Routeburn Track

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What people say

natalie bowler
"We did this hike in november and it has to be one of my favourite ever. You can start the track either end at the routeburn shelter glenorchy side or the divide in te anau which is approx 3 hours from queenstown. If you dont have a car you can leave at either end or are unable to do a key swap with someone else walking this track (you can arrange these on the local FB pages) then there is a bus available also but it is a little expensive. We had a hire car so did a day hike half way and back which was the best alternative for us. We started at the routeburn shelter side and walked to harris saddle and back. This took approx 8 hours but we were walking fast... The whole hike takes approx 2-4 days as most people sleep at the huts along the way. There is a couple of longdrop toilets along the way also but make sure to go before you start or stop in at one of the huts. The routeburn falls hut is honestly one of the best DOC huts i have ever seen and is large with a lovely deck overlooking the mountains. Be aware these huts book up very fast which is partially why we did a day hike as it was fully booked during peak season. The views along the way will blow your mind. Ensure you pack well even just for a day hike with plenty of snacks and water, suncream and comfortable clothing/shoes. There is also a water hole to swim in if you are brave enough to face the icy cold mountain water. "
"This 33 km long multi-day hike offers spectacular views over mountains, valleys and the stunning Routeburn River. It is best done between November and April and as this is the Great Walk season you have to book the huts or campgrounds well in advance. The hike connects the Routeburn Shelter, that can be reached from Glenorchy, and the State Highway 94 (the road leading to Milford Sound) and it can be walked in either direction. If you missed out on securing a booking and won't be able to do the entire track, it is also possbile to do some shorter walks there. We spent an afternoon there, starting at the Routeburn Shelter and walking till we reached the Forge Flat, on the way back we did the Routeburn Nature Walk. The walk along the Routeburn River is super beautiful and the colours of the water are spectacular. Once you reach the Forge Flat you will be lost for words because this is such a stunning place. If you're brave enough you can go for a dip in the ice cold water. Only the look of it with this crazy greenish/turquoise colour and being crystal clear will probably not let you resist to jump in."

Mentioned in these guides

Hike several of the most famous trails in New Zealand with this custom route that combines Great Walks of Rees-Dart and Routeburn with some lesser-known hidden gems like Cascade Saddle, Earnslaw Burn, and Greenstone/Caples. This trek showcases the diverse landscape of New Zealand's South Island, from serene valleys and ancient glaciers to rugged alpine mountain passes and through low altitude temperate rain forests. The route is split into 7 flexible stages that can be done in 7-14 days and is written for those seeking to (wild) camp and who prefer to stay in huts along the way. The route includes some off-trail sections to some of the most secluded and beautiful landscapes of New Zealand, but also provides alternatives to avoid these sections of bushwhacking. This guide includes the route as seen in my YouTube film and provides all the additional information about all the huts along the way, wild camping regulations all along the trek, how to get there, when to go, the weather, and much more. What this guide includes: - A flexible itinerary for different lengths and difficulty levels; - Distances, best camping options, and other useful waypoints; - Custom Google Maps with all the important locations, such as campsites, grocery stores, airports, trails, public transport stops, and viewpoints; - GPX tracks of all the routes; - Practical information on how to get there, how to get around, when to go, trail conditions, weather, geography, and more; - Detailed descriptions of the trekking route, including landmarks, terrain, and elevation changes. Embark on this adventure to discover New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes, from alpine passes and serene lakes to lush valleys and dense rain forests. This guide promises to lead you through the heart of the South Island's untamed beauty, offering an unforgettable journey through its most majestic and wild spaces. Get ready to be captivated by the stunning vistas and unique experiences that await on this epic trek. Get an impression of the route on youtube.com/harmenhoek.
$15.00
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About Routeburn Track

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