Hiking Routeburn Track In New Zealand

Hiking Routeburn Track

The trail traverses from the Routeburn Shelter in the east (near Glenorchy) to the Divide Shelter in the west (near Te Anau), but can be hiked in either direction.

Optimal hiking season here is November through April. And, as it gets busy then, huts must be booked well in advance. Hiking outside this season requires solid alpine hiking skills.

Department of Conservation (DOC) Info on Routeburn Track

Although the trail is noted as an intermediate hike, this doesn’t mean it’s not challenging. Steep cliffs, slippery surfaces, and unpredictable alpine weather can make things treacherous. Overall though, I found the trail easier than I expected after reading about it in advance.

Note that some parts of the track cross over alpine areas so they suggest children under 10 do not hike this trail.

This elevation map gives an idea how strenuous hiking each section of the Routeburn Track is.

Note that the Rotueburn Track is a dynamic trail. Adverse weather conditions can close areas of the trial for periods of time. Always make sure to visit the DOC site to read the latest conditions and possible re-routings.

Due to the fact that the distance between the start and end of the trail is over 201 miles (324 km) by road, transportation needs to be pre-arranged for the start and end of the trail.

Buses run regularly from Queenstown to the either the Routeburn Shelter or the Divide Shelter.

Or, if you prefer to drive, you can hire someone to move your car from one end to the other while you hike. The DOC site lists approved operators here.

Also, as a alternative, it’s possible to make this track a loop with the addition of the Greenstone and Caples Tracks.

Finally, arranging bus/boat transport to visit Milford Sound from the Divide Shelter is a perfect add-on to hiking the Routeburn Track. See the list of DOC approved transport noted above. In fact, as it’s only a 45 minute drive, it’s a great finale to the trail.

Routeburn Track Huts

Huts operated by the DOC:

The trail from Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut is 6 miles (9.8 m) and takes about 3.5 hours. It starts by following the crystal clear, Routeburn River through a wooded area.

The trail crosses Sugarloaf Stream, then goes past Bridal Veil Waterfall, before heading up towards Routeburn Flats Hut area.

After this, your climb continues upward.

This sectIon of the trail is stunning, as you wander through solemn beech forest,

cross a stream over one of the trail’s many narrow, swinging bridges,

The trail from Routeburn Falls to Lake Makenzie Hut is 7 miles (11.3 km), or about 5 hours. Additionally, you can add in a side trip up Conical hill. This will add in another 1.5 – 2 hours.

After leaving the Routeburn Falls hut, you climb up towards Harris Saddle at the peak of the trail, 4, 117’ (1,255 m). There is also a brilliant lake here called Harris Lake.

To me, this was one of the most beautiful parts of the hike, so you’ll want to stop and admire the view a bit. The shelter here, Harris Shelter, is a good place to take a snack break if the weather is bad. There are also toilets here.

And if you want to climb even higher, you can take the optional side trip up Concial Hill for magnificent views of the Hollyford Valley. I did not do this optional side trip.

After cresting Harris Saddle, you trek southward over Hollyford Face, overlooking the valley. The space here is so grand that you feel like a tiny speck amongst giants.

After traversing for a while, you start the steep descent down towards Lake Mackenzie. As you get closer to the lake, you pass through a fantastical, moss and ivy covered woods called, ‘Fairy Forest’. It is by far the most moss covered forest I have ever seen.

Finally, you reach Mackenzie Lake. You’ll see the lake before you come upon the hut and it’s very tempting to take your shoes off and wade for a bit if the weather is not too cold.

The water is very cold, but very refreshing. Especially if it’s been a few days without a shower.

This is yet another stunning lake. There are also picnic tables at the edge to soak up the view while you rest and eat.

There used to be a hut here, but it was destroyed by a mud slide in 2020. At this time there are no plans to replace it.

After one last glance at mesmerizing Lake Howden, you set off on the last part of your journey, descending to the Divide Shelter.

There are still more amazing views along this part of the trail.

And there’s another side trip here called Key Summit. It’s 2-3 hours round trip, taking you up for panoramic views of the Humboldt and Darran mountains.

Summary

Hiking the Routeburn track really is a feast of nature and a trip you’ll never forget. If you’ve hiked this trail, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.

For other great sites and hikes in New Zealand, see my posts on Queenstown as well as hiking Tongariro, Cape Brett Walkway, and Abel Tasman Track.

There’s also spectacular Franz Josef Glacier and the world renown Sauvignon Blancs at the wineries of Marlborough.

And to help plan your trip, check out my New Zealand Travel Guide to learn more about the top destinations, how to get around, the best time to visit, safety concerns, and more.

Safe Travels!

Julie