Routeburn Track | New Zealand

Distance:  19.9 miles (32 km)

Average Time:  2 days

Start / Finish:

• The Divide – Routeburn shelter.

• For information on getting to and from the trailheads, see the Department of Conservation (DOC) website.

Difficulty:  Easy to moderate

Season :

• End of October to the end of April.

• February and March are generally best weather-wise.

Maps / Info:

• Online: For anything and everything pertaining to the Routeburn Track, check the DOC website (i.e. Free downloadable brochure, trail map, trekking notes, logistical details, etc.).

• Guidebook: The Lonely Planet guide Hiking & Tramping in New Zealand has a map and trekking notes for the Routeburn. Available in Kindle format.

• GPS: See Traildino for GPX data for the Routeburn.

Route / Conditions :

• As with all designated Great Walks, the Routeburn Track is well marked and easy to follow.

• To avoid some of the crowds, consider hiking late in the afternoons or very early in the mornings

• The scenic highlight is the section between Routeburn Falls Hut and Lake McKenzie. Incredible views.

• Consider combining the Routeburn with the Caples Track (via Howden Hut) and/or the Cascade Saddle Route. See the Greenstone to Rasberry Creek Route for details.

Sleeping:

• Huts or camping. Due to its status as a Great Walk, all accommodation on the Routeburn needs to be booked in advance. Note that camping places are virtually always available.

Overview:

• One of NZ’s most popular tramps due to its spectacular scenery and relatively easy access. I highly recommend combining it with either the Caples Track and/or Cascade Saddle Route.