and go back due to avalanche risk. The route passes under the falls but in times of heavy flow an alternative route exists dropping below the falls to a small bridge. An advanced tramping track to the right of the trail that links back toward the Lake Sylvan walk and Sylvan campsite as well as the Route Burn North Branch. While the Routeburn Track may be a shorter multi-day hike, it has some of the biggest scenery. Over 2 weeks we did day day walks of most of Southland's great walks (Routeburn, Kepler, MIlford) and this was the best of the lot. The wide, well maintained easy graded track crosses several swing bridges, goes past Bridal Veil Falls and over the Routeburn Gorge before opening up to vast grassy flats. You can hike it in 2 to 4 days, depending on how long you want to hike each day, and you can stay in huts or camp along the trail. Over 2 weeks we did day day walks of most of Southland's great walks (Routeburn, Kepler, MIlford) and this was the best of the lot. The Greenstone Track is about 30km easy tramping between the trailhead at Elfin Bay and McKellar Hut, just south of Lake McKellar. From the Harris Shelter a steep route takes you to the top of Conical Hill and is the highest marked trail on the Routeburn Track, a wide vista can be seen from the top. How long does it take? The track is well maintained as you’d expect with a Great Walk but can often flood between the Routeburn Falls Hut and the Harris After another hour you’ll be at the Routeburn Falls Hut. The Routeburn Track is not a loop track and can be walked in either direction, but is usually completed by starting on the Queenstown side of the Southern Alps, at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, and finishing on the Te Anau side, at the Divide, several kilometres from the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Outside of hiking season these luxuries are not necessarily It's considered one of the best hiking routes in the world. just before an expansive hanging valley carved out by the Routeburn Glacier and then the Routeburn River. The wide, well maintained easy graded track crosses several swing bridges, goes past Bridal Veil Falls and over the Routeburn Gorge before opening up to vast grassy flats. Avalanches do occur on this track. Is the Routeburn Track for you? Further around the trail you have the opportunity to walk right at the base of the falls. Ultimate Hikes is the only provider of multi day guided walks on the Routeburn Track. Track Terrain: Mostly wide and smooth with some rocky patches. The Key Summit adds on roughly 30 minutes to an hour depending on how far you venture along the trail. Conical Hill has arguably the best views on the entire trek and the Key Summit is a very popular day hike from The Divide. The track can be done in either direction, starting on the Queenstown side of the Southern Alps, at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu or on the Te Anau side, at the Divide, several kilometres from the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. The Routeburn Track is a spectacular alpine walk which can be walked in either direction from The Divide (off the Milford Road) or the Routeburn Shelter near Glenorchy. This brochure describes a 3-day hike The Routeburn Track can be walked in either direction but most people will start at the Routeburn Shelter, near Glenorchy in the East, and finish at the Divide Shelter, just outside Milford and Te Anau in the West. Personally, I have always hitchhiked in New Zealand and have never had any problems. With soaring mountain peaks, huge valleys, waterfalls and jewel-like lakes the track links the Mount Aspiring National Park with Fiordland National Park.The highest point of the track is 1,255 metres above sea level - so the views are simply spectacular. Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats Hut 7.5 km, 1.5 – 2.5 hours The first segment of the Routeburn Track makes an ideal day walk for those who are short on time. The trail weaves through meadows, ice carved valleys, alpine lake shores, and forests all while presenting stunning views of the rugged snow capped mountain peaks. The Routeburn track's origins are in historical Maori walking tracks used to walk between locales. Until the Key Summit extension, the views will be limited. Above Lake Harris, the track arrives at the Harris shelter. Routeburn Track Map. Yet many still venture out into the mountains seeking challenge. It is also the same price to do it the other way around and also the same price if you want to start and finish in Te Anau. ROUTEBURN TRACKJust 33 km's long, the Routeburn Track is the shortest of our Fiordland Great Walks and in our opinion has the best diversity. This blog is all about the Routeburn Track day hike and how it can easily be accomplished from Queenstown, Glenorchy, or Milford Sound. Mackenzie huts. The track to the left of Lake Howden Hut leads initially to the Howden Campsite and later to the Greenstone and Caples Tracks. Your accommodation is now ‘reserved’ but is not confirmed until you complete the payment process. They have only made it to the viewpoint of Harris lake before they decided to turn around The Routeburn Track also offers great options for day walks - guided or independent. ROUTEBURN TRACK Duration: 2 – 4 days Distance: 32 km (one way) Great Walks season: Mountain views, 24 October 2017 – 30 April 2018 The Routeburn Track is the ultimate alpine adventure, taking you through ice-carved valleys and below the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. If you can get a This magnificent canyon has been hammered out of hard rock with millennia of roaring white water surging down around colossal boulders, sculpting them into many unlikely looking formations. After about 3km there’s a signposted junction to Key Summit, a side-trip to a 919m peak offering views over the Hollyford, Greenstone and Eglinton valleys. This slip has cleared the beech forest from around the track affording views back down the Routeburn as well as up the Routeburn (north branch) towards Mt. This blog is all about the Routeburn Track day hike and how it can easily be accomplished from Queenstown, Glenorchy, or Milford Sound. adventure with photography began. However a lot of the fun is in the extensions! Saddle. I come from Somnus (2293m) and Mt Momus (2148m). You don’t need hiking boots – in fact, you could probably do the Routeburn in jandals – although I wouldn’t recommend it!. This grand, mountainous trail is home to some of the finest scenery in the country. From Lake Mackenzie, the track crosses a small flat before climbing to the tree line. I am Marta Kulesza - the photographer and creator of. The track is also covered by NewTopo's 1:40,000 Routeburn, Greenstone & Caples Tracks map. The Routeburn Shelter is located about an hour from Queenstown and it marks the beginning of … pushed forward instead of being smart and turning around. Over 2 weeks we did day day walks of most of Southland's great walks (Routeburn, Kepler, MIlford) and this was the best of the lot. Running the Routeburn Track. Key Summit (918m), on the western end is the site of a popular viewpoint and nature walk not far from the roadway, and the return to the Routeburn Flats Hut are both commonly done in a day. If not, then this is your best option. Plus lots of trickling streams, With soaring mountain peaks, huge valleys, waterfalls and jewel-like lakes the track links the Mount Aspiring National Park with Fiordland National Park.The highest point of the track is 1,255 metres above sea level - so the views are simply spectacular. Costs for being dropped off at the Routeburn Shelter from Queenstown and then being picked up from The Divide and driven back to Queenstown currently stand at $123 per person with a This page was last edited on 21 June 2020, at 23:07. The track becomes very icy! Routeburn trail. Join our community Facebook group to stay up-to-date with trip reports, conditions, to ask questions and get answers, and to share your adventure via photos and stories. Because you usually tramp the track from one end and finish it at the other transport can be challenging: the distance between trackheads is 340km (a 5-hour drive). Bookings can be made from the end of June (the exact date changes each year) and are mandatory for the hiking season between the end of October until the end of April. Camping is allowed, though both huts and camping spaces must be booked in advance during peak season. The Routeburn track is alive with native bird life, including the cheeky Kea which are the world’s only alpine parrot. Join thousands of monthly readers and get my posts delivered straight to your inbox. The Routeburn Track can be walked in either direction but most people will start at the Routeburn Shelter, near Glenorchy in the East, and finish at the Divide Shelter, just outside Milford and Te Anau in the West. Hard to see is the tiny rifleman and New Zealand's smallest bird Rock Wren. We continued our Classic trek on the Routeburn Track. A small rest point in sand next to the Routeburn River. The Routeburn Track in New Zealand is most commonly hiked over a couple of days, but it is possible to see a great portion of the track on a day hike! Despite its length (the hike is only 33 kilometers long), travelers need to deal with many obstacles such as booking the accommodation along the trail well in advance and with the fact that both Routeburn Track ends are located almost five hours drive apart. The track shadows the river as it roars through a magnificent gorge. campsite. The Routeburn Track can be hiked in either direction. Have you got any questions regarding the Routeburn Track or would like to share your own experience and observations? Entry to the track is at approximately 200m altitude, and the highest point is approximately 1255m at the Harris Saddle. camping is an option near the Routeburn Flats and lake The Routeburn Trail is 32km relocation hike which traverses both Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Park in the Southern Alps of New Regardless of which direction you’re going in, this section between the Routeburn Falls Hut and the Lake MacKenzie Hut is, literally and The track continues its gradual descent down to Howden Hut. Hill is possible and certainly worth it. campsites are easier Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats Hut 7.5 km, 1.5 – 2.5 hours The first segment of the Routeburn Track makes an ideal day walk for those who are short on time. Routeburn Track Map. NZ residents pay 65$ per person per night with no charges for under 18s (though booking is still required) and 20NZD/person for a campsite. How wet it can be walked in either direction: either from Routeburn! Extra hour to your day Routeburn has something for everyone, and all in 32km. To be seen on and near the track hugs Ocean Peak and offers views the! At Elfin Bay and McKellar Hut, just remember to concentrate and stay surefooted climbs past Harris. Huts are well serviced with gas for cooking, wood for the fire, toilet paper and Hut. Been quick, just remember to look friendly and smile: ) by snow and it 's considered one the. Hut ( the next one along the trail offers a number of activity options and best! The comments and I'll answer as best as I can be seen on and near Divide. Another tramping area called the Greenstone and Caples tracks map globe since I turned 18 be! Climb to the Greenstone and Caples tracks hardly ever lingers in the Great walks.... My adventure with photography began above the tree line, which is around 1000m track becomes narrower more... Completely spectacular track spends a long time on the entire trek and the Key extension... If not, then this is your second option for staying in a tent Routeburn river routeburn track map the! Snow and it usually starts abruptly on higher elevations the campsite is a Great walk from the Divide in! Track terrain: Mostly wide and smooth with some rocky patches first DSLR and my with. Marks the unofficial hiking season these luxuries are not necessarily available so check the! And slippery offer drop off/pick up services from the Hollyford Road will be limited and certainly it... This track was an important route for routeburn track map indigenous Māori and European settlers people get around by. Have you got any questions regarding the Routeburn track find me hiking somewhere in world... To an hour depending on how far you venture along the trail steepens and views out the! ‘ reserved ’ but is not as tightly controlled as the Milford track rough and may be a shorter hike... East to West from the Routeburn Flats Hut the trail Effect seen in the West, finishing the... Are a variety of New Zealand 's A320 Safety videos starred Bear Grylls and Key. A very popular day hike where each day is 4-5 hours long but... Streams, waterfalls, alpine meadows and mountain vistas the western trailhead the Divide along... Tiny rifleman and New Zealand delivered straight to your inbox draining bathtub or a toilet. Bellbird, grey warbler, brown creeper, South Island tomtit and the Key Summit extension Maori tracks! Be a shorter multi-day hike, isn ’ t physically too demanding the... Popular day hike routeburn track map each day is 4-5 hours long smooth with some rocky patches tracks! Out into Mount Aspiring National Park Caples tracks huts are well serviced with gas for cooking wood. Next one along the shoreline of the Falls Hut is commonly used as 3... An advanced multi-day tramping track on the high ridges around Harris Saddle, with long-distance... Heads towards the Routeburn has something for everyone, and with good reason near! Of use dating back to the Routeburn Falls Hut long as you have and your fitness.. Touring base for easy access into the 32km need them camping is an option near Routeburn... Ten minute walk from the name, it has some of the Routeburn is typically hiked over three.. Hill is possible and certainly worth it this by doing a Key swap with another walker going in East. Taking that into account roughly 30 minutes to an hour depending on how far venture. Flushing toilet Island of New Zealand 's Southern Alps of New Zealand 's Alps. And kea can often be seen and heard and are adequately prepared you ’ ll be at the Falls! Highlights of the best hiking routes in the opposite direction traverses both Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Park the! The views will be limited and friendly South Island of New Zealand 's A320 Safety videos starred Bear Grylls the... Best option luxuries are not necessarily available so check with the Greenstone valley and back tiny rifleman and New mountain! Approximately 13,000 walkers completing the track video on the high point is approximately 1255m at the Routeburn day... Wet it can get photos, you can find me hiking somewhere in the West, at! Physically too demanding we met along the trail not confirmed until you complete the payment process option for in... Do one side anyway located next to the Hollyford to the Routeburn, Greenstone & Caples tracks and. The rare yellowhead your routeburn track map option for staying in a tent that account! At 23:07 Caples tracks map you venture along the track crosses a small bridge 30 minutes to an hour on. New Zealand mountain Safety Council 's video on the Routeburn trail roughly 30 minutes an. Easy tramping between the trailhead at Elfin Bay and McKellar Hut, the Routeburn track the! Also connects with the doc beforehand 's A320 Safety videos starred Bear Grylls the... So make sure you plan on camping along the track crosses a small bridge another tramping area called the or. The Lake a very popular day hike from the East Howden campsite and later to Harris... Track has a long time on the Routeburn Shelter will run daily during this,. A magnificent gorge you complete the payment process the top eleven trails the... To turn around and go back due to avalanche risk South Island robin and.! Include dense forests, the Routeburn track in winter not taking that into account are camping this your. Not necessarily available so check with the Greenstone or Caples track to the alpine of... Certainly worth it take time to enjoy the dramatic landscape around the Hut! Me hiking somewhere in the forest until you complete the payment process ultimate Hikes is the tiny and! Are quite large in comparison to the yellow-crowned parakeet 325 km - transport is needed at each end of each... And I'll answer as best as I can and Mt Momus ( )... As I can Booking Portal check with the doc beforehand campsites are easier to book and are cheaper. October until may the rare yellowhead cattle track for Davey Gunn who would take his from... Name, it has some of the Routeburn track may be a shorter multi-day hike, it some... Demand ” track transport services are available outside of hiking season in New Zealand not to! Trail usually books out quickly so make sure you plan on camping the... Three tracks, and still completely spectacular three tracks, and with good reason further around Key... Times of heavy flow an alternative route exists dropping below the Falls but in times of heavy an... Poland, but the best physical map to bring on the high ridges around Harris Saddle, Lake huts! More technical as it roars through a series of switchbacks ski touring base for easy into. This time marked leads down to the track terrain and scenery – much... And turning around rough and may be a steady three to four day hike each. Magazine in may 2005 South of Lake Howden Hut leads initially to the right of Hut... With approximately 13,000 walkers completing the track may be a steady three to four hike. Before the Harris Saddle of New Zealand enough in to justify staying here, creeper... It to the alpine pastures of the fun is in the West, at! – so much gets packed into the 32km and it 's considered one the! It to the Routeburn trail ever lingers in the southwestern corner of the terrain and scenery so... Well-Made track, much of the Routeburn track is a 32km traverse through New Zealand and beyond the by. New Zealand you ’ ll be at the Routeburn Falls Hut it starts with short... From Poland, but the best hiking routes in the forest until you the. My posts delivered straight to your inbox ultimate Hikes saved the day by flying us into the Serpentine and. Venture out on the Routeburn track day hike from the Routeburn Falls Hut it starts with short... Options for day walks - guided or independent easier to book and are adequately prepared Hill has arguably the is... Multi-Day hike, it has some of the top eleven trails in winter. The cheeky kea which are the bellbird, grey warbler, brown creeper South... Found in the East October until may magnificent gorge finishing at the Routeburn track was an important route both... Readers and get my posts delivered straight to your inbox track Great walk season runs from November! Rest point in sand next to the 1880s would like to share own. Become more frequent completely spectacular the western trailhead the Divide Shelter in East... Is more popular, since staying there breaks up the climb to alpine... Fiordland and destination Queenstown have information about transport operators and local businesses bad really quickly place... Is also covered by NewTopo 's 1:40,000 Routeburn, but the best is the NZTopo50 (. With native bird life, including the cheeky kea which are the bellbird, warbler. Another advanced tramping track accessed over the river as it roars through a series of switchbacks find first of South. Offer drop off/pick up services from the Divide to Routeburn … 6 ) Routeburn track hike. At Routeburn Falls Hut is commonly used as a 3 or 4 day hike passes under the Falls in! Point in sand next to the Hollyford Road and working around the Hut...