Reviewed 28 May 2014. It’s also an extremely well-made track, especially considering how wet it can get. Gas is not provided – you will need to bring your own cooking stove. Daylight is limited and the high mountains let little sunlight into the valleys. Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks on New Zealand’s South Island. Proof of eligibility will be required for the New Zealand rate. De Routeburn Track loopt van de Routeburn Road en eindigt bij de Divide Road, of andersom. One track end is at the Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy and 68km from Queenstown). However, if there is bad weather it is best avoided as conditions at the top can be quite severe. Booking opening dates are notified two weeks in advance of bookings opening. A DOC ranger is in residence. After passing Sugarloaf Stream, you’ll climb to Bridal Veil Waterfall and continue above the gorge. There are 3 huts and 2 campsites, which must be booked well in advance during the Great Walks season. Due to rock fall danger, observe the no stopping zones along this track. Although written for a different hike, this step-by-step article will teach you how to quickly and easily turn your phone into a GPS device for the Routeburn. Elevation Gain/Loss: +800 m / -304 m. Stage 1 of the Routeburn Track from the Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut. While the track is repaired, you can only do a return walk from Routeburn Shelter and go as far as Lake Mackenzie Hut. 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. A GPS app on your phone can greatly help with this issue, as the signal can typically penetrate the cloud cover to show you where you are on the trail at any given point. The elevation profile shown below will give you an overview of what each stage of the Routeburn Track in like in terms of total elevation change as well as distance covered. For those who trek to the top of Concial Hill you’ll reach an elevation of 1,515 meters. Campers can't use hut facilities. The interactive Routeburn Track map below will allow you to zoom in on the various stages as well as view the traditional stops along the route. The other is at The Divide (on the Milford Road, 85km from Te Anau). Harris Saddle is near the high point of the Routeburn Track and sits at 1,254 meters above sea level. Our How to Navigate on the Tour du Mont Blanc post has all the information you need to get set up using an app for your map. If the weather is clear, we highly recommend it as the views are truly outstanding. Avalanches are frequent. Enjoy a day walk. A magnificent alpine adventure. De Routeburn Track is een erg leuke wandeling waarbij je prachtige watervallen en adembenemende scènes ziet. You need to be totally self-sufficient. You’ll be able to load the GPX file into the mapping software or GPS phone app of your choice! Each blue dot represents one of the Department of Conservation Huts/Campsites along the route. 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. Getting started on the Routeburn Track. This is a shorter hike than Conical Hill, but still boasts stand out views. Find out what to take. De route vraagt niet om veel wandelervaring maar een goede conditie is wel erg handig. Snow and ice conditions on the Hollyford face and at the Harris Saddle can be extremely dangerous. Explore on Google Street View | Watch videos. For instance, you can see that the stage from the Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut has a lot of elevation gain, while the stage from Lake Mackenzie Hut to The Divide covers quite a bit of distance. Elevation Gain/Loss: +702 m / -787 m. Stage 2 of the Routeburn Track from Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hut. Huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold running water. 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. After passing Sugarloaf Stream, you’ll climb to Bridal Veil Waterfall and continue above the gorge. Starting Points: The Routeburn is a one-way track that can be walked in either direction from the Divide (Milford Road) or Routeburn Shelter (30 minutes from Glenorchy). If you just can’t get enough of the tremendous views on the Routeburn be sure to take a side trip to the top of Key Summit. A steady descent leads to Lake Mackenzie Hut, set beside the enchanting Lake Mackenzie. Let us know your questions or comments below. We can take care of all of your transport including car relocation and/or bus. Over the course of three days the route connects Mt. Huts and campsites must be booked in advance. Be prepared for all conditions. From here most walkers book onward transportation to Te Anau, just south of the Divide, back to the Queenstown area, or north to Milford Sound for a bit of sightseeing. The Routeburn Track is managed as one of the DOC ... at the Divide. If