The Track offers grasslands, swing bridges, beech forests, tussock grasses, and sub-alpine sections. Highlights are the Harris Saddle, Conical Hill, Lake Makenzie and Key Summit. The Routeburn Track can be linked with the Greenstone or Caples Tracks.
Trail Rating: If you can’t get on the Milford Track, then opt for the Routeburn Track. Both have their own merits and are worth the hike. The Harris Saddle is the major highlight; Conical Hill is an add-on but worth it on a sunny day.
Distance: 20 miles/32 km. The Routeburn Track may be walked in either direction. The usual DOC description is from east to west, starting at the Routeburn Shelter, ending at The Divide.
Co-ordinates:
Start: Routeburn Shelter S44 43.078 E168 16.478
End: The Divide S44 49.510 E168 07.051
Trail Location: Map location is Southland / Te Anau area. Trail may be accessed via Glenorchy or at The Divide on the Milford Road.
Parking: Lot near the Routeburn Shelter (east side) and The Divide (west side). Bus arrangements may be made at the Queenstown Tourist Office. May also arrange for bus pickup/drop off at Te Anau or Queenstown. (We did the Routeburn first, staying in Te Anau. A couple of days after our hike, we caught the bus at Te Anau to start the Milford Track).
Both access points have nearby parking lots with toilet and water.
Days: Normal time is 3 days / 2 nights
Permit Required: Yes – via DOC (see website)
Camping: DOC Hut-to-Hut (4) – Routeburn Flats, Routeburn Falls, Mackenzie and Howden; no private lodges available; designated campsites. DOC huts are bunkhouses with communal sleeping / mattresses supplied; cookhouse is supplied with gas cookers, tables/ benches, cold running water; washrooms with flush toilets and wash basins (cold water only).
Water: Easy access
Weather: Expect wet conditions
Website: Department of Conservation (DOC) - Parks & Recreation – Tracks & Walks
(
visit link)