Routeburn Track
Alpine traverse between two national parks
Overview
Weave through meadows, reflective tarns and alpine gardens, and be rewarded with spectacular vistas over vast mountain ranges and valleys. From May to October, conditions can be challenging – only attempt if you have the skills.
Highlights
Into the Beech Forest
Routeburn Falls cascade
Over Harris Saddle
Harris Saddle and Hollyford Valley views
To Lake Howden
Earland Falls thundering down the cliff
To the Divide
Meeting of the watersheds at The Divide
Walk sections
- 1
Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats
Gentle climb alongside the crystal-clear Route Burn. After passing Sugarloaf Stream, climb to Bridal Veil Waterfall. Swing bridge leads to open grassed flats.
7.5 km
2h
- 2
Routeburn Flats to Routeburn Falls Hut
Climb steadily through stunning beech forest with views of the Humboldt Mountains. Hut sits on the edge of the bushline.
2.3 km
1h 15m
- 3
Routeburn Falls to Lake Mackenzie Hut
Climb up the valley through wetlands and tussock-covered flats, then sidle along bluffs above Lake Harris to Harris Saddle/Tarahaka Whakatipu (1255m — highest point). Traverse the exposed Hollyford Face.
11.3 km
5h 30m
- 4
Lake Mackenzie to The Divide
Crosses a small flat, descends past Earland Falls (174m) and the Orchard. Past Lake Howden to the Key Summit junction, then through silver beech forest to The Divide (532m — lowest crossing of the Southern Alps).
12 km
5h 30m
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1
3h 30m
Into the Beech Forest
Routeburn ShelterRouteburn Falls Hut
Distance
8 km
Elevation gain
480m
Est. time
3h 30m
Climb steadily through mountain beech forest with the roar of the Routeburn River below.
Routeburn Falls cascade
- 2
Day 2
4h 30m
Over Harris Saddle
Routeburn Falls HutLake Mackenzie Hut
Distance
11 km
Elevation gain
350m
Est. time
4h 30m
Above the treeline, Harris Saddle (1255m) offers panoramic views of Fiordland and Otago.
Harris Saddle and Hollyford Valley views
- 3
Day 3
3h 30m
To Lake Howden
Lake Mackenzie HutHowden Hut
Distance
9 km
Elevation gain
200m
Est. time
3h 30m
Traverse the circuit's western reaches past Lake Howden and the Earland Falls.
Earland Falls thundering down the cliff
- 4
Day 4
1h
To the Divide
Howden HutThe Divide
Distance
3 km
Elevation gain
0m
Est. time
1h
A short final descent to the Divide carpark on the Milford Road.
Meeting of the watersheds at The Divide
Points of interest
Earland Falls
174m waterfall on the Lake Mackenzie to The Divide section.
Routeburn Falls
Impressive cascade right beside Routeburn Falls Hut.
Harris Saddle
1255m highest point on the track — panoramic views over Fiordland and Otago.
Conical Hill
Steep climb from Harris Saddle — views down the Hollyford Valley to Martins Bay and the Tasman Sea.
Key Summit
Self-guided alpine nature walk in subalpine wetland — views of the Darran Mountains.
Side trips
Conical Hill
Steep climb from Harris Saddle. Snow and ice can make this hazardous early/late season. Observe no-stopping zones.
105 min return
Key Summit
Climb above the bushline to an alpine wetland — magnificent views of Darran Mountains in good weather.
90 min return
Huts on this walk
- Night 1HutSleeps 48
Routeburn Falls Hut
BunksFlush toiletsGas cookers - Night 2HutSleeps 50
Lake Mackenzie Hut
BunksFlush toiletsGas cookers - Night 3HutSleeps 28
Howden Hut
BunksFlush toiletsGas cookers
Campsites along the track
Lake Mackenzie Campsite
9 tent sites · Cooking shelter · Non-flush toilets · Water tank
Routeburn Flats Campsite
15 tent sites · Cooking shelter · Water tank
Fees & pricing
Prices per person, per night. NZ rates require proof of eligibility.
Hut fees
| Date range | Adult NZ | Adult Intl | Child | Infant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak: 1 Nov – 30 AprPeak | $88 | $132 | $44 | Free |
| Shoulder: 1 May – 30 Jun | $35 | $35 | $17.50 | Free |
| Off-peak: 1 Jul – 31 Oct | $30 | $30 | $15 | Free |
Campsite fees
| Date range | Adult NZ | Adult Intl | Child | Infant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak: 1 Nov – 30 AprPeak | $28 | $42 | $14 | Free |
| Off-peak: 1 May – 31 Oct | $10 | $10 | $5 | Free |
Getting there
Start point
Routeburn Shelter
25 km — Glenorchy
25 km from Glenorchy along a partially unsealed road.
End point
The Divide Shelter
85 km — Te Anau
85 km from Te Anau on the Milford Road.
Know before you go
Always check track conditions and weather forecasts before you set out.
32+ avalanche paths
Complex avalanche terrain on the Routeburn — frequent avalanches in winter/spring.
9000mm rainfall
Fiordland weather — cold, snow, strong winds, heavy rain at any time of year.
Track flooding
After heavy rain flooding common on sections. Streams drop quickly once rain stops — wait, don't cross.
What to take
Personal equipment
- Backpack 40-60L
- Waterproof pack liner
- Sleeping bag (3-4 season)
- First aid kit including blister treatment
- Survival kit (blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high-energy snack)
- Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
- Booking confirmation and ID
- Earplugs for communal bunkrooms
- Distress beacon
Cooking & food equipment
- Drink bottle 1-2L
- Eating and cooking utensils
- Gas cooker and fuel
- Matches/lighter (waterproof container)
Toiletries
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Personal medication (antihistamine for wasp allergies)
Clothing
- Tramping boots or firm footwear
- Wool/polypropylene socks
- Quick-dry shorts
- Wool/polypropylene base layers
- Mid-layer fleece
- Waterproof raincoat with hood
- Wind-/waterproof overtrousers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Warm sleeping layers
Food
- Lightweight high-energy meals + spare day
- Rodent-proof food storage
Optional
- Gaiters
- Lightweight hut shoes
Walk it: step-through map
Plan this Great Walk
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Content from DOC (CC BY 4.0) — used with permission.