Routeburn Track

What to expect

Great Walk tracks are of a higher standard than most other tracks so are well formed and easy to follow. The tracks are usually quite wide depending on the terrain – some fit two people walking side by side in flat areas.

The surface is usually gravel, rock or dirt, and like any track can get slippery in wet weather.

Most rivers and waterways on these tracks have sturdy bridges. Occasionally there are also small streams that cross the track but are usually easy enough to step across safely. Be aware that in wet weather rivers can rise very quickly and flood the tracks.

There are hill climbs where the track becomes steeper, which is all the better for views.

Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2020 - 26 October 2020):

Facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional safety hazards to consider.

Walking the track during this time should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people. For more information see Walking the Routeburn Track outside the Great Walks season.

Walking options

Walk the full track. Most walkers take 3 days/2 nights usually staying at Lake Mackenzie and Routeburn Falls huts. The trip can be extended by also staying at the other huts and made into a circuit by linking with the Greenstone and Caples Tracks, which starts and finishes near the Routeburn Shelter.

Enjoy a day walk. Earland Falls Track | Key Summit Track Lake Howden Track | Routeburn Nature Walk

Places to stay

There are 4 huts and 2 campsites along the Routeburn Track, which must be booked in advance during the Great Walks season.

Be aware that huts and campsites can book out many months is advance. Bookings for the coming summer season usually open in February - exact opening dates will be advised on our website closer to the time. 

Camping outside the designated campsites or staying overnight in the shelters, even when huts and campsites are fully booked, is not permitted. The track is patrolled by DOC rangers.

Hut facilities

In the Great Walks season these include:

• Bunks with mattresses in a communal sleeping layout.
• Water supply, flushing toilets, wash basins with cold running water (but no showers).
• Heating with fuel available, and usually solar lighting in the main area.
• Cooking facilities with fuel, tables and seating (but no cooking utensils).
• A resident DOC ranger can tell you about the environment and weather, or help out should an emergency arise.

Outside the Great Walks season these are reduced:

• Gas is not provided - you will need to bring your own cooking stove.
• Flush toilets are replaced with pit toilets.
• Running water is turned off inside the huts. Water can be obtained from the outside water tank, if this is frozen, then from the nearest water course or by melting snow.
• There are no DOC rangers based at the huts.
• Beds are on a first come, first served basis only

Campsite facilities

Great Walk campsites are in scenic locations, and usually near huts. You can't use the hut facilities, but at each campsite you'll find:

• An open cooking shelter.
• Water supply tap.
• Clean toilet.
• A friendly hut warden (from the nearby hut during summer season) who may visit to chat and check campsite tickets.

Detailed description

The Routeburn Track has two starting and finishing points and may be walked in either direction. One track end is at the Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy and 68 km from Queenstown). The other is at The Divide (on the Milford Road, 85 km from Te Anau).

Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats Hut

Time: 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr 30 min
Distance: 7.5 km

The track begins at Routeburn Shelter, gently winding alongside the crystal-clear Route Burn (river). After passing Sugarloaf Stream, you’ll climb to Bridal Veil Waterfall and continue above the gorge. A swing bridge leads to open grassed flats, and the Routeburn Flats Hut and Campsite.

Route Burn on Google Street View

Routeburn Flats Hut to Routeburn Falls Hut

Time: 1 – 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 2.3 km

The track climbs steadily through stunning beech forest, providing views of the Humboldt Mountains. End the day at Routeburn Falls Hut, on the edge of the bushline and close to the impressive Routeburn Falls cascade.

Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hut

Time: 4 hr 30 min – 6 hr
Distance: 11.3 km

Climb steadily up the valley, through wetlands and tussock-covered flats, before sidling along the bluffs above Lake Harris to reach the highest point on the track at Harris Saddle/TarahakaWhakatipu (1,255 m).

The track then descends and traverses along the exposed Hollyford Face, with expansive views over the Darran Mountains. This section of the track is well-known for its impressive array of alpine plants. A steady descent leads to Lake Mackenzie Hut, set beside the enchanting Lake Mackenzie.

Darren Mountains on Google Street View

Side trip: Conical Hill

Time: 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr return

A short, steep climb from the Harris Saddle up Conical Hill gives superb views of the Hollyford Valley through to Lake McKerrow and beyond to Martins Bay and the Tasman Sea.

