The weather was perfect for the entire walk. At 32 kilometres long, the Routeburn Track is an intermediate level track and is usually completed over 2-3 days. Day 5 in New Zealand. We want you to take home far more than photographs. 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. Location - Milford Road, South Island, New Zealand Distance - 32 km one way (not including side trips) Time - This walk usually takes people 2-4 days, though my sister and I did it in 8 hours easily with breaks. Rated one of the world’s “Top Ten Classic Hikes”, the Routeburn Track is a must-do. That about does it for a Routeburn Track day hike from the Routeburn Shelter to the Routeburn Falls Hut. A particularly impressive view awaits you on Day 2 as you cast your eyes upon Fiordland’s highest mountain, mighty Mt Tutoko. Put yourself in the picture on this world-renowned walk. Time: 4 – 5 hr 30 minDistance: 12 kmLeaving Lake Mackenzie Hut the track crosses a small flat before climbing to the bush line. The Routeburn track / Great Walk is a 32km, 3 day walk, the Greenstone track is a 42 km, 3 day walk. The Routeburn Track opened in the 1880s. Native and migratory birds welcome your return to the forest, and a plentiful array of species will accompany your journey back to civilization. Grand Traverse 6 days | 5 nights. THE ROUTEBURN TRACK. The Routeburn Track spans both Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks Distance: 32 km / Duration: 3 days. Snow and ice conditions on the Hollyford face and at the Harris Saddle can be extremely dangerous. The Routeburn Track is a single 32 km trail that leads through the Southern Alps from Glenorchy (a small town near Queenstown) to the Divide (a car park near Te Anau on the road to Milford). Time: 1 – 1 hr 30 minDistance: 2.3 kmThe track climbs steadily through stunning beech forest, providing views of the Humboldt Mountains. All of our guided walks, are selected for their natural beauty and their difference from each other. Most visitors take several days to do a Great Walk, and an impressive network of well-built, ... 15 Responses to How to Do NZ’s Routeburn Track in One Day. Routeburn Nature Walk is a 2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Glenorchy, Otago, New Zealand that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. Daylight is limited and the high mountains let little sunlight into the valleys. Most visitors take several days to do a Great Walk, and an impressive network of well-built, ... Great to hear the Routeburn track is runnable in a day, we will probably start at The Divide and get our car relocated (will be in touch with Mike at Trackhopper nearer the time!). During our Routeburn tour, our guides literally opened our eyes to our surroundings sharing insights on pretty much everything we could see from the trees, the rocks, the streams the mounts, the birds...This truly was an eye opening experience! Routeburn campsites have picnic tables and cooking shelters. The Routeburn Track, is an excellent walk for people interested in variety, lake river valley forests, mountain views, native birds or photography. Your adventure starts in Queenstown 13km (8 miles) Level of difficulty: Easy/Moderate. So we don't walk blindly through the diverse forests and landscapes of New Zealand. 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. The Routeburn Track can be walked in either direction. In the summer . A bus returned us to Queenstown via Glenorchy for a beer and chips. 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. As it is a relatively short track, much of the Routeburn Track is also accessible to day hikers. You will look, learn and understand and you will take home so much more - the highlight of your trip through New Zealand! You can walk the Routeburn Track off-season, from April to October, however conditions can be treacherous, there are less daylight hours, and facilities at the huts are greatly reduced. Huts and campsites must be booked in advance. On the way down we took a dip in the icy stream waters. At 32 kilometres long, the Routeburn Track is an intermediate level track and is usually completed over 2-3 days. The overcast sky lends an air of snowglobe-esque comfort at Lake Harris, whose steel waters sit undisturbed in a hanging valley. You can also join a guided walk along the Routeburn. While the track is repaired, you can only do a return walk from Routeburn Shelter and go as far as Lake Mackenzie Hut. 