What to take
The Routeburn Track traverses a high alpine area. The following gear is essential, no matter how warm it is on the day of departure. Most equipment is available for hire or purchase in Te Anau and Queenstown. A full range of food is available from supermarkets in Te Anau and Queenstown. Basic stores are also available at Milford Sound and Glenorchy.
Clothing
You will need at least one set of clothes to walk in, and another dry set to change into at night.
It is not possible to dry clothes in the huts. It is essential that this clothing is carried as your safety and the safety of others could well depend on it.
NB: cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts are not suitable. Polypropylene, which is quick drying (but can be flammable), is recommended.
- Boots: need to be comfortable and well broken in
- Socks: (wool/polypropylene) 2 pairs
- Shorts: (nylon)
- Shirt: (wool/polypropylene)
- Longjohns/trousers: (wool/polypropylene)
- Jersey/jacket: (wool/polar fleece)
- Undershirts/T-shirt: (wool/polypropylene)
- Mittens/gloves: (wool/polypropylene)
- Raincoat: (waterproof, windproof with hood)
- Over trousers (wind and water proof)
- Woollen hat/balaclava, sunhat and sunglasses
- Extra socks, underwear, shirt or lightweight jersey
Personal equipment
- Pack with large waterproof/plastic liner
- Sleeping bag: good quality down or hollofil
- Matches/ lighter: in waterproof container
- Torch and spare batteries
- Eating utensils: knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup
- Cooking utensils: pot/pan/billy and cleaning utensils
- Toilet gear: soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, small towel (do not wash or use soap in lakes or streams)
- First aid kit: insect repellent, sunscreen, blister kits, pain relief, assorted bandages
- Survival Kit: survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high energy snack food
- Drink bottle: 1 - 2 litre capacity (you need to drink regularly during the day)
- Optional extras: camera, lightweight shoes for in hut, ear plugs for communal bunkrooms (you will be sharing huts with up to 40 trampers)
Food
Food is not available for purchase on the track.
Food should be lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy value e.g:
- Breakfast: cereal, firm bread, honey or other spreads
- Lunch: cracker biscuits, cheese, salami, margarine, jam/jelly, fruit
- Dinner: instant soup, pasta/rice, dried vegetables/fruit, cheese or dehydrated (freeze dry) meals.
You will also need snacks, biscuits, muesli bars, tea/coffee, powdered fruit drink and emergency food in case of any delays on the track.
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