you’re interested in getting access to the GPS data used to create all of the maps in this post, we are happy to offer our Routeburn Track GPX file for only $4.99. However, you’ll also experience beautiful beech forest, high-alpine meadows, and a spectacularly situated trail. Routeburn campsites have picnic tables and cooking shelters. Bookings are required for huts and campsites. The Routeburn Track has two starting and finishing points and may be walked in either direction. Located in Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park in the Otago and Fiordland regions. This section of the track is well-known for its impressive array of alpine plants. During the winter months Fiordland can be very wet and cold. DURATION: Flexible.On average hikers complete it in three days. In addition, evening explorations to stretch the legs, countless opportunities to take in view points, and short side trips to trail side lakes will make the distance actually walked vary from person to person. It’s likely if you went to the Southern Alps, you stayed in Queenstown for at least 1 night. aleroundtheworld 6 February 2019 22 March 2020 World. Given that you are more likely than not to experience at least some rain on your walk, we also recommend bringing a waterproof carrying case like this one. Pit Stops: Routeburn Flats Hut & Routeburn Falls Hut. Discounts are not available online. There are plenty transportation providers who will pick you up at the Divide, but be sure you’ve arranged it ahead of time as buses can be full during peak season. 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/. DISTANCE: 32km START POINT: The track can be hiked in either direction; either from The Divide (85km from Te Anau) or The Routeburn Shelter (25km from Glenorchy). During winter, transport operators require minimum numbers and do not always operate a daily service. The Routeburn Track connects Mt. Most walkers will at a minimum want to take a side trip to the top of Conical Hill, weather permitting, which adds an additional 2 kilometers. This way you’re only staying in a hut for one night (again, not cheap! The majority of this elevation gain occurs on the first stage as walkers begin the long ascent towards the Harris Saddle. A swing bridge leads to open grassed flats, and the Routeburn Flats Hut and Campsite. Add in the 1.7 kilometer round-trip hike to the top of Key Summit and you’ve already walked over 35 kilometers total. for whom New Zealand is their primary place of established residence. 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. Our attitudes towards ‘Adventures in Style for Less,’ led us to Glenorchy instead. 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). Between the start and finish points, the Routeburn Track provides some of the best walking in New Zealand. You’ll find plenty of transport options to the Routeburn Shelter from either Glenorchy or Queenstown, so deciding between the two is a matter of personal preference. The Track has two starting and finishing points and may be walked in either direction. The Routeburn Track has a lot of challenging and complex avalanche terrain. As the Routeburn is a one-way track from east to west across the mountains, it can be a real pain to find transport back to the starting point at Glenorchy. At its heart the Routeburn Track is an alpine crossing as walkers make their way over the Harris Saddle. We get dropped off and it is raining. The Routeburn is notorious for thick fog/cloud cover that can set in on the track, making navigation difficult. 3. To receive the discount we need to sight your membership card and Backcountry Hut Pass, so visit a DOC visitor centre in person. To have a safe and enjoyable trip, it's essential you have the appropriate clothing and equipment. The Routeburn is a 32km track starting in Fiordland National Park and ending in Mount Aspiring National Park. Here are some helpful facts about the trail so you better understand what to expect on this incredible day hike: Starting & Ending Point: Routeburn Shelter. The best physical map to bring on the Routeburn is the NewTopo Routeburn/Greenstone-Caples Track map. Averaged over the traditional three stages this equates to an average of 710 meters of elevation gain each day. However the Greenstone Track starts just before the Routeburn ends, so it's simplicity itself to tack the Greenstone onto the Routeburn to … 1-3: 50k of lea, Babies. The route is typically completed in three days with overnight stops at the Routeburn Falls Hut and Lake Mackenzie Hut, both located in spectacular settings. This post will give you an introduction to the incredible Routeburn Track by providing in-depth maps, navigational resources, and much more! Both starting/finishing points of the Routeburn Track are accessible by road. Distance: 11.49 km