Routeburn Three Day Freedom Walk

Walk without the worry of organising, with transfers, hut bookings, food, equipment and track information all arranged for you. This is a stunning hike from the Divide to the Routburn Shelter – made easier knowing everything has been arranged.

From NZD 1320.00 pp.

Inclusions

  • Routeburn Track hut bookings (2 nights – Lake Mackenzie Hut and Routeburn Falls Hut)
  • Available during the Great Walks Season (1st November to 30th April)
  • Care package including insect repellent, sanitising wipes and earplugs
  • Quality borrowed gear: Adjustable & gender specific Osprey pack & pack cover, Sea to Summit sleeping bag & liner
  • Quality borrowed gear cont.: Head lamp, hiking poles, first aid kit, inflatable pillow, hot drink thermos, rain jacket and pants
  • Quality borrowed gear cont.: Cooking gear - pot, bowl, cup plus utensil set - super light, compact and easy to use
  • Return bus transport from Queenstown to the Divide and then Routeburn Shelter to Queenstown
  • All food and borrowed gear will be dropped off at your pre trip accommodation
  • Suitable for children aged 10 years and over
  • 2 night/3 day food package for the track *

*Select in advance from the menu options provided for a personalised food package to your dietary requirements

What you need to bring:

  • Appropriate outdoors clothing and footwear.  We recommend worn in hiking boots, to minimize blisters and so your feet are comfortable.
  • Personal items and toiletries (in small quantities) including sun cream
  • A medium level of fitness

Itinerary

Day 0 – Your equipment and food will be dropped off at your accommodation in Queenstown

Day 1 – The Divide to Lake MacKenzie Hut

(Approx. 4 to 5 hours/12 km)

Travel by bus from Queenstown this morning to The Divide, via Te Anau. 

Once at the Divide, start on your Routeburn adventure. Be sure to take in the side track up to Key Summit. You then descend to Lake Howden, before gradually climbing through silver beech forest to Earland Falls (174m) which is a great place to take in the atmosphere. From here head steadily up towards Mackenzie Hut, which is situated lakeside in a hanging valley.

 Day 2 – Lake Mackenzie Hut to Routeburn Falls Hut

(Approx. 5 to 6 hours/11.3km)

Today’s walk takes you over the Harris Saddle with an optional side track to the summit of Conical Hill, affording views across the Hollyford Valley and out to the Tasman Sea.

The ascent from Mackenzie Hut is through alpine vegetation and a ‘magical forest’ covered in moss and lichen.

Day 3 – Routeburn Falls Hut to Routeburn Shelter

(Approx. 4 hours/9.8km)

Leave Routeburn Falls Hut this morning and the steady climb down takes you past waterfalls and through alpine pastures, then along the Routeburn Valley through beech forest to the end at the Routeburn Shelter. From here, the bus will take you back to Queenstown.

Please note that accommodation is in Department of Conservation huts which are pre-booked for our guests - these are basic but comfortable and must be shared with other track walkers. Clients must carry their own pack containing clothing, sleeping bag, food and cooking equipment/eating utensils. Gas is available in the huts.

2023/2024 Departure Dates:

Most departure dates for the 2023/2024 season are now full, but please do still email us and we can double check if there are any available dates for you.

2024/2025 Departure Dates:

Departures run between November 2024 and April 2025.

Provisional bookings/expressions of interest are now being taken for the 2024/2025 season. Please email us (or submit your booking details through the link on this page) with your preferred departure date/timeframe and we can waitlist your booking request ready to go when the DOC booking system opens in approx. June/July 2024.