Be aware:

• Snow and ice can sometimes make this trip hazardous early and late into the Great Walks season.
• Due to rock fall danger, observe the no stopping zones along this track.

Mackenzie Hut to Howden Hut

Time: 3 – 4 hr
Distance: 8.6 km

Leaving Lake Mackenzie Hut the track crosses a small flat before climbing to the bush line. A gradual descent then leads past the ‘Orchard’, an open grassyarea dotted with ribbonwood trees, to the impressive Earland Falls (174 m). The track continues its descent through beech forest to Lake Howden Hut.

Earland Falls on Google Street View

Lake Howden Hut to The Divide

Time: 1 –1 hr 30 min
Distance: 3.4 km

The well graded track climbs steadily for about 15 minutes to the Key Summit Track turn-off. From the Key Summit turn-off, the gradual downhill walk is through silver beech forest to The Divide on the Milford Highway. At 532 m, The Divide is the lowest crossing of the Southern Alps in New Zealand.

Side trip: Key Summit

Time: 1 – 1 hr 30 min return

This popular walk climbs above the bushline to an alpine wetland and, in good weather, offers magnificent views of the Darran Mountains and the Hollyford valley. A self-guided alpine nature walk passes a range of native vegetation: beech forest, subalpine shrublands and alpine tarnsand bogs. Birdlife is prolific and tomtits, robins, New Zealand pigeons/kererū and bellbirds/korimako are commonly seen.

Find out about fees for the huts and campsites on the Routeburn Track and how to make reservations during the summer season.

Huts

In the Great Walks season (29 October 2019 – 30 April 2020):

New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:

• Adult (18+ years): $65 per person, per night
• Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required

International visitors:

• Adult (18+ years): $130 per person, per night
• Child (17 years and under): $130 per person, per night

Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2020 - 26 October 2020):

Walking the track outside the Great Walk season should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well equipped trampers.

For all visitors: 

• Adult (18+ years): $15 per person, per night
• Child (17 years and under): free

* New Zealand rates:

• "Ordinarily resident in New Zealand" means those:
  • who hold a residence class, student or work visa; and
  • who have lived in New Zealand for six of the previous 12 months; and
  • for whom New Zealand is their primary place of established residence.
• Proof of eligibility will be required for the New Zealand rate - see acceptable eligibility proof.

Campsites

In the Great Walks season (29 October 2019 – 30 April 2020):

New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:

• Adult (18+ years): $20 per person, per night
• Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required

International visitors:

• Adult (18+ years): $40 per person, per night
• Child (17 years and under): $40 per person, per night

Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2020 - 26 October 2020):

Walking the track outside the Great Walk season should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well equipped trampers.

For all visitors: 

• Adult (18+ years): $5 per person, per night
• Child (17 years and under): free

* New Zealand rates:

• "Ordinarily resident in New Zealand" means those:
  • who hold a residence class, student or work visa; and
  • who have lived in New Zealand for six of the previous 12 months; and
  • for whom New Zealand is their primary place of established residence.
• Proof of eligibility will be required for the New Zealand rate - see acceptable eligibility proof.

Discounts

A 10% discount is available to members, staff and instructors of the following organisations, who also hold a valid 12 months Backcountry Hut Pass: NZ Mountain Safety Council; NZ Federated Mountain Clubs; NZ Deer Stalkers Association; NZ Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR); Scouts New Zealand; GirlGuiding NZ.

Discounts are not available online and apply to the summer season rates only. To receive the discount we need to sight your membership card and Backcountry Hut Pass, so visit a DOC visitor centre in person. If you get a discount you won't be charged a booking fee.

Bookings

Huts and campsites can book out many months in advance. Exact dates when booking will open are advised on our website closer to the time.

Note: Camping outside the designated campsites or staying overnight in the shelters, even when huts and campsites are fully booked, is not permitted. The track is patrolled by DOC rangers.

If the Routeburn Track is fully booked, other options to consider in the surrounding area are: Greenstone Caples Track, Hump Ridge Track, and Hollyford Track.

What to book

In the Great Walks season you need to book huts and/or campsites on the track.

Outside the Great Walks season you don't need to book but you need to take a Backcountry Hut Pass/Tickets. During the winter season there are reduced facilities and additional safety hazards to consider. See Outside the Great Walks season.