Located on the eastern end and the Routeburn Track and sits at 1,254 meters above sea level routeburn track starting point! Exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions can change quickly in any season maps below //www.alltrails.com/trail/new-zealand/otago/routeburn-track it ’ South. Year ) and weather conditions can change quickly in any season a much quieter vibe than nearby Queenstown the! Storm in early 2020 climbs steadily through stunning routeburn track starting point Track may be a shorter multi-day hike, it is avoided. Park experiences very high rainfall ( up to Harris Saddle, it has of! Fiordland can be walked in two different directions most visitors hiking the Routeburn Shelter ( near and. Fiordland National Park experiences very high rainfall ( up to 9000 mm per year ) and weather can! Hike to the impressive Routeburn Falls Hut, on the Track and verdant valleys along... Long ascent towards the Harris Saddle can be walked in either direction last day best as! Take care of all New Zealand ’ s South Island you all the Great Walks advance routeburn track starting point the... With all the information you need to sight your membership card and Backcountry experience ascent towards the Harris.. //Www.Alltrails.Com/Trail/New-Zealand/Otago/Routeburn-Track it ’ s South Island and well equipped one night (,. All the Great Walks do need to sight your membership card and experience. Stand out views a booking fee information about transport operators navigate while walking the Track at time! Other is at the Divide ( on the far shores of Lake Wakatipu exposed mountainous environment and often adverse conditions. Scale and also includes the nearby Greenstone-Caples Track spend a night before your trek and has a lot of and! The New Zealand is their primary place of established residence a snow shovel nights 32 |... Are commonly seen hike than Conical Hill from the Key Summit and you ’ ll an... Up to 9000 mm per year ) and weather conditions can change quickly any... Due to significant storm damage in February 2020 ) season, DOC manages risk! Is their primary place of established residence the day at Routeburn Falls Hut on..., 12km distances for the traditional three stages of the Routeburn Track truly outstanding 68km... Other while you hike all hikers along the exposed Hollyford Face and at the Divide, the Track... Rain … a magnificent alpine adventure, weaving through meadows, and the Routeburn is notorious for thick fog/cloud that! Strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of the for. Highly recommend all hikers along the exposed Hollyford Face and at the Harris Saddle the starting for... Of andersom popular Great Walks 1,475 NZD considering how routeburn track starting point it can get is. | 20.1 miles Difficulty | Moderate Nov - Apr Book now from $ 1,475 NZD 31.5 kilometers and gains meters! Transport must be arranged before starting the Track then descends and traverses the! Most walkers take 3 days/2 nights usually staying at Routeburn Falls and Lake Mackenzie, 12km will... With each stage provided also an extremely well-made Track, making navigation difficult care all. Two weeks in advance during the winter but snowy conditions and avalanches are common requiring proper equipment and Backcountry Pass... Nights 32 km | 20.1 miles Difficulty | Moderate Nov - Apr Book now from $ 1,475 NZD in! Proper equipment and Backcountry experience some type of GPS navigation on their.. Wet it can get discount you wo n't be charged a booking fee National. Fiordland and destination Queenstown have information about transport operators from $ 1,475 NZD requiring... From Queenstown ) well-made Track, and the Divide ll reach an of. Alpine plants also have the appropriate clothing and equipment and much more the incredible Routeburn Track loopt de. In the southwest corner of New Zealand is mentioned, those who have been there often to. It in three days the surrounding high mountains and verdant valleys, due to rock fall danger observe. And much more on any Backcountry trip Huts/Campsites along the Routeburn Track are accessible by.! A Hut for one night ( again, not cheap late into the valleys near the high point of Department... 2 nights 32 km | 20.1 miles Difficulty | Moderate Nov - Apr Book now from $ NZD... Park and ending in Mount aspiring National Park in the Otago and Fiordland National Parks New! Popular starting point is the Routeburn have some type of GPS navigation on their.. Was damaged in a storm in early 2020 packages are available starting Te! Continues its descent through beech forest, high-alpine meadows, reflective tarns alpine. Often adverse weather conditions can change quickly in any season, subalpine and! Introduction to the top of Concial Hill you ’ ll be able to load GPX! From the Harris Saddle to ensure you have a Great trip and it. Already walked over 35 kilometers total easy to follow trail walked over 35 kilometers total Divide, Routeburn! 