Routeburn Track

A stunning three-day alpine hiking trail connecting the Fiordland and Mount Aspiring regions with views of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. It's considered one of New Zealand's best multi-day walks with excellent scenery throughout.

Things to do

• Alpine Crossing Walk — Hike the main three-day track from the Routeburn Shelter car park to The Divide, passing through subalpine meadows and over Harris Saddle with panoramic mountain views.
• Routeburn Falls Viewing — Walk to the spectacular Routeburn Falls viewpoint on day two, where cascading water drops dramatically into the valley below.
• Lake Howden Circuit — Complete the short loop walk around this pristine alpine lake near Routeburn Flats Hut, offering reflections of surrounding peaks.
• Key Summit Day Walk — Climb to the summit of Key Peak from Routeburn Flats for 360-degree views of the Darran Mountains and Fiordland landscape.
• Earland Falls Walk — Explore the short detour to Earland Falls near the Divide, featuring a beautiful waterfall in a secluded valley setting.
• Native Forest Exploration — Walk through beech and podocarp forest sections at lower elevations to observe native ferns, moss, and alpine bird species.

Food to try

• Fiordland Venison — Sample locally-sourced venison at Te Anau lodges before or after your trek, a signature regional protein from the surrounding forests.
• Central Otago Wine — Enjoy Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc from nearby Queenstown and Central Otago wine regions at local restaurants in Glenorchy or Te Anau.
• Hut Provisions Trail Mix — Pack and enjoy high-energy trail mix and energy bars purchased from local outdoor shops, essential sustenance during the multi-day walk.
• Fresh Trout — Try locally-caught freshwater trout prepared at Te Anau accommodations, reflecting the region's pristine alpine water sources.
• Homemade Baking in Huts — Enjoy fresh-baked bread and cakes provided by hut managers at Routeburn Flats and Howden huts during overnight stays.

Local customs & good to know

• Book Huts Well in Advance — Reserve your bunks at Routeburn Flats and Lake Howden huts months ahead during peak season, as this popular track fills quickly.
• Respect Māori Heritage — Acknowledge that Fiordland holds significant cultural importance to Ngāi Tahu iwi; stay on marked tracks and follow conservation guidelines.
• Check Weather and Avalanche Risk — Monitor Department of Conservation alerts daily, as alpine conditions change rapidly and winter closures occur due to snow and avalanche danger.
• Leave No Trace Ethic — Pack out all waste and use hut toilet facilities properly, maintaining the pristine environment that makes Routeburn special for future trampers.