You can choose to book transport to and from entry/exit points for the track - the walk is one-way with the track ends approximately 350 km apart. See Getting there - Routeburn Track.

How to book

Bookings are open to 30 April 2020.

Follow this step-by-step process to guide you through booking the Routeburn Track:

1. Decide what direction you want to walk the track in - from Routeburn Shelter near Queenstown or the Divide Shelter near Te Anau. Note, shuttles and vehicle relocations are available between both ends.
2. For the direction you want to walk in, decide what huts or campsites you want to stay at. Consider:
   • Location of huts and campsites on the track
   • Distances and walking times between huts/campsites
   • Drop off and pick up times of transport operators. Find transport operators on the Destination Fiordland or Destination Queenstown websites.
3. Decide the date you want to stay at each hut/campsite.
   
   • Summer season: maximum stay is 2 consecutive nights at huts and campsites
   • Winter season: maximum stay is 3 consecutive nights in huts, 5 consecutive nights at campsites
4. Check availability of huts and campsites for space in each hut/campsite on the date you want to stay. If there is no space in one of the huts/campsites you want to stay at, consider:
   • Starting your walk on a different date.
   • Rearranging your walk to use a different combination of huts/campsites. Find transport operators on the Destination Fiordland or Destination Queenstown websites.
5. Check the availability of transport services on your desired date.
6. Book huts/campsites. If you're booking campsites you'll need to know the number of people in your group as well as the number of tent sites required.Booking is required in the summer season for all ages.
   • Book online, or
   • Contact a DOC visitor centre for personal assistance
7. Optional: Book transport to/from the start/end of the track with a transport operator.

Terms and conditions

Read the booking terms and conditions (scroll to the bottom to find the Terms and Conditions link) for general information, age ranges, prices, discounts, penalty rates and the alterations and cancellations policy. Bookings not meeting the terms and conditions will be treated as invalid and cancelled.

Booking on behalf of others

Guided groups: To operate a commercial activity in an area managed by DOC, you need to apply for a concession (an official permit), in addition to any bookings you would need to make. Read more about concessions 

To make multiple bookings for facilities/services on behalf of customers, you must obtain permission or an agent agreement from DOC. To do this, email: agents@doc.govt.nz 

Routeburn Track location map

One track end is at the Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy and 68 km from Queenstown). The other is at The Divide Shelter (on the Milford Road, 85 km from Te Anau).

Transport operators and guided options

View DOC-approved businesses that provide services in:

• Fiordland National Park
• Mount Aspiring National Park.

Destination Fiordland and Destination Queenstown also have information about service providers. 

It's also possible to make a circuit by combining the Routeburn Track with either the Greenstone and Caples tracks.

Personal equipment

• Backpack (40–60 litre size for multi-day hiking)
• Waterproof/plastic pack liner
• Sleeping bag (3–4 season)
• First aid kit (including insect repellent, sunscreen, blisterkit, personal medication e.g. antihistamine for allergy to wasp stings)
• Survival kit (survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high energy snack food)
• Safety equipment relevant to the track and time of year (e.g. map, compass)
• Drink bottle (1-2 litre capacity)
• Eating and cooking utensils (knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, pot/pan/billy, cleaning kit, tea towel)
• Matches or lighter in waterproof container
• Toiletries
• Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
• Rubbish bag
• Tickets and ID
• Portable stove and fuel
• Candles
• Toilet paper
• Use a toilet when you see one and be prepared with a back-up toilet option

If you're camping

• Tent
• Sleeping mat

Optional

• Camera
• Ear plugs for communual bunkrooms

Clothing

• For multi-day walking you'll need at least one set of clothes to walk in and another dry set to change into at night
• Tramping/hiking boots or firm footwear (should be comfortable and well broken in)
• Socks (wool or polypropylene)
• Shorts (quick dry material)
• Shirt (wool or polypropylene)
• Under layers, top and bottom (wool or polypropylene)
• Mid-layers (wool or polar fleece)
• Raincoat (waterproof, windproof with hood)
• Overtrousers (wind and water proof)
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sunhat and sunglasses
• Extra socks, underwear, shirt/lightweight jersey

Optional

• Gaiters
• Lightweight shoes for inside the huts

Food

You can't buy food on the track.

