Routeburn Track Information
The Routeburn Track is located in the southwest of the South Island and runs between the head of Lake Wakatipu and State Highway 94, the Te Anau /Milford Road. The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand's most popular tracks, with approximately 13,000 walkers completing the track each year. The most popular time to walk the track is during the warmer months, October to April. This time is known as the 'Great Walks Season', and due to it being very popular, hut tickets need to be purchased for specific huts. Most walkers complete the whole track in 3 days (2 nights), but longer or shorter options are available.
The Routeburn track can be walked during the cooler months of May - October by experienced and well-prepared hikers. In the off-season, huts aren't serviced, and the track may have unmarked hazards, snow and avalanche danger.
While walking on the track, you pass through tussock grasslands, herb fields, beech forests, and bog plant communities. As you pass numerous waterfalls and alpine lakes, spectacular views of U-shaped and hanging valleys dominate the landscape.
For those seeking to extend their journey, connecting with the Greenstone/Caples routes provides an opportunity for further exploration. These routes, often more accessible in winter due to their lower altitude, offer another alternative for hikers.
Tracknet Transport provides bus connections to each end of the Routeburn Track. Our service connects with The Divide Shelter on the Milford Road. The Divide is one start/finish point.
The other start/finish point of the Routeburn Track is the Routeburn Shelter, which is at the Mount Aspiring National Park end of the Routeburn Track near Glenorchy. Travelling to or away from The Routeburn Shelter, Tracknet can arrange transport for you using Info & Track's bus service.
Queenstown, Glenorchy, and Te Anau have a full range of accommodation available. Queenstown and Te Anau have shopping and hire services to cater to all walkers' needs.