The Routeburn Track: A Hiker's Guide to New Zealand's Amazing Track

Embarking on an exciting Routeburn track guided walk means you must get ready for an extraordinary experience as you explore the ice-sculpted valleys below the marvellous peaks of the Southern Alps.  

Unveil the wonders of the Routeburn track, from the breathtaking views to the majestic waters, by booking a guided walk tour. Before you journey across this excellent trail, here’s a guide to help you make the most of your Routeburn track adventure.

The Routeburn Track History

The Routeburn track is a significant path for the Māori and the Europeans. The former passes through it as they search for the precious greenstone called pounamu, which is used in crafting weapons, ornaments, and tools.  

The route of Māori, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, starts from Martins Bay, goes up to the Hollyford Valley, and across the Routeburn Valley.  

Since it is an accessible and well-used path for transporting gold, early Europeans initiated a bridle track connecting the Routeburn Track to the emerging Martins Bay settlement in the Hollyford Valley.  

Unfortunately, the failure of the isolated settlement led to the cessation of track construction after just four years.  

The tourism industry began in the 1880s, with visitors transported on horseback into the Routeburn flats, then guided on foot to the Harris Saddle/Tarahaka Whakatipu.

Length and Difficulty

The spectacular Routeburn trail is 33 kilometres long and will take you through the stunning alpine scenery of the Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park.  

With its fantastic location and hiking trail length, it has become one of the most famous trekking destinations for local and foreign hikers.  

As for its track difficulty, it is moderately challenging since you must hike through valleys and mountain ridges.  

Some various signs and marks will guide you through your adventure. But, if you get lost, it is advisable to temporarily stop the ultimate hike, look for shelter, and be calm.  

Regardless of the length and difficulty of the trail, everything also depends on the weather and your fitness level since these factors can make the trek more challenging.

Access Point

Unlike other hiking tracks in the country, the Routeburn trail is not a circuit, which means you only need to choose from two trailheads to access the path.  

The first access point, the Routeburn Shelter, is near Queenstown and Glenorchy in Mount Aspiring National Park.  

The Divide, the alternative starting point, is near the renowned Milford Sound and is located in the Fiordland National Park, close to Te Anau.  

While you have excellent access point options, you must also consider how you will reach one trailhead to the other after tramping since they are 324 kilometres apart.  

The Divide is located 85 kilometres away from Te Anau, which needs approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of travel time. Meanwhile, the Routeburn Shelter is 25 kilometres from Glenorchy or 71 kilometres from Queenstown, with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.  

Hence, it is essential to plan how you’ll travel from one trailhead to another since no public transportation is available. Will you park your car, hike back to the first starting point, or hire someone to relocate your vehicle? Decide carefully.  

Weather

When going for ultimate hikes in Routeburn, you must be well-prepared for different weather conditions regardless of your hike's season.  

The Fiordland and Mt. Aspiring National Parks, the two areas near the trail, experience extreme rainfall and diverse climates.  

After intense rainfall, some parts of the track are prone to flooding. If you are near flooded bodies of water, such as the Routeburn Falls, river, or stream, seek higher ground immediately and wait for the water to subside before continuing your adventure.  

And, since you are exploring the alpine areas, expect strong and gusty winds on any part of the trail. Make sure to bring your jacket to keep you warm and safe from wind chill hazards.  

It pays to research and prepare for the changeable weather on the trail to guarantee a safe and fun trekking experience.

Accommodation

You can finish it in a day since it is only a 33-kilometre track. But, if you desire to spend the night on the trail for a more thrilling experience, you can book a Routeburn track accommodation in advance.  

There are three huts in the Routeburn track where you can stay for the night, which are:

Routeburn Flats Hut. It is the first hut on the track by the Route Burn River. It is approximately a one to two-hour and 30-minute hike from the Routeburn Shelter to this open grassed flat hut.

Routeburn Falls Hut. To reach the Routeburn Falls Hut, traverse the beech forest and cross two swing bridges. You must expect a steady climb since it is located at a higher elevation, but the view from the top will take the tiredness away because it is breathtaking.  

Lake Mackenzie Hut. The last of the Routeburn track huts is located near Lake Mackenzie, which explains its name. Reaching this accommodation from the Divide trailhead takes about four to six hours.

If you don’t want to stay in these huts, check out the campsites on the trail. But do your research to know the available and accessible campground facilities for a safe and comfortable stay.

Hiking Packages

Exploring the Routeburn track is more convenient and enjoyable with exciting and affordable hiking packages. You can opt for an iconic Routeburn track guided walk or the classic unguided nature walk.  

If you plan on booking a hiking tour, you can check out these packages by the New Zealand Walks:

One-day Guided Walk Itinerary

You can take a thrilling guided hike from Te Anau to Key Summit and experience the Routeburn track day walk.  

Journey across the track by passing through the lush rainforest and steadily climbing to the Key Summit, where you can witness breathtaking panoramic views.  

Multi-day Freedom Walk Itinerary

Go for a spontaneous and fun trekking adventure with our multi-day freedom hike on the Routeburn track. Spend three days exploring the trail and two nights in two famous huts on the trail with an inclusive food package.  

Don’t worry about the Routeburn track booking of transportation because the package already includes convenient bus transport. And there is no need to pack hiking gear because we also provide high-quality ones.

Book a Fun Routeburn Track Tour with Us

Get ready to be amazed at the beautiful landscape, well-formed hiking track, and rich wildlife of the Routeburn track by booking a tour with us. You can count on New Zealand Walks to bring you an exciting experience on one of the most popular trails in the country.  

For more information about the hiking tour packages we offer, please get in touch with us by contacting +64 3 5736655 today.

Posted by Zedric T on May 08, 2024