Bring food that is lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy value. For example:

• Breakfast: cereal/porridge/oats, firm bread, honeyor other spreads
• Lunch: cracker biscuits, cheese, salami, jam/jelly, fruit
• Dinner: instant soup, pasta or rice, dried vegetables or fruit, cheese or dehydrated (freeze-dried) meals.

You'll also need water, snacks, biscuits, muesli bars, tea or coffee, powdered fruit drinks and emergency food in case of any delays on the track.

Equipment rental

Prepare for your trip to Fiordland.

Outside the Great Walks season

For safety reasons the Routeburn Track doesn't operate as a Great Walk/Easier tramping track during May to October. If attempting the RouteburnTrack at that time, you'll need additional equipment. See Walking the Routeburn Track outside the Great Walks season.

Crossing the snow on the terrace above Lake Harris

Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2020 - 26 October 2020):

• facilities are greatly reduced
• there are additional safety hazards to consider.

Walking the track at this time should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well equipped people.

Conditions and risks outside the Great Walks season

• The winter environment in Fiordland is very cold and wet, with snow and ice common in high areas. Deep snow often hides the track markers.
• Daylight hours are short and light is low due to mountain ridges.
• Avalanche-prone bridges across some major water courses are removed.
• DOC does not manage hazards such as flooding or avalanches.

Avalanches

The Routeburn Track has a lot of challenging and complex avalanche terrain. Avalanches are frequent. There are over 32 avalanche paths, some of which may bring avalanche debris to the valley floor and have the potential to cross the Routeburn Track – their start zones cannot be seen from the track.

If you are going into places avalanches could occur, be sure you:

• have checked the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) and the Avalanche Terrain Exposure scale system (ATES) for the area where you want to go
• have the skills for the ATES class you are going into
• have checked what avalanche advisory and alert information is available from the DOC visitor centre nearest the area where you want to go
• take an avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and a snow shovel. Know how to use these tools.

See Be avalanche alert in the Wakatipu & Wanaka

Rivers

Many of the bridges are removed over winter to avoid damage from avalanches and flooding.

Rivers can rise very rapidly. You must be able to judge when it is not safe to cross and be prepared to turn back. If you decide to cross, you must be competent at crossing large, swift, icy cold rivers.

Take all river crossings seriously. Never cross a flooded stream or river. If in doubt, stay out!

Learn about river hazards on the Mountain Safety Council website.

Huts outside the Great Walks season

Fees are charged per person per night, and hut beds are on a first come, first served basis only. All huts require a Serviced Backcountry Hut Ticket, which must be purchased in advance. Alternatively, a Backcountry Hut Pass (valid for 6 or 12 months) may be used. See Fees and bookings.

Hut facilities are reduced:

• Gas is not provided – you will need to bring your own cooking stove.
• Flush toilets are replaced with pit toilets.
• Running water is turned off inside the huts. Water can be obtained from the outside water tank; if this is frozen, then from the nearest water course or by melting snow.
• No emergency radio facilities.
• There are no DOC rangers based at the huts although DOC staff do occasional checks on facilities (and hut tickets).

Transport outside the Great Walks season

All transport must be arranged before starting the track. During winter, transport operators require minimum numbers and do not always operate a daily service. Transport arrangements can be affected by bad weather. You must discuss an alternative option with transport operators before you begin your walk.

What to take outside the Great Walks season

You need to be totally self-sufficient. It is essential to have the correct food clothing and equipment. See What to take on your Great Walk in Fiordland.

Outside the Great Walks season, you also need the following equipment:

• personal locator beacon
• mountain radio (optional)
• avalanche beacon
• snow shovel
• avalanche probe

Take responsibility for your own safety - be prepared

Before you go, know the The Outdoor Safety Code – 5 simple rules to help you stay safe:

1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Walking the Routeburn Track outside the Great Walks season should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well equipped people. Navigation, river crossing, and alpine skills are essential for your survival. Visit or contact the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre for conditions and weather before your trip.

Find out more about preparing for your trip to Fiordland.

Related links

• Routeburn Track winter tramping (PDF, 478K)
• AdventureSmart website - for leaving trip intentions
• Outdoor safety code - Mountain Safety Council
• New Zealand Avalanche  Advisory website - for backcountry advisory and avalanche forecasts