Routeburn Nature Walk
Short walk
Time:
40 min - 1 hr
Getting there
The end of the the Glenorchy-Routeburn Road, some 35 minutes from Glenorchy. The last section is on a gravel road.
About the area
Glenorchy, at the head of Lake Wakatipu, is the gateway to some of New Zealand’s best-known, multi-day tracks. There are also good one-day tracks, with many shorter walks nearby.
Description
From the Routeburn shelter carpark, cross the Route Burn on the swingbridge and follow the main Routeburn Track for approximately 10 - 15 minutes. A marked turnoff on the left takes a winding path down from the main track onto the valley floor, where you pass through beautiful red beech/tawhero dominated forest.
After meandering its way through this flat area for 10 - 15 minutes, the track rejoins the main Routeburn Track at Sugarloaf Stream. From here you can either carry on across the Sugarloaf swingbridge up the Routeburn Track, or turn back and follow the main track back to the carpark (20 - 30 minutes).
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a short walk:
- Easy walking for up to an hour
- Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes
- Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness
- Stream and rivers crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes required