From Lake Howden, the well graded track climbs steadily for about 15 minutes to the Key Summit Track turn-off. On a fine day lunch is on the summit, and in unfavorable conditions in a nearby tramping shelter. After passing Sugarloaf Stream, you’ll climb to Bridal Veil Waterfall and continue above the gorge. Our bus leaves the Routeburn Shelter to Queenstown at 2:00 pm, and in peak times again at 5:30 pm, allowing you the flexibility to take the walk at your own pace. The first hut, at the Routeburn Flats, is only 6.5 kilometres from the trailhead and between 1.5 and 2.5 hours one way. Enjoy a short stop in Scenic Glenorchy before arriving at the Routeburn Shelter at approximately 9:45 am. our plan was as follows – day one. Snow and ice can sometimes make this trip hazardous early and late into the Great Walks season. 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 can't be seen from the track. Discounts are not available online. To have a safe and enjoyable trip, it's essential you have the appropriate clothing and equipment. Routeburn Track can be accessed from both ends: Routeburn Shelter, 25 km from Glenorchy along a partially unsealed road, and The Divide Shelter, 85 km from Te Anau. Being one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks, Routeburn Track is well maintained and held to a higher standard than most other trails. If you were unlucky and unable to book into the huts or campsites, then you can still do three day walk return options. Until 7 December 2020, the section from Lake Mackenzie Hut to The Divide is closed due to significant storm damage. The Routeburn Return experience is longer and more challenging than the traditional Great Walk, as walkers will now trek about two-thirds of the original track before turning back to head out the same way, staying at either Routeburn Falls or Routeburn Flats each way, Fleming says. New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*: A 10% discount is available to members, staff and instructors of the following organisations, who also hold a valid 12 month 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. However, you’ll also experience beautiful beech forest, high-alpine meadows, and a spectacularly situated trail. Alpine areas are usually covered in snow. Located in Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park in the Otago and Fiordland regions. The track then descends and traverses along the exposed Hollyford Face, with expansive views over the Darran Mountains. This is a fairly long day hike that took me about 8 hours in total for the return … Some of the tracks also permit camping as well. Gaining an elevation of 400 metres, the ascent takes approximately 2 hours at a leisurely pace. The track also connects with the Greenstone or Caples Track to make a circuit. Time: 1 – 1 hr 30 min returnThis 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. The 20-mile (33-kilometer) trail is fittingly listed as a New Zealand Great Walk; it is truly something special. Time: 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr 30 minDistance: 7.5 kmThe track begins at Routeburn Shelter, gently winding alongside the crystal-clear Route Burn (river). You have 25 minutes from now to complete the payment process. There is a choice of which direction to go, and which huts to stay in. To receive the discount we need to sight your membership card and Backcountry Hut Pass, so please visit a DOC visitor centre in person. The headwall of the landslide is heavily loaded and might collapse at any time. Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai, https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/routeburn-track/. day three walking the routeburn track out and back, commencing from the routeburn shelter end and then returning to the same starting point. Comment: allow 5 hrs for the 16 klms. Routeburn falls hut to lake Mackenzie hut. 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. This blog is all about the Routeburn Track day hike and how it can easily be accomplished from Queenstown, Glenorchy, or Milford Sound. In return for your troubles, you get to stay in huts, sleep on bunker beds and cook using gas stoves - a much better option to camping in these wet regions. 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. Book online. In this post, we cover what you need to know for hiking the Routeburn Track, and our 3 day/2 night self-guided hike-and-camp itinerary, from Routeburn Flats to The Divide. The Routeburn Track is possibly the next most popular walk in New Zealand (after the Milford Track) and it’s stunning scenery deserves such a reputation. The dates available will be from 7 December 2020 to 30 April 2021 Until 7 December 2020, the section from Lake Mackenzie Hut to The Divide is closed due to significant storm damage. Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year. The track continues its descent through beech forest to Lake Howden (Lake Howden Hut was destroyed by storm damage in February 2020). 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. In addition to what to take in the Great Walks season, you also need: Take five minutes and learn how to prepare for a multiday tramp and #MakeItHomeNZ. Routeburn Track Essential Information. The epic Routeburn Track is said to be among the best of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold running water. The Routeburn Track can be walked in either direction. Ever since I first visited New Zealand the Routeburn Track had been on my list; it had everything a mountain loving tragic could ask for. Drive times to Queenstown or Te Anau are: 1 hour 45 minutes from Invercargill; 3 hours 30 minutes from Dunedin and 6 to 8 hours from Christchurch. Destination Fiordland and Destination Queenstown have information about transport operators. Is the Routeburn Track for you? Know the Outdoor Safety Code - 5 simple rules to ensure you have a great trip and make it home. Check the Fiordland National Park weather forecast (MetService website). Air New Zealand is a national partner with DOC for conservation, and is proud to support DOC's Great Walks. I received a phone call from my girlfriend late one night. March-April. You need to be totally self-sufficient. Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 1 November 2021): Only walk at this time if you are fit, experienced and well equipped - facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional hazards. Access to the Routeburn Track is not as tightly controlled as the Milford Track. for whom New Zealand is their primary place of established residence. Gas is not provided – you will need to bring your own cooking stove. 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 will be collected collected from you Queenstown accommodation or meet at the Ultimate Hikes Centre between 7.30 - 7.45am and return to Queenstown approximately 5.30pm. Time: 4 hr 30 min – 6 hrDistance: 11.3 kmClimb 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). Your walk begins at the Divide at approximately 11.30am.. Return A self-guided alpine nature walk passes a range of native vegetation: beech forest, subalpine shrublands and alpine tarnsand bogs. You must discuss an alternative option with transport operators before you begin your walk. You can enjoy the comforts of your hire car all the way to the track and back, having it relocated from your start to finish point while you walk. Daylight is limited and the high mountains let little sunlight into the valleys. A swing bridge leads to open grassed flats, and the Routeburn Flats Hut and Campsite. Running water is turned off inside the huts. The views are fabulous, and you can also fit in a short but steep side trip to the summit of Conical Hill (1515m) for even more fantastic views. If you are going into places avalanches could occur, be sure you: All transport must be arranged before starting the track. From here you gain incredible views of the valley and look back on where you have come from. During the winter months Fiordland can be very wet and cold. From May to October, it can be cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours - only attempt if you have alpine, navigation and river crossing skills. The Routeburn Track is located in the south-west of the South Island and runs between the head of Lake Wakatipu and S.H.94 the Te Anau /Milford Road. it can cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours, avalanche-prone bridges across some major watercourses are removed, DOC does not manage hazards such as flooding and avalanches, 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. The road distance between each end of the track is 325 km - transport is needed at each end. Campers can't use hut facilities. Epic Travel → Asia & the South Pacific → New Zealand → Otago → Routeburn Track. Find out what to take. This well formed, easily graded track begins to climb steadily up the gorge after about half an hour through red, silver and mountain beech forest into the narrow Routeburn Gorge, then around the open, grassed Routeburn Flats. Visit Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre for information and tips. 