there will be some steeper downhill 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.
What To Take
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.
Safety
The Routeburn Track is well-maintained and easy to follow, but some sections are steep and can be slippery. Always stick to the track and look out for your fellow hikers. DOC rangers are stationed in the huts during the Great Walks season, but you should always check the weather before you go, and tell someone of your plans. The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council have some fantastic resources on keeping safe in the great outdoors.
Bookings & Hiking Season
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 to find out more about walking in ‘winter’.
Routeburn Track Transport
The Routeburn Track is a 2-3 day hike starting at either The Divide (off the Milford road) or the Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy) and walked in either direction.
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 or bus transfers.
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.
If you need help planning your Routeburn Track transport, we’re here to help. We know the area well and can explain your best options.
Insider’s tip: Hike the Routeburn from the Divide to the Routeburn Shelter. It is the locals’ favourite direction with views in front of you at all times and a shorter drive to Glenorchy or Queenstown when you finish.
1. Drive or take the bus to the Routeburn Shelter
Self-drive along the famous Glemorchy Rd to the Routeburn Shelter and start at your own pace on the Routeburn, or take the bus departimg Queenstown at 8am or 11.15am. The ride lasts about 90 minutes.
You will be passing through the township of Glenorchy and continue a further 25 kilometres to the Routeburn Shelter arriving at the start of the track.
2. Enjoy the Routeburn Track
Most hikers hike the track in 2 or 3 days but you can spend up to 3 nights on the track.
There are lots of Kea at the higher altitudes so keep your eyes and ears peeled. Enjoy this stunning hike.
3. Finish at the Divide
When you finish your hike, at the Divide, you can meet your relocated vehicle. This option is fabulous if you value flexibility. You are not tied up to a bus timetable and will be able to stop at your own pace wherever you decide to. It is a cheap option if there are more than 2 of you in the car.
Alternatively, the bus will meet you at The Divide car park at 3:15pm or 3.30pm and drive you all the way to Queenstown. The ride lasts around 4 hours. For those stopping in Te Anau, there is also an options at 5.45pm.
4. Or... Do it in the opposite direction!
Consider walking the track from the Te Anau/Milford side, with self-drive or bus options to start the track at the Divide finishing at the Routeburn Shelter – returning to either Queenstown or Te Anau.
The bus departs the Routeburn Shelter at 9.45pm or 2.15pm. If you wish to connect from Queenstownt to Te Anau, the connection will depart Queenstown at 4.30pm.
This direction is recommended especially for hikers spending 1 night only on the track and is the most popular direction amongst locals. The views are in front of you the whole time and the last 7kms (when you are at your most tired) are mainly flat with a gentle downhill.
Routeburn Track Car Relocation
Routeburn to Divide or Divide to Routeburn- Collect a key lockbox and fix it to your car when you park
- We relocate your car to the other end, while you walk.
- Fuel service: $40 tank top up along the way ($40 Prepaid)
- Drive away when you finish and return the lockbox on the way
- Start time is 10.30am on your first day, the vehicle will be on the other side by 1pm on your last day. Please advise if those times do not suit and we will do our best to accommodate.
Routeburn Track Bus Timetable
Track from/to Queenstown
Queenstown to Routeburn Shelter: 8am or 11.15am (Departs from Queenstown Central, Frankton, and Queenstown Airport)
Queenstown to the Divide: 6:55am, 8am, or 10.30am (Departs from Queenstown Central, Frankton, and Queenstown Airport)
The Divide to Queenstown: 10.10am, 3.15pm, or 3.30pm
Routeburn Shelter to Queenstown: 9.45am or 2.15pm
Track Loop from/to Te Anau
Te Anau to Divide: 7.10am, 9.45am, 11am, or 1.25pm
Te Anau to Routeburn Shelter Via Queenstown: 7.05am from Te Anau, then 11.15am from Queenstown (with 2 hour stop over in Queenstown)
The Divide to Te Anau: 10.10am, 3.15pm, 3.30pm, or 5.45pm
Routeburn Shelter to Te Anau Via Queenstown: 2.15pm from the Routeburn Shelter, then 4.30pm from Queenstown (with 45 minute stop over in Queenstown)
Routeburn Track Bus
$164 per Adult ex QT
What People are Saying…
Just to let you know that we are now back in Japan after our wonderful vacation in New Zealand, that the Routeburn Track was clearly the highlight of the trip, and that EasyHike quality of service for the food supply and the car relocation was just flawless and super smooth.
