New Zealand Routeburn: Hike the Track on your Flying Kiwi Tour

The Routeburn is one of the most famous Great Walks of New Zealand. It's an alpine walk and you will be staying in the Department of Conservation Huts or your own tent in the Milford Sound area. It is 32km in total, split over the 2 days, with the majority of the walking on the 2nd day. It's a definite must for adventure seekers as part of a hiking tour through New Zealand's South Island. 

Thinking of Including the Routeburn Track in Your Adventure Tour? Easy When You Book Ahead

If you’d like to hike the famous Routeburn Great Walk, we can drop you off at the start and then you’re on your way! We’ve also put some instructions on how to book the walk below, we recommend doing this as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. The season for booking opens in April for the following walking season.

After you’ve been to the world-famous Milford Sound, we’ll drop you off at the start of the track at the Divide Shelter, and you’ll hike to the Routeburn Shelter near Glenorchy.

You can book your route and huts, but if you prefer not to use huts, you can simply take your tent and camp along the track. Lake Howden Hut is a good stopping point for lunch and is positioned near beautiful waterfalls. Lake Mackenzie Hut is a key resting point with remarkable views and natural features surrounding it.

Once you arrive in Glenorchy, you’ll need to book transport from Glenorchy to Queenstown via a third-party provider. You can contact us for recommendations. 

See for more info about this amazing hike.

Overview of the Routeburn Track

The Routeburn Track is a 32 km multi-day hike that traverses both Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Parks in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. The track is a challenging hike that requires a good level of fitness and strength. Depending on your schedule and fitness level, you can complete the Routeburn track over 2, 3, or 4 days.

This stunning trail offers a variety of landscapes and features, highlights such as the Harris Saddle, Lake MacKenzie, and the Key Summit extension. As you traverse through beech forests, alpine meadows, and past waterfalls and lakes, you’ll experience the diverse beauty of Fiordland National Park. Also, plan ahead as Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. A permit is required to hike, this can be obtained from the Department of Conservation (DoC) website or at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre.

While it is a well-graded track, it can often flood between the Routeburn Falls Hut and the Harris Saddle, so be prepared for changing conditions. It's best to always be prepared for unpredictable weather, as rain and wind can occur at any time. The trail is well marked, but it's essential to also bring a map, compass, and GPS device for navigation.

Highlights on the Routeburn Track

Now we don't expect you to be ticking these off in your journal when you should be embracing nature at its finest or at least watching your footing but here is a taster of the highlights of the track.

Harris Saddle: The Alpine Heart of the Routeburn Track

If you've ever dreamt of hiking through New Zealand's jaw-dropping landscapes, chances are the Routeburn Track is on your radar. And at the heart of this iconic trek? The magnificent Harris Saddle, or Tarahaka Whakatipu, as it's known in Māori.

Imagine standing at 1,255 meters, surrounded by a panorama of rugged peaks and sweeping valleys. That's the magic of the Harris Saddle. This isn't just another viewpoint; it's a pivotal moment on the Routeburn, a place where the world opens up and leaves you breathless.

Why is the Harris Saddle so special?

View for Days: Let's be honest, the views are the star of the show. From here, you'll witness the dramatic Darran Mountains, the lush Hollyford Valley, and the serene beauty of Lake Harris. It's the kind of scenery that stays with you long after you've descended.

A True Alpine Experience: Reaching the saddle means stepping into a high-altitude world. The air is crisp, the landscape is raw, and you're surrounded by unique alpine flora. It's a taste of New Zealand's wild heart.

Summit Sensation: As the highest point on the Routeburn Track, reaching the saddle is a real achievement. It's a moment to pause, reflect, and soak in the accomplishment.

A Change of Scenery: The Harris Saddle acts as a transition, marking a shift in the track's terrain and views. It's a reminder of the Routeburn's diverse beauty.

Conical Hill side trip: For those who want even more, a side trip to Conical Hill from the Harris Saddle is available. This will add even more outstanding 360 degree views to your already outstanding experience.

Essentially, the Harris Saddle is more than just a landmark; it's an experience. It's where you connect with the raw beauty of New Zealand's Southern Alps and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, if you're planning a Routeburn adventure, get ready to be captivated by the majesty of the Harris Saddle.

Other Highlights to Look Out for On Your Way

While the Harris Saddle is a definite highlight, the Routeburn Track is filled with numerous other stunning features. Here's a look at some of the other key attractions:

Routeburn Flats:

These beautiful, open grassy flats alongside the Routeburn River offer a serene and picturesque setting. It's a great place to appreciate the valley's beauty.  The Routeburn flats hut is within 1 hour 40 minutes from the start of the track and gives you the opportunity to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery with a cup of tea.