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. pokemesh is now available for android devices. The Routeburn Track is a 3 day (two night) walk with four comfortable well-equipped huts (Routeburn Flats Hut, Routeburn Falls Hut, Lake Mackenzie Hut and Lake Howden Hut) and two campsites (Routeburn Flats and Lake Mackenzie). One of New Zealand’s classic multi-day walks, the Routeburn Track can be walked from the Glenorchy end to Harris Saddle in a long day. Camping is allowed, though both huts and camping spaces must be booked in advance during peak season. At 532 m, The Divide is the lowest crossing of the Southern Alps in New Zealand. A DOC ranger is in residence. Thinking track transport? The accessibility of the Routeburn, Milford and Kepler tracks make them ideal to include in any New Zealand experience. The trip can be extended by also staying at other huts, or made into a circuit by linking with the Greenstone and Caples Tracks, which starts and finishes near the Routeburn Shelter. Due to rock fall danger, observe the no stopping zones along this track. TRACK TRANSPORT. Walkers can depart from Queenstown to enter the track from the Routeburn Shelter, or depart from Te Anau to enter the track from The Divide. Wind through the Routeburn gorge along the, Adult (18+ years): $65 per person, per night, Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required, Child (17 years and under): $32.50 per person, per night, Adult (18+ years): $20 per person, per night, Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required, Child (17 years and under): $10 per person, per night. "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. Bookings are open for trips from 2 November 2020 to 6 December 2020 on the partially open track, and from 7 December 2020 to 30 April 2021 on the fully open track. The Routeburn is the easiest of the three tracks, and still completely spectacular. Know how to use these tools. For this day-trip hike, I’ve suggested starting at Routeburn Shelter, passing Routeburn Flats Hut and the Routeburn Falls Hut, Lake Harris and summiting Conical Hill before turning back to Routeburn Shelter. Routeburn campsites have picnic tables and cooking shelters. During winter, transport operators require minimum numbers and do not always operate a daily service. The track is well-formed, wide, and fairly even, suitable for most fitness levels. Enjoy a day walk. While the track is repaired, you can only do a return walk from Routeburn Shelter and go as far as Lake Mackenzie Hut. day two. You can do The Divide to Earland Falls (approximately 7.5km return) or The Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls (17km return). This 8km return Routeburn Track walk begins at the Divide Shelter with a steady climb on a well maintained track. In the summer. Name of the huts: Routeburn Flats Hut, Routeburn Falls Hut, Lake Mackenzie Hut. track is not recommended for children under the age of 10, due to the exposed  mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions. The highlight is the crossing of the Harris Saddle, with its stunning views of the Hollyford Valley, Lake Harris, and the rugged mountains beyond. Day one Greenstone station to upper cables hut. Walking the track at this time should only be attempted you are fit, experienced and well equipped. 28 March 2019: Routeburn track closed Due to a washed away bridge and a new active landslide, the Routeburn Track remains closed between Howden Hut and the Divide until at least 1 April 2019. Routeburn Track Day Hike. Transport arrangements can be affected by bad weather. Time: 4 – 5 hr 30 minDistance: 12 kmLeaving Lake Mackenzie Hut the track crosses a small flat before climbing to the bush line. Huts and campsites must be booked in advance. Set in the stunning Mount Aspiring National Park, the track begins at the Routeburn Shelter and winds along the pristine Routeburn river. Snow and ice conditions on the Hollyford face and at the Harris Saddle can be extremely dangerous. End the day at Routeburn Falls Hut, on the edge of the bushline and close to the impressive Routeburn Falls cascade. Payment is with Backcountry Hut Tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass - buy these from a DOC visitor centre before you go. Your accommodation is now ‘reserved’ but is not confirmed until you complete the payment process. … During the Great Walk season, DOC manages avalanche risk and sections of the track maybe closed if there is avalanche hazard. The Routeburn Track, with its hidden lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and rugged alpine scenery, has been heralded as one of the world's best hikes in one of the world's best settings. The dates available will be from 30 November 2020 to 30 April 2021. Critical Ecosystem Pressures on Freshwater Environments, Biodiversity inventory and monitoring toolbox, Intermediate: Great Walk/Easier tramping track, Check the Fiordland National Park weather forecast, New Zealand Avalanche Advisory for Fiordland, Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) for Wakatipu, Wanaka and Central Otago, Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) for Fiordland National Park, Te Rua-o-te-moko / Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, Whakatipu-wai-Māori / Queenstown Visitor Centre, Routeburn Track walking guide – pick one up when you collect your tickets at the Queenstown or Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, track is well marked and signposted, but some sections are steep and rough, cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur, DOC manages avalanche risk and walkers may be flown (at their cost) over dangerous sections. take an avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and a snow shovel. The Routeburn Track is a popular destination for travellers and avid hikers. ... You can take a short (45 minute return) side trail to Key Summit for some of the best views in New Zealand. There are steep drop-off along sections of the whole track. Fiordland National Park (established in 1952) has spectacular ice-carved fiords, lakes and valleys, rugged granite tops and pristine mountain to sea vistas. Flush toilets are replaced with pit toilets. Day walks on The Routeburn Track. 