Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Routeburn Track, New Zealand. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- New Zealand
- Biome
- Alpine (450–1,400 m)
- Best season
- November – April
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Alpine (450–1,400 m)
- Best season: November – April
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Routeburn Track
Topic summary
A 32-km 3-day traverse between Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: November – April
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Alpine (450–1,400 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Routeburn Track trip tools
How to get there
The Routeburn can be walked from Routeburn Shelter on the Queenstown side of the Southern Alps or from the Divide on the Te Anau side. Because the full track is one way, arrange transport for both ends unless planning a return walk or a longer circuit via the Greenstone and Caples Tracks.
- Routeburn Shelter
Starting point at the Route Burn end of the track. The first section follows the river toward Routeburn Flats Hut, passing Sugarloaf Stream and Bridal Veil Waterfall.
- The Divide
Trailhead and car park on the Te Anau side. A slip about 800 m into the track requires care; avoid stopping in the affected area.
Sources: doc.govt.nz · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Routeburn Track
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Routeburn TrackAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Routeburn Track
Planning to fish Routeburn Track, New Zealand? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in New Zealand are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Routeburn Track?
- A New Zealand fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current New Zealand fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Routeburn Track
Thinking about hunting Routeburn Track, New Zealand? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in New Zealand are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Routeburn Track?
- Confirm the land around Routeburn Track is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in New Zealand?
- A New Zealand hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A crossing of two national parks
The Routeburn Track crosses Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks on New Zealand’s South Island, linking river valley forest with high country around Harris Saddle. The full walk is 33 km one way and takes 2–4 days. It can be walked in either direction, with Routeburn Shelter and the Divide serving as the two ends. Harris Saddle is the track’s highest point and marks the boundary between the parks. Much of the route stays high around the saddle, with long views across mountain ranges and valleys. Below, the landscape shifts through meadows, tarns and alpine gardens into beech forest. The eastern side is comparatively dry, with red beech and mountain beech and relatively few ferns. That contrast between forested valleys and sustained high-country travel defines the walk, but also makes conditions around the saddle central to trip planning.
Overnight planning and shorter walks
Most walkers spend three days and two nights on the Routeburn, usually staying at Routeburn Falls Hut and Lake Mackenzie Hut. Routeburn Flats Hut provides another overnight option. There are three huts and two campsites in total, and bookings are required well in advance during the Great Walks season, which runs from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027. Huts provide bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold running water, with a DOC ranger in residence. Bring food, cooking utensils and bedding; there are no showers. Campsites have toilets, sinks, water, picnic tables and cooking shelters, but campers cannot use hut facilities. For a shorter outing, options include Key Summit, Lake Howden, Earland Falls and the Routeburn Nature Walk. Linking the Routeburn with the Greenstone and Caples Tracks allows a longer circuit starting and finishing near Routeburn Shelter.
Season, skills and equipment
The Great Walks season offers more facilities and fewer hazards, and the Routeburn is classed as an intermediate tramping track during that period. Outside the season, it becomes an advanced or expert undertaking rather than simply a quieter version of the same walk. From May to October, cold, wet weather, ice, snow and short daylight hours can change both the pace and the consequences of travel. Facilities are greatly reduced. Only fit, experienced and well-equipped walkers with alpine, river-crossing and navigation skills should attempt the full track in these conditions. Pack waterproof layers, insulation and equipment suited to the forecast and terrain, and leave enough flexibility to turn back. Side-stream bridges between Harris Saddle and Lake Mackenzie Hut have been removed for winter; stream levels can rise quickly, and winter crossings are not recommended. Dogs are not allowed.
Track alerts to account for
Several track issues need attention before setting out. A slip lies about 800 m along the track from the Divide car park; pass carefully and do not stop in that area. On the Howden side of Earland Falls, a slip has prompted a 20-minute reroute. Further movement on the Earland Falls side has required a temporary flagged section approximately five metres long above the new slip zone. Follow the flagging through the bush and expect the reroute to be wet and slippery after rain. Key Summit Track remains open during upgrade work, with completion expected by 30 September 2026. Delays of up to 30 minutes, machinery noise and helicopter operations are possible there. Follow signs, barriers and contractor instructions. Those works are limited to Key Summit and should not affect the normal Routeburn experience. Check current DOC alerts before departure, especially for winter bridge status and slip conditions.
Route options
- Full Routeburn Track33 km one wayIntermediate during the Great Walks season; advanced or expert outside the season.
Walk either direction between Routeburn Shelter and the Divide in 2–4 days. The usual three-day itinerary includes nights at Routeburn Falls and Lake Mackenzie Huts.
- Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats Hut7.5 km
Follow the Route Burn, pass Sugarloaf Stream, climb to Bridal Veil Waterfall and continue above the gorge. Allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes for this section.
- Routeburn–Greenstone and Caples circuit
Extend the Routeburn into a circuit by linking with the Greenstone and Caples Tracks, with access from Lake Howden. The circuit starts and finishes near Routeburn Shelter.
- Key Summit Track
A day-walk alternative to the full crossing. The track remains open during upgrade work, but delays of up to 30 minutes are possible until the expected completion on 30 September 2026.
- Earland Falls Track
A day-walk option with a slip-related reroute on the Howden side of Earland Falls. Follow the marked diversion and flagging; wet conditions can make it slippery.