Routeburn Falls:

The cascading Routeburn Falls are a spectacular sight. Its definitely a photo opportunity The Routeburn Falls Hut is situated near these falls, providing hikers with stunning views. It is only 2 hours 30 minutes from the beginning of the track but is a very picturesque place to stay and gives you a good midpoint in a three-day walk. Its also important to get in quick to book this as it's a popular stopping point.

Lake Mackenzie:

This enchanting lake, with its tranquil waters and surrounding forests, is a truly magical place. The reflections of the mountains in the lake are often breathtaking. You will arrive here on the second day's walk, where you can relax and stay at the Lake McKenzie Huts

Earland Falls:

This These impressive, towering waterfalls are a powerful display of nature's force. The sheer height of 174 meters the falls is quite a sight.

Key Summit:

While technically a side trip, the Key Summit is highly recommended. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. It's a relatively short detour from The Divide end of the track.

The Diverse Flora and Fauna:

Throughout the track, hikers will encounter a handful of amazing environments for birds and plants to flourish, from lush beech forests, alpine meadows and a variety of native plants and birdlife, including the cheeky Kea.

The Views Along the Hollyford Face:

The track, after the Harris Saddle, traverses along the exposed Hollyford face, providing expansive views of the Darran snow-topped Mountains. This section is known for its beautiful alpine plant life.

The Routeburn River:

The crystal clear waters of the Routeburn river trail along much of the initial part of the track provide beautiful scenery and the instant calm feeling of getting into nature. It's an alpine river, so the glorious greeny blue sparkle is really magical.

 

What level of fitness is the Routeburn track?

Physical fitness and good equipment will make a 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:

1. To carry a pack weighing up to 15kg for up to 20km per day.
2. Parts of the track have a rough and uneven walking surface
3. At least one day of rain while on the track
4. To walk through water up to half a meter deep during or after heavy rain
5. To cross unabridged streams
6. To get wet, muddy boots - it's part of the Routeburn experience

What should I pack for the Routeburn track?

The Routeburn Track (see PDF brochure) 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 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 depend 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: they will need to be comfortable and well broken in
• Socks: wool/polypropylene - 2 pairs
• Shorts: wool/polypropylene
• Shirt: wool/polypropylene
• Long Johns/trousers: wool/polypropylene
• Jersey/jacket: wool/polypropylene
• Undershirts/t-shirt: wool/polypropylene
• Mittens/Gloves: wool/polypropylene
• Raincoat: waterproof, windproof, with a hood
• Overtrousers, wind and waterproof
• Woollen hat/balaclava, sunhat and sunglasses
• Extra socks, underwear, shorts and a lightweight jersey

Personal Equipment

• Pack/Rucksack: with large waterproof/plastic liner 
• Sleeping Bag: good quality 3+ season
• Matches/lighter: in a waterproof container
• Torch with spare batteries
• 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 of water capacity
• Optional extras: camera, lightweight shoes, ear plugs for communal bunkrooms (you will be sharing with up to 40 other walkers)   

Food

You will need to purchase food in Te Anau the day before. You will need to carry enough for the entire hike, so bring 2 to 3 days' supply. Dehydrated food and oats for breakfast are a must, as well as high-energy snacks like nuts, jerky, energy bars, as a good stash of moral-boosting chocolate.

Tips for Hiking the Routeburn Track

1. Book in Advance: Secure your accommodation and transportation early, especially during the Great Walks season.
2. Pack Layers: The weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so bring clothing that can be layered.
3. Navigation Tools: Carry a map, compass, and GPS device, along with a first aid kit and emergency shelter.
4. Prepare for Terrain: Be ready for steep climbs and uneven surfaces.
5. Take Your Time: Enjoy the breathtaking views and scenery at a comfortable pace.
6. Consider a Guide: If you’re not experienced with multi-day hikes, hiring a guide or joining a guided tour can be beneficial.
7. Check the Weather: Always check the weather forecast before starting your hike.
8. Water Safety: Bring a water filter or treatment, as the water in streams and lakes may not be safe to drink.
9. Respect Nature: Follow the principles of Leave No Trace to protect the environment and wildlife.
10. Enjoy the Journey: Embrace the experience and take in the stunning vistas of the Southern Alps.

By following these tips and being well-prepared, you’ll be set for an unforgettable adventure on the Routeburn Track.

Posted by Tomahawk Support on April 22, 2025