Routeburn Track

New Zealand's Routeburn Track is one of the country's Great Walks, a world-renowned alpine trek that slices through the heart of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. This 32-kilometer (20-mile) journey takes you across suspension bridges, past thundering waterfalls, and over alpine saddles with panoramic views of jagged peaks and emerald lakes. It's a hike that delivers big drama in a compact package, perfect for those who want a multi-day wilderness experience without the extreme length of the Milford Track.

Highlights & What to See

• Key Summit – A side trip offering 360-degree views of the Humboldt Mountains and Lake Marian, with a boardwalk through alpine bogs.
• Harris Saddle – The highest point on the track (1,255 m), with views stretching to the Tasman Sea and the Darran Mountains.
• Lake Mackenzie – A stunning turquoise lake surrounded by steep cliffs and beech forest, with a hut right on its shore.
• Earnslaw Burn – A spectacular hanging valley with cascading waterfalls and views of Mount Earnslaw, often done as a day walk from the Routeburn.
• Routeburn Falls – A series of cascades near the Routeburn Falls Hut, especially impressive after rain.
• Hollyford Valley Lookout – A short detour offering a bird's-eye view of the Hollyford River winding through the valley floor.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers complete the Routeburn Track in 3 days and 2 nights, walking from the Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy) to The Divide (near Milford Sound) or vice versa. This allows time to enjoy side trips and soak in the scenery without rushing. Fit trampers can do it in 2 days, but you'll miss some of the best detours. Book huts or campsites in advance during peak season (October to April), as spaces fill quickly.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Glenorchy – A charming lakeside village at the head of Lake Wakatipu, with easy access to the Routeburn Shelter and other walking tracks.
• Milford Sound – A world-famous fiord with boat cruises, kayaking, and the stunning Milford Road drive. The Divide end of the track is just 30 minutes from Milford Sound.
• Queenstown – The adventure capital of New Zealand, offering bungee jumping, skydiving, and a lively food scene, about an hour's drive from Glenorchy.
• Te Anau – The gateway to Fiordland National Park, with glowworm caves and the start of the Milford and Kepler Tracks.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – A vast wilderness with remote tramping routes, glaciers, and the iconic Mount Aspiring itself.

Please check official sources for current details.