Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Great Walks > Te Anau - Routeburn Track,

Te Anau - Routeburn Track,

Location
The Routeburn Track is located in the southwest of the South Island. It extends between the head of Lake Wakatipu and SH94, the Te Anau – Milford Road. The nearest townships of Queenstown, Te Anau and Glenorchy have a full range of accommodation. The Routeburn Track can be accessed by road at either the Routeburn Shelter (the starting or finishing point at the Mount Aspiring National Park end of the track), or at the Divide (the starting or finishing point at the Fiordland National Park end of the track).
Description

Moderate day or multi-day tramping/hiking·
Track is generally well formed, may be steep, rough or muddy.
Track has signs, poles or markers. Major stream and rivers crossings are bridged.
Light tramping/hiking boots required.

The Routeburn Track can be walked in either direction (the following description is from east to west). Times are approximate and will vary according to fitness, weather and direction of travel. Overnight use of the Harris Saddle day shelter and other track shelters is not permitted. The Routeburn Track can be linked with the Greenstone or Caples Tracks. These tracks are rough and uneven in places and delays can be caused due to flooding. There is no guarantee of obtaining a bunk in these huts as there is no booking system for these backcountry tracks. Hut tickets must be purchased in advanced and gas cookers are required.

Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats Hut: 1.5–2 hr – 6.5km.
Routeburn Flats Hut to Routeburn Falls Hut: 1–1.5 hr – 2.3km
Routeburn Falls Hut to Mackenzie Hut: 4.5–6 hr – 11.3km.
Mackenzie Hut to Howden Hut: 3-4 hr – 8.6km.
Howden Hut to The Divide: 1–1.5 hr – 3.4km.

Great Walks Peak Season – Late October to late April (bookings required). The Routeburn Track can be walked in either direction and in conjunction with the Greenstone or Caples Tracks. Most walkers take 3 days/2 nights to complete the whole track but can also walk into one of the huts and return the same way; or stay up to two nights at each of the four huts or two campsites. Howden and Routeburn Flats Huts are ideal stops for families or those not wanting to complete the whole track. Bookings are essential and can be made online or by post, fax, email or phone. Bookings open July 1 each year for coming season.

Off Peak/Winter Season – May to mid October. During the winter months hut tickets are necessary but bookings are not required. High snow loadings and avalanche danger can occur, especially between Lake Harris and Mackenzie Hut and may well make the track impassable. Some facilities are removed from the huts and track during the winter.

Distance
32.0 km
Level
Easy
Amenities
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Historical
  • Huts
  • Plant Life
  • Toilets
  • Tramping
Source
www.doc.govt.nz
Avg Rating
4 out of 5
Discussion
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