Routeburn Track

20-mile trek on New Zealand’s South Island

October

to April

Kilometers

Days

4h 57m

FKT (Standard)

About the Route

WHY TREK IT?

The Routeburn Track is one of the Great Walks of New Zealand, the only one that passes through two national parks, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring. Taking anywhere from 1 to 3 days, it is a one-way journey from The Divide to Routeburn Shelter, near Queenstown, that can be done in either direction. Tour providers, like Tracknet, make it easy for you to book a shuttle to the start. You can book one from the finish as well, but that means you’ll have to keep on schedule, so it’s easier to have your rental car waiting at the end.

“From lush green forests to alpine tarns, from cascading waterfalls to sweeping mountains, the Routeburn Track has it all.”

- Justine Kibler

Along the route, you’ll get to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes, complete with crystal clear rivers, alpine forests, vast glaciers, and mountain lakes. There are several overnight options along the way, including huts at Lake Mackenzie, Routeburn Falls, Routeburn Flats, and Howden. Lake Mackenzie is a good stopping point for a 2-day itinerary, as long as you’re okay with a long first day. Be sure to make your plans in advance though! The Routeburn Track is extremely popular, so permits book up months in advance.