The Routeburn Track

The Routeburn Track — preparing for an Alpine Masterpiece

The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular Great Walks, linking Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. While it is shorter than the nearby Milford Track at 32km, don't let the distance fool you. The Routeburn is a high-alpine traverse, meaning you’ll spend much of your time above the tree line. The views are grander, and the exposure to the elements is significantly higher.

On a trail that crosses the Southern Alps, gear isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety. With three days of trekking through ancient beech forests, dramatic alpine basins, and exposed ridgelines, your packing strategy needs to cover many possibilities.

Location

The Routeburn Track straddles the boundary between Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks on New Zealand’s South Island. This region is one of the country’s most remote protected wildernesses, characterised by soaring alpine ranges and glacial valleys carved over millennia. The track connects the Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy/Queenstown) with The Divide (on the Milford Road, near Te Anau).

Distance, Duration, and Difficulty

The Routeburn Track clocks in at 32 km (20 miles). Unlike the longer Great Walks, this one-way hike is typically completed over three days and two nights during the Great Walks season.

Difficulty is subjective, but it’s generally classed as 'intermediate'. While the forest sections are well-graded, the climb to Harris Saddle (the highest point at 1,255m) involves a steady ascent and exposure to alpine weather. If the clouds clear, the 360-degree views are world-class, but in a storm, these ridgelines can be very challenging.

Elevation profile for the Routeburn Track

Track Layout and Daily Stages

One of the best things about the Routeburn is its flexibility—you can hike it in either direction. Most people choose to start at the Routeburn Shelter and finish at The Divide. Guided hikers begin at The Divide and end at Routeburn Shelter.

The daily staging for the Routeburn Track will depend on your pace and whether you are tackling it independently or as part of a guided experience, as the guided tours operate their own private lodges separate from the DOC huts.

The solo experience (unguided) typically takes three days with the following itinerary:

• Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls (9 km)
• Routeburn Falls to Lake Mackenzie (11 km)
• Lake Mackenzie to The Divide (12 km)

A guided experience takes three days, but the direction is reversed.

Time of Year

The Great Walks season runs from November to April. This is when huts have gas and rangers, and the track is clear of major snow hazards. For the best chance of clear skies and stable weather, aim for February or March.

The Routeburn is a real alpine challenge outside of this season. There are more than 30 avalanche paths between Routeburn Falls and Lake Mackenzie, so only people who are very good at alpine and navigation should try to walk there in the winter.

Booking

Hut bookings are required during the Great Walk season and are managed by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC). Capacity is tight, with approximately 48 to 50 bunks available per hut per night, and popular dates sell out quickly—particularly during summer and public holidays. While hut use is popular, camping is also permitted at designated sites like Routeburn Flats and Lake Mackenzie, offering more flexibility than the Milford Track. Outside the Great Walks season, huts are first-come, first-served and do not require bookings, but facilities are greatly reduced; gas is not provided, flush toilets are replaced by pit toilets, and running water may be turned off.

The DOC camping area at Routeburn Flats

I decided to make my life a little easier by booking a guided experience with Ultimate Hikes, the only company that offers the full, multi-day trip along the Routeburn Track. They often have more availability, but the costs are much higher. In fact, I went all in and booked The Classic, a combination of the Milford Track and the Routeburn Track, two of the most popular Great Walks.

The guided lodge at Routeburn Falls is located within some stunning scenery

Transport

Unlike the Milford Track, which requires a boat to even step foot on the trail, the Routeburn Track is accessible by road at both ends. However, because it is a point-to-point hike rather than a loop, the logistics can be a bit of a puzzle. The two trailheads—Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy) and The Divide (on the Milford Road)—are only 32 km apart on foot, but they are separated by a 325 km (5-hour) drive.

You essentially have three reliable ways to bridge the gap:

• Track Shuttles: Several operators run daily services from Queenstown and Te Anau. You can park your car in town and take a shuttle to the start, then have a pre-booked shuttle pick you up at the finish. Expect to pay between $170–$210 NZD per person for a full loop.
• Car Relocation Services: If you prefer having your own vehicle waiting at the finish, services like Trackhopper or Easyhike are worth every cent. You leave your keys in a secure lockbox at the start, and they drive your car to the finish while you hike. This starts around $300–$350 NZD and is very cost-effective for groups of three or four. Professional services like Trackhopper and Easyhike use secure lockboxes attached to your vehicle, so you don't actually need to meet anyone in person. 
• The "Key Swap" (The Budget DIY): If you find a group walking the opposite direction, you can meet halfway on the trail (usually at the Harris Saddle), exchange car keys, and continue on. You finish at their car, they finish at yours, and you meet back in town to swap back. This requires a high level of trust and clear communication.

Weather and why rain isn't a bad thing

It is a common misconception that a "perfect" Great Walk requires blue skies and zero percent precipitation. In the Southern Alps, if you wait for a guaranteed window of dry weather, you might never leave the car park.

The Routeburn Track receives several metres of rainfall annually, and while a clear day at the Harris Saddle is what you hope for, there is a specific magic that only happens when the clouds roll in. Be prepared for all eventualities and embrace whatever Mother Nature serves up, and you'll have a truly enjoyable experience. 

Planning your trek is only half the battle—surviving the wild Southern Alps weather comes down to what is on your back. Before you step onto the trail, make sure to check out our Ultimate Routeburn Track Packing List & Gear Guide, where we break down the exact layering system, footwear choices, and pack weights you will need to conquer the alpine pass safely.