Routeburn Track 

 Routeburn Track

 This is an Alpine walk that is 3 days/2 nights staying in Department of Conservation Huts in the Milford Sound area.  It is 32km in total split over the 3 days, with the majority of the walking on the 2^nd day.    

Cost; 2 nights in huts, transport from track end to Queenstown, $94 (we have already deducted $24 in lieu of your camp fees for those nights you are on the track)

Departure is during the day on Point 15. We go to Milford Sound in the morning and AFTER the boat cruise we drop you off to start walking.

Our recommended itinerary

This is for people with a reasonable level of fitness and used to walking, (if you are unfit please let us know);

Day One; Leave the Divide on the day we visit Milford Sound, by 5pm, 1 - 1 1/2 hrs walk, night at Howden Hut / Mackenzie Hut

Day Two; Crossing Harris Saddle (1277m), 8 -10 hrs walk, night at Routeburn Falls or Flats Hut.

Day Three; Walk out to meet the shuttle by 10.00 am, 2-2.5 hrs walk. 

Rejoin the group on Point 17 in Queenstown, Queenstown Motor Park in Brecon St. by midday to rejoin group

Can I do It?

Physical fitness and good equipment will make the difference to your enjoyment of the trip, regardless of the weather.  On this track you will be an independent walker and therefore can expect the following:

• To carry a pack weighing up to 15kg for up to 20km per day.

• Parts of the track have rough and uneven walking surface

• At least one days rain while on the track

• To walk through water up to half a metre deep during or after heavy rain

• To cross unbridged streams

• To get wet, muddy boots - it's part of the Routeburn experience

 What to take

The Routeburn Track traverses a high alpine area.  The following gear is essential, no matter how warm it is on the day of departure. 

 Clothing

You will need at least one set of clothes to walk in and another set dry set to change into at night.  It is not possible to dry clothes in the huts.  It is essential that this clothing is carried as your safety and the safety of others depends on it.  Please note: cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts are not suitable.  Polypropylene or merino, which is quick drying is recommended. 

Boots                                       need to be comfortable and well broken in

Socks                                       wool/polypropylene - 2 pairs

Shorts

Shirt                                         wool/polypropylene

Longjohns/trousers                  wool/polypropylene

Jersey/jacket                            wool/polypropylene

Undershirts/t/shirt                     wool/polypropylene

Mittens/Gloves                         wool/polypropylene

Raincoat                                  waterproof, windproof with hood

Overtrousers                           wind and waterproof

Woollen hat/balaclava, sunhat and sunglasses.  Extra socks, underwear, short or lightweight jersey. 

Personal Equipment

Pack/Rucksack                        with large waterproof/plastic liner

Sleeping Bag                           good quality 3+ season

Matches/lighter                         in waterproof container

Torch                                       With spare batteries

Eating Utensils                         knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup

Cooking Utensils                      pot/pan/billy and cleaning utensils

Toilet gear                               toothbrush, soap, toilet paper, small towel

First aid kit                                insect repellent, sunscreen, blister kits, pain relief, assorted bandages

Survival kit                               survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high energy snack food

Drink bottle                               1-2 litres water capacity

Optional extras                         camera, lightweight shoes, ear plugs for communal bunkrooms (you will be sharing with up to 40 other walkers)

 Food

Supplied by Flying Kiwi, you will need to carry 3 days supply.