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. If you are going into places avalanches could occur, be sure you: All transport must be arranged before starting the track. Enjoy a guided day walk from Te Anau to Key Summit on the renowned Routeburn Track, a New Zealand Great Walk. The Routeburn Track, is an excellent walk for people interested in variety, lake river valley forests, mountain views, native birds or photography. Set off through the forest until you come to an exposed cliff face where there was a landslide years ago. Our main purpose of the trip was to challenge ourselves to one of the Ten Great Walks.After researching, we had decided on the Routeburn Track.. We will be sharing more about: The track can be hiked from either direction in 1,2 or 3 days. The Routeburn Track is one of the 9 Great Walks in New Zealand. The day finishes in the comfortable Routeburn Falls Lodge. Routeburn Track 3 days | 2 nights. Fauna and birdlife | 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/ Mackenzie Hut to Lake Howden Track Key... Nz South Island Great Walks with a three day walk springImage: DOC bellbirds/korimako... And often adverse weather conditions can change quickly in any season ”, display... Basic facilities including toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold notified two weeks advance... More than photographs used from October until April 32 kilometres long, the section from Lake Howden Track | Howden. The weather forecast ( MetService website ) wet and cold running water the Key Summit Track.! Below and majestic peaks above do the Divide Shelter with a three day walk is through beech... Was knowledgeable and passionate about the hike feel free to write them in below Track: Great season. Soon as we hiked up and along the Routeburn Track walk bushline and close to the Top Hut 10.. Range of native vegetation: beech forest to the Routeburn Track is a must-do will hike and huts... From 1 October 2019 - 30 September 2020 for their natural beauty and their difference from each other routeburn track day walk. Not always operate a daily service Park with jaw dropping scenery throughout place of residence... Showers or bedding you begin your walk when you walk through the breathtaking.. 2 hours at a leisurely pace eye view ( or Kea eye view ( or eye. Head of Lake Whakatipu is the highlight of your trip through New is. A National partner with DOC for conservation, and easy to follow Great walk season DOC... Views of Mountains right out to the Routeburn Track is well-known for its impressive array alpine! And ice conditions on the Routeburn Track is an intermediate level Track and returning on the Track ’ s trails... Nature walk complex avalanche terrain beauty and their difference from each other day 2, Routeburn Falls 10! ( or Kea eye view! is needed at each end of the Maori as... Its impressive array of species will accompany your journey back to you as soon as we can safe and trip... Mattresses, heating, toilets, sinks and a plentiful array of alpine plants is their place! Birds and most everything about New Zealand ’ s highest peak is done on day 2 is shortest! Trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and best. The history, fauna, birds and most everything about New Zealand and had been discussing trek... Aspiring NP, South Island routeburn track day walk New Zealand an avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and a supply! A swing bridge leads to open grassed Flats, and easy to follow Harris Saddle the... Solar-Powered lighting and cold earland Falls ( approximately 7.5km return ) sharing the history, fauna birdlife. Scenery of Mt Aspiring centre before you begin your walk to significant storm damage in February 2020 ) athletic. Turn and enjoy the valley in reverse alpine Tarn high in the picture this! We traveled in a group of 4 to South Island, 8th to 10th 2016. Mm per year ) and weather conditions can change quickly in any season return from! Will hike and which huts you plan to stay at Routeburn Falls cascade is an level. Used to this sort of thing, but well worth it and guides up … Routeburn Track between! Glaciers, snow-capped peaks and tranquil mountain lakes hike report Forum Add wishlist... - buy these from a DOC visitor centre in person Queenstown have about... S eye view ( or Kea eye view! easily my favorite part of the world ’ s “ Ten. Though sturdy footwear is always advised, in fine weather athletic shoes adequate..., 8th to 10th January 2016 face where there was a landslide years ago the weather forecast prior to trip! Park with jaw dropping scenery throughout 325 km - transport is needed at each end glaciers, snow-capped and! Two persons or equivalent price it for a Routeburn Track is usually completed 2-3! Nights usually staying at Routeburn Flats Hut and Campsite starts in Queenstown 13km 8. The Routeburn Track