Activities on the Routeburn Track

Overnight trips

Ultimate Hikes hold the only DOC approved concession for overnight guided walks on the Routeburn Track during the Great Walks Peak Season. Visit their website: www.ultimatehikes.co.nz.

Day walks

There are a number of guided day-walk opportunities available starting from either end of the track. 

Fishing, Southland

Fishing

A fishing licence is required to fish all rivers, streams and lakes in Fiordland and Mt. Aspiring National Parks. Special licences are also required to fish in the Greenstone and Caples Rivers. Please ensure you are aware of current fishing season dates, regulations and catch limits.

There are no fishing opportunities in Lakes Howden and Mackenzie and limited fishing opportunities in the Lower Routeburn River. However there are good fishing opportunities in the Greenstone and Caples Rivers.

The invasive alga Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) is present in Lakes Te Anau and Wakatipu and in many of the waterways surrounding Fiordland National Park. To combat its spread, all waterway users must check, clean and dry all equipment before moving from one waterway to another. 

If you are unsure of boundaries that need a clean gear certificate, or you require the location of cleaning stations or more information, you can check with Department of Conservation staff, Fish & Game staff www.fishandgame.org.nz - Southland region or Biosecurity NZ website. or Tel: 0800 80 99 66.  

Outside Fiordland National Park

• Routeburn River – A fishing licence is required. Fishing season from 1 November – 31 May. Fly-fishing only. Bag limit – 0. Compulsory catch and release.
   
• Greenstone and Caples Rivers – A fishing licence is required. Special conditions may apply; refer to your Regulation Guide. Fishing season from 1 November – 31 May. Flyfishing only. Bag limit – 1.  

Hunting

Hunting is not permitted on the Routeburn Track. Hunters can use the track for access to the side valleys, where limited hunting opportunities are available.

Rifles must be carried with the bolt removed when on the track. A hunting permit is required, available from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau and the Department of Conservation office in Queenstown.

No mountain biking

Mountain biking is not permitted on the Routeburn Track.

No dogs and other pets

It is offence under the National Parks Act to bring dogs and other introduced animals into Fiordland National Park. Please leave your animals at home. 

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