Routeburn Track

One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Routeburn Track cuts through the heart of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks, delivering a concentrated hit of alpine drama. Over 32 km (20 miles) of trail, you'll traverse suspension bridges, climb past waterfalls, and cross exposed saddles with views that stretch to the Tasman Sea. It’s a classic for a reason: the track packs in glacier-carved valleys, beech forests, and tarns that mirror the sky, all in a manageable three-day tramp.

Highlights & What to See

• Key Summit – A short side trip from the Divide shelter offers a 360-degree panorama of the Humboldt Mountains and Lake Marian, with alpine tarns and cushion plants underfoot.
• Harris Saddle (Tarahaka Whakatipu) – The track’s highest point (1,255 m) is a rocky perch with jaw-dropping views of the Hollyford Valley and the Darren Mountains. On clear days, you can see the Milford Track far below.
• Lake Mackenzie – An impossibly turquoise lake ringed by mountains, with a DOC hut that’s one of the finest on the trail. The evening light here is pure magic.
• Routeburn Falls – A series of cascades near the Routeburn Falls Hut, where the trail hugs the cliffside above the valley floor. The sound of falling water accompanies you for kilometres.
• Beech Forests & Mossy Groves – The lower sections are draped in silver beech and ferns, with a primeval feel that’s quintessential Fiordland. Keep an eye out for kākā and riflemen.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for three days and two nights if you’re walking the entire track from the Routeburn Shelter to the Divide (or vice versa). Fit trampers can do it in two days, but that means less time to linger at the saddles and lakes. For a day trip, the section from the Divide to Key Summit (3–4 hours return) is a brilliant taste of the alpine scenery. Book huts and campsites well in advance, especially in summer (November to April), as the track is popular and permits are limited.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Milford Sound – After finishing at the Divide, it’s a short drive to Milford Sound, where you can cruise past Mitre Peak and waterfalls that plunge straight into the fiord.
• Doubtful Sound – For a wilder, quieter fiord experience, take a boat tour from Manapouri. It’s larger and less visited than Milford, with a deep sense of solitude.
• Te Anau – The gateway town to Fiordland, with great cafés (try the Kepler Restaurant), glowworm caves, and the start of the Kepler and Milford Tracks. It’s a perfect spot to resupply and rest.
• Milford Track – If you’re hooked on Great Walks, this four-day tramp through the Clinton and Arthur Valleys is the classic companion to the Routeburn, ending at Milford Sound.

Please check official sources for current details.