Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For track snacks or meals, stock up on groceries in Queenstown. Track transport is at a
premium during the summer Great Walks season (late October to March); try to book in
advance. Many of the local accommodation providers offer trailhead transport;
Click here
for services from Queenstown.
Routeburn Track
(
www.doc.govt.nz
;
huts/campsites Nov-Apr $54/18, May-Oct $15/5)
Passing through a huge variety of
landscapes with fantastic views, the 32km-long, two- to four-day Routeburn Track is one
of the most popular rainforest/subalpine tracks in NZ. It's one of NZ's nine designated
'Great Walks', and many trampers rate it as the very best.
Increased pressure on the track has necessitated the introduction of an online booking
system in the Great Walks season, which covers all huts and campsites on the route.
You'll then need to call into the DOC Visitor Centre in either Queenstown or Te Anau to
collect actual tickets, either the day before or on the day of departure. Outside of the sea-
son, bookings aren't required but you'll still need to visit one of the DOC centres to pur-
chase your hut and campsite tickets.
The Routeburn track remains open in winter. However, to traverse the alpine section
after the snow falls is not recommended for casual trampers, as winter mountaineering
skills are required. There are 32 avalanche paths across the section between Routeburn
Falls hut and Howden hut, and the avalanche risk continues through to spring. Always
check conditions with DOC.
The track can be started from either end. Many people travelling from Queenstown try
to reach the
Divide
in time to catch the bus to Milford and connect with a cruise on the
sound. En route, you'll take in breathtaking views from
Harris Saddle
and the top of nearby
Conical Hill
, from where you can see waves breaking at Martins Bay. From
Key Summit
, there
are panoramic views of the Hollyford Valley and the Eglinton and Greenstone River Val-
leys.
There are car parks at both ends of the track, but they're unattended, so don't leave any
valuables in your car.
TRAMPING
ROUTE
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME (HR)
Routeburn Shelter to Flats Hut
1½-2½
Flats Hut to Falls Hut
1-1½
Falls Hut to Mackenzie Hut
4½-6
Mackenzie Hut to Howden Hut
3-4