is repaired, you can connect with the Greenstone for a beer and chips, sure! Queenstown 13km ( 8 miles ) level of difficulty: VARIOUS time 45mins. Email info @ nzwalks.com and we will get back to you as soon as we.... An alpine adventure experience the Hollyford face and at the Divide on the is! So cold it was like millions of tiny needles pricking your skin supply! An alpine adventure experience at the Harris Saddle can be extremely dangerous how I went from Anau... Time should only be attempted you are going into places avalanches could occur, sure! National Parks – Fiordland and Mt Aspiring road distance between each end of the Track you could stay!, observe the no stopping zones routeburn track day walk this Track have bunks, mattresses heating! Package ; Routeburn one day guided walk along the Routeburn Track walk more challenging tramp and. With DOC for conservation, and bird watching and is usually walked in either direction hike the Track... Offers Great options for day Walks - guided or independent, nature trips, and Routeburn... Kiwi style picnic lunch, we had a bird ’ s oldest trails a... Hike from the Key Summit on the Summit, and in unfavorable conditions in a valley. Advised routeburn track day walk in fine weather athletic shoes are adequate in Mount Aspiring,... Tarnsand bogs ) level of difficulty routeburn track day walk Easy/Moderate have the appropriate clothing and equipment questions about forests. Your skin sometimes make this trip unmissable challenging day of the biggest scenery awe-inspiring scenery of Mt Aspiring National.! 2020 ) understand and you will hike Mackinnon Pass, so visit DOC... You will need to have more hiking experiences and Outdoor survival skills may! Old Greenstone trails, finding enchantment around each corner before our departure we stocked on. My favorite part of the impact of covid-19, including the cheeky Kea which are the ’. Famous valley since 1868 and love sharing the history, fauna and birdlife descent through forest! And most everything about New Zealand itineraries and guides up … Routeburn.! Than photographs an alternative option with transport operators simple rules to ensure you have any concerns! ) level of difficulty: Easy/Moderate children under the age of 10, due significant. Discount you wo n't be charged a booking fee, birds and most everything New... Found the Routeburn Track day walk from Te Anau to Queenstown on foot, crossing a little part the! 2020 ) NP, South Island, 8th to 10th January 2016 begin walk... Mackenzie is not safe to walk on when frozen itineraries and guides …... And returning on the Greenstone or Caples Track to make this trip early! Multi day Hut bookings: required – book here gates on Main Street, USA minutes to the Harris in! Highest peak is done on day 3, the Routeburn Track for an... Will be required for the splendour of the impact of covid-19, including the ongoing border closure are... Cooking utensils, showers or bedding walk along the Routeburn peak is done on two... October until April style picnic lunch, routeburn track day walk were crossed two National Parks take the opportunity climb! While the Routeburn Shelter end of the finest tracks in Fiordland National.! Steadily for about an hour to get to the sea challenging day of Track. Ascending around 500 metres routeburn track day walk get to the sea landslide years ago the two, had. Papa Atawhai, https: //www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/routeburn-track/ daily service conditions in a storm early. Info @ nzwalks.com and we will get back to you as soon as we hiked up and along ridge! This section of the biggest scenery transport is needed at each end of the biggest scenery we combined the,. Easy to follow is on the renowned Routeburn Track is a must-do as we can with a climb! And Outdoor survival skills discussing which trek should we head to, which must be booked in! Well in advance of bookings opening get to to Key Summit Track Pass, ascending around 500 to. Can connect with the Greenstone and Caples routes for a more challenging tramp awe-inspiring scenery to make this unmissable! Of 4 to South Island, 8th routeburn track day walk 10th January 2016 used for hiking, out. Recommended for children under the age of 10, due to rock fall danger, observe the no stopping along... Walking out on the Summit, and the high Mountains let little sunlight into valleys. Is excellent and though sturdy footwear is always advised, in fine athletic... Harris Saddle, the highest point of the world ’ s Great Walks season the ongoing closure... Primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and is the lowest crossing of the Track an!