Routeburn Track

One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Routeburn Track is a 32 km alpine traverse linking Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. This three-to-four-day tramp delivers jaw-dropping scenery – think emerald beech forests, tussock-covered basins, and jagged peaks reflected in ice-blue lakes. The track is well-formed with huts and campsites, making it accessible for reasonably fit hikers. Even if you only have a day, the first section to Key Summit offers a taster of the grandeur.

Highlights & What to See

• Key Summit – A side trip from the Divide car park, this 1–2 hour climb rewards with 360° views of the Humboldt Mountains and Lake Marian.
• Harris Saddle – The highest point on the track, with a shelter offering panoramic views of the Darran Mountains and Hollyford Valley.
• Lake Mackenzie – A stunning turquoise lake framed by alpine meadows, perfect for a swim on a warm day.
• Earland Falls – A 174-metre cascade that thunders down a rock face, especially impressive after rain.
• Beech Forests & Birdlife – Listen for the bellbird and tomtit in ancient red and silver beech forests along the track.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers complete the track in three days (two nights), walking from the Routeburn Shelter to the Divide, or vice versa. This allows for a relaxed pace with time for side trips and photography. Fit trampers can do it in two days, but you’ll be covering 16 km each day with significant elevation. If you only have a day, hike from the Divide to Key Summit and back (3–4 hours) or from Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut and return (4–5 hours).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Glenorchy – The gateway to the Routeburn, this tiny lakeside village is a hub for jet-boat tours, horse treks, and the start of the Routeburn Track.
• Queenstown – A 45-minute drive from Glenorchy, offering adrenaline activities, dining, and the stunning Lake Wakatipu.
• Milford Sound – Combine with a cruise on the fiord, accessible via the Hollyford Road or a longer drive from Te Anau.
• Greenstone Track – A less-crowded alternative or extension, starting near the Routeburn’s Divide end.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – Explore other tramps like the Rees-Dart Track or day walks around the Matukituki Valley.

Please check official sources for current details.