Sample itineraries
- Three-day Routeburn crossing · 3 days
Walk from Routeburn Shelter to the Divide, staying at Routeburn Falls Hut and Lake Mackenzie Hut. The 33 km route links forest, meadows and high terrain around Harris Saddle. Plan this crossing for the Great Walks season and arrange transport between the trailheads.
- Four-day hut-based crossing · 4 days
Spread the crossing over four days, staying at Routeburn Flats Hut, Routeburn Falls Hut and Lake Mackenzie Hut. The opening section from Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats Hut is 7.5 km and takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Key Summit day walk · 1 day
Choose Key Summit Track for a day walk rather than the full crossing. Construction is expected to finish by 30 September 2026; the track remains open, with occasional delays up to 30 minutes. Follow signs, barriers and contractor instructions.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Outside the Great Walks season through 31 October 2026; season begins 1 November 2026
Before November, expect reduced facilities and possible cold, wet, snowy or icy conditions. Alpine, river-crossing and navigation skills are required outside the Great Walks season. November brings the managed walking season, with more facilities and fewer hazards.
Summer
Within the 1 November 2026–30 April 2027 Great Walks season
This is part of the recommended walking season, when the track has an intermediate classification. Huts and campsites require bookings. High ridges around Harris Saddle still call for waterproof clothing, warm layers and attention to weather.
Fall
Great Walks season ends 30 April 2027
The managed season continues through April. May falls within the more challenging period, when cold, wet weather, ice, snow and shorter daylight can affect travel. Do not treat an outside-season crossing as an ordinary summer tramp.
Winter
Within the May–October outside-season period
Facilities are greatly reduced, and the track becomes advanced or expert terrain. Only fit, experienced, well-equipped walkers with alpine, navigation and river-crossing skills should attempt it. Side-stream bridges between Harris Saddle and Lake Mackenzie Hut have been removed for winter; crossings are not recommended.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Outside the Great Walks season through 31 October 2026; season begins 1 November 2026 | Before November, expect reduced facilities and possible cold, wet, snowy or icy conditions. Alpine, river-crossing and navigation skills are required outside the Great Walks season. November brings the managed walking season, with more facilities and fewer hazards. |
| Summer | Within the 1 November 2026–30 April 2027 Great Walks season | This is part of the recommended walking season, when the track has an intermediate classification. Huts and campsites require bookings. High ridges around Harris Saddle still call for waterproof clothing, warm layers and attention to weather. |
| Fall | Great Walks season ends 30 April 2027 | The managed season continues through April. May falls within the more challenging period, when cold, wet weather, ice, snow and shorter daylight can affect travel. Do not treat an outside-season crossing as an ordinary summer tramp. |
| Winter | Within the May–October outside-season period | Facilities are greatly reduced, and the track becomes advanced or expert terrain. Only fit, experienced, well-equipped walkers with alpine, navigation and river-crossing skills should attempt it. Side-stream bridges between Harris Saddle and Lake Mackenzie Hut have been removed for winter; crossings are not recommended. |
Permits, fees & closures
Hut and campsite bookings are required during the Great Walks season, 1 November 2026–30 April 2027. Book well in advance.
Reservations: Bookings are open for the 2026/27 season through DOC's online booking system. There are three huts and two campsites.
Official source: Routeburn Track: Fiordland National Park - Department of Conservation · Verified September 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- A slip lies about 800 m from the Divide car park. Pass carefully and avoid stopping in this area.
- A 20-minute reroute on the Howden side of Earland Falls bypasses a slip. Follow flagging through the bush, including the temporary route above newer movement. The reroute may be wet and slippery after rain.
- Winter side-stream bridges between Harris Saddle and Lake Mackenzie Hut have been removed. Stream levels can rise quickly, and winter crossings are not recommended.
- Outside the Great Walks season, ice, snow, cold rain and short daylight increase the demands of the crossing. Alpine, river-crossing and navigation skills are necessary.
- The route spends substantial time on high ridges around Harris Saddle. Carry protection against wet, cold and exposed conditions.
- Key Summit construction can involve light machinery, helicopter operations and delays. Follow all site instructions.
What to pack for Routeburn Track
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm insulating layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sturdy footwear for wet, slippery ground
- Route map and navigation tools
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Alpine equipment appropriate to conditions for outside-season travel
- Sleeping bag; huts do not provide bedding
- Food and cooking utensils
- Water bottles
- Tent, sleeping mat and independent cooking equipment if camping; campers cannot use hut facilities
Routeburn Track FAQ
- How long is the Routeburn Track?
- The track is 33 km one way. Allow two to four days; most walkers take three days and two nights, staying at Routeburn Falls Hut and Lake Mackenzie Hut.
- Can it be walked in either direction?
- Yes. The crossing connects Routeburn Shelter and the Divide. It is not a loop, so arrange transport between the ends. A longer circuit is possible by linking with the Greenstone and Caples Tracks.
- What terrain and scenery does it cross?
- The route crosses Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. Expect beech forest, river sections, meadows, tarns and alpine gardens, with extended high-ridge travel around Harris Saddle, the route's highest point.
- What do the huts and campsites provide?
- During the Great Walks season, huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar lighting and cold running water, with a resident DOC ranger. Bring food, utensils and bedding. Campsites have toilets, sinks, water, picnic tables and cooking shelters. Campers cannot use hut facilities.
- Are there shorter walking options?
- Day-walk options include Earland Falls Track, Key Summit Track, Lake Howden Track and Routeburn Nature Walk. Check current conditions and alerts before choosing a route.
- Can dogs come on the track?
- No. Dogs are not allowed on the Routeburn Track.