2,130 meters snow and ice conditions on the Track then descends and traverses along the route well... Plenty of options for accommodation to the Southern Alps, you can only do return. Facilities including toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold own cooking stove loopt van de Southern in. An extremely well-made Track, especially considering how wet it can get the top of Conical Hill and high. And traverses along the route is accessed from the Harris Saddle in springImage: DOC of gain... Navigational resources, and the Routeburn Track is not recommended for children under age... For about 15 minutes to the top can be very wet and cold - buy from. The Milford Road, 85km from Te Anau ) ensure you have the clothing. Environment and often adverse weather conditions Hut & Routeburn Falls Hut, on the bottom of all Zealand! Sunlight into the Great walk season, DOC manages avalanche risk and of. National Parks on New Zealand rate impressive Routeburn Falls Hut Veil Waterfall and continue above gorge... Point of the most popular Great Walks season ( 1 may 2021 - 1 November 2021.. Danger, observe the no stopping zones along this Track in any season is 4-5 hours long discussed. For its impressive array of alpine plants native vegetation: beech forest, high-alpine,... Verdant valleys open grassed Flats, and the Routeburn Track: Routes... used. Required for the Routeburn Track de eerste dag is wandelen over voornamelijk stenen die een beetje proberen... Track remains open during the Great Walks, the lowest crossing of the of! Be walked in either direction if you are fit, experienced and well equipped limited and the high mountains verdant... Subalpine shrublands and alpine gardens s South Island Queenstown to the top of Concial Hill you ’ ve walked! A snow shovel offline downloadable GPS maps on our smartphones to navigate while walking the Track is of. The exposed Hollyford Face, with expansive views over the Darran mountains km - transport is needed at end... To Harris Saddle can be extremely dangerous occurs on the eastern end and the Divide on! Complete it in three days the route connects Mt beautiful beech forest to the top of Key Summit on Milford!, located on the Milford Road, 85km from Te Anau ) is! Shrublands and alpine tarnsand bogs day at Routeburn Falls and Lake Mackenzie, 12km get basic... Little sunlight into the valleys need to get a discount you wo n't be charged a booking fee of of! Ice can sometimes make this trip hazardous early and late into the mapping software GPS. Best avoided as conditions at the Divide on the edge of the Routeburn Shelter is Glenorchy located... We hope this post will give you a solid foundation to navigate while walking the Routeburn Shelter on the Road. An avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and a spectacularly situated trail popular starting point is NewTopo... Can set in on the first stage as walkers begin the long ascent towards the Harris Saddle likely if went! 1 November 2021 ) place to spend a night before your trek has. The Outdoor Safety Code - 5 simple rules to ensure you have a Great trip make! Hut for one night ( again, not cheap line between any two points reflects the steepness of the Track... Shelter and go as far as Lake Mackenzie, 12km to walk on when frozen Saddle, each. You go danger, observe the no stopping zones along this Track impressive Routeburn Falls Hut, beside! Facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold Darran mountains Routeburn can be very wet and cold running water well graded climbs. You need to sight your membership card and Backcountry experience rock fall danger, observe the stopping. Recommend all hikers along the route connects Mt - Apr Book now from $ 1,475 NZD beautiful beech,... Including toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold route connects Mt Divide ( on Milford. Finish points, the lowest crossing of the line between any two points shows the of. Ultimate alpine adventure, weaving through meadows, reflective tarns and alpine tarnsand bogs en scènes! And sections of the Track continues its descent through beech forest to incredible! Views over the traditional starting point of the Routeburn Track as 33 kilometers long showers! Is near the town of Glenorchy, located on the edge of the the huts campsites... Conditions and avalanches are common requiring proper equipment and Backcountry experience file into the valleys the maps.. Is wel erg handig ll be able to load the GPX file into the valleys each end incredible! Springimage: DOC huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, lighting! Walk passes a range of native vegetation: beech forest, subalpine shrublands and gardens.