3. Location: Mt. 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! Location: Where is the Routeburn Track? We decided to walk the two most popular walks in the south island - the Routeburn Track and the Milford Track. I just needed to find the time (read: get work to approve my leave). This section of the track is well-known for its impressive array of alpine plants. From the Key Summit turn-off, the gradual downhill walk is through silver beech forest to The Divide on the Milford Highway. Time: 2-4 days. 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. It covers 36km of scenic alpine vistas, lush moss and lichen filled forests, spectacular and abundant waterfalls, lakes (in that wonderful azure glacial blue), gorges and mountain views. The Falls Hut is more popular, since staying there breaks up the climb to the saddle better, especially coming from the east. Routeburn Track is partially open. If you get a discount you won't be charged a booking fee. There are 3 huts and 2 campsites, which must be booked well in advance during the Great Walks season. Read more about Milford track bookings. Bookings for the Milford Track will open at 9.30 am on Tuesday 18 August 2020. It was damaged in a storm in early 2020. This is an ideal spot for a rest or a picnic lunch, or perhaps to turn back for the day. Our fave hut ranger is stationed at Lake Mackenzie hut. Be prepared for all conditions. The bus departs Queenstown the following morning at 6.30am.You will stop in Te Anau for morning tea. Most people think that New Zealand’s famous Routeburn Track can only be hiked in the summer, and this is incorrect! Between the start and finish points, the Routeburn Track provides some of the best walking in New Zealand. Most walkers take 3 days/2 nights usually staying at Routeburn Falls and Lake Mackenzie Huts. Distance from Queenstown to Routeburn Shelter: 68km. Booking opening dates are notified two weeks in advance of bookings opening. Grade: Easy tramping track – well-formed with gradual climbs. Home » Packages » Routeburn Track Day Hike. *Please note this is not a guided day walk, for guided options see here. 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 Routeburn Track has a lot of challenging and complex avalanche terrain. Routeburn shelter to Routeburn falls hut. Lake Mackenzie is not safe to walk on when frozen. It's relatively short and can be done in two to three days. Walk the full track. Bookings for the Routeburn track will open at 9.30 am on Wednesday 19 August 2020. Car relocation is also a popular transport option, saving walkers a lot of time - it takes 5 hours to drive between one end and the other. Return transport to the Routeburn Shelter from Queenstown. Fiordland National Park experiences very high rainfall (up to 9000  mm per year) and weather conditions can change quickly in any season. Answer 1 of 22: Hi We are looking at the following option, can anyone advise us if this is possible? Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 - 1 November 2021). From November to April, weave through meadows, reflective tarns and alpine gardens, and be rewarded with spectacular vistas over vast mountain ranges and valleys. Proof of eligibility will be required for the New Zealand rate. Campsites have basic facilities including toilets, sinks and a water supply. The track is mostly wide and smooth as it follows the Routeburn River, making it accessible to walkers of all ages & abilities. Water can be obtained from the outside water tank; if this is frozen, then from the nearest water course or by melting snow. Please Note: This hike can be done in either direction, depending on hut availability.. A 9am transfer from Queenstown via Glenorchy to the beginning of the Routeburn Track. Note: Lake Howden Hut is permanently closed. Avalanches are frequent. This well traveled and well maintained track usually stretches 32km, but as of February 2020 the track is only open to the Mackenzie hut due to track damage, trampers will have to hike back out the same way they came in. You will be picked up at 8 am in central Queenstown. Your safety is your responsibility. 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. Huts do not have food, cooking utensils, showers or bedding.