Routeburn Track

A challenging three-day hiking trail featuring stunning alpine terrain with panoramic mountain views and pristine forest sections. The track connects Glenorchy with the Darran Mountains and is considered one of New Zealand's great walks.

Things to do

• Hike to Harris Saddle — Ascend to this 1,255-metre alpine pass on day two, offering 360-degree views of the Darran Mountains and surrounding valleys.
• Explore Earland Falls — Detour to this impressive two-stage waterfall cascade near Earland Stream on day one of the track.
• Camp at Routeburn Flats — Stay overnight at this Department of Conservation shelter surrounded by native beech forest and mountain streams.
• Summit Key Summit — Make an optional day walk from Routeburn Falls Hut to this 1,861-metre peak for panoramic alpine photography.
• Walk through native forest — Navigate dense beech and podocarp forest sections on day one and three featuring native ferns and endemic birdlife.
• Visit Lake Howden — Spot this pristine alpine lake on day three offering reflections of surrounding peaks and excellent photography opportunities.

Food to try

• DOC hut meals and freeze-dried provisions — Book meals at Routeburn Falls and Routeburn Flats huts or prepare lightweight freeze-dried trampers' meals for self-catering.
• Fresh trout from mountain streams — The track passes through pristine fishing waters where local guides occasionally prepare fresh-caught trout for trekkers with permits.
• Queenstown and Glenorchy café fare — Before or after the track, enjoy fresh local produce and specialty coffee at Glenorchy or Queenstown establishments near the trail terminus.
• Trail mix with New Zealand native fruits — Pack energy snacks incorporating locally-sourced dried berries and honey from Southland producers for the three-day trek.

Local customs & good to know

• Book huts and permits in advance — The Routeburn is a Great Walk with limited hut capacity; reservations through the Department of Conservation are essential, especially November to April.
• Respect Māori cultural heritage — The track passes through lands significant to Ngāi Tahu iwi; stay on marked trails and observe sacred natural sites with appropriate respect.
• Leave No Trace principles — Pack all waste, use designated toilets at huts, and avoid disturbing native wildlife including kea and endemic forest birds throughout your journey.
• Check avalanche and weather forecasts — Alpine conditions change rapidly; consult Department of Conservation weather updates and avalanche forecasts before and during your trek, particularly around Harris Saddle.