The Routeburn Track

The Routeburn Track is a scenic alpine adventure. You will walk through dense rainforest, past sparkling lakes, beneath mighty mountain peaks and over remote mountain passes. Experience the challenge of the Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks while following a historic route through a world heritage area.

Day 1. Queenstown to Lake MacKenzie 5-6 hours hiking
Your adventure begins with a coach ride from Queenstown to the Divide on the scenic Milford Road. From here you climb a well-graded track to Key Summit, where you can sit among the alpine plants and partake in "The Annual General Meeting of the Mountains". You then descend to Lake Howden hut for a hot drink and picnic lunch, before gradually climbing through lush silver beech forest to the base of Earland Falls: quite a sight in wet weather! You will look over the Hollyford Valley to the ice capped Darran Mountains before descending to the splendid lodge at Lake Mackenzie where, refreshments, a hot shower, three-course meal and cosy bed are waiting.

Day 2. Lake Mackenzie to Routeburn Falls via Harris Saddle 5-6 hours hiking
You leave the ancient forest draped in moss and lichen, and enter the alpine world of daisies, buttercups, gentians and edelweiss. Here you have a full vista of the Darran Mountains across the Hollyford Valley, which slices through Fiordland to the distant Tasman Sea at Martins Bay. After lunch at the Harris Saddle (1277m), you can ascend Conical Hill for a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. After walking around Lake Harris you come into more intimate terms with the mountains towering above the upper basins of the Routeburn River. You spend your second night of luxury at Routeburn Falls, a favoured haunt of the comical alpine parrot, the kea.

Day 3. Routeburn Falls to Queenstown 3-4 hours hiking
Take time to enjoy the dramatic landscape around the Falls, before descending to the alpine pastures of the Routeburn Flats. Your guides will take the scenic route across the meadows and find the deepest green pool for you to picnic beside. The track shadows the river as it roars through a magnificent gorge before plunging beneath the unyielding rocks at the Sump. From here it is a gentle walk through columns of red beech trees to the Road End. A coach will take you back to Queenstown stopping at Glenorchy for a group group photograph which is presented to you at a celebration dinner that evening.

The Briefing
Please attend the pre-track briefing, which is held in the Ultimate Hikes Office, Top Floor, The Station Building, corner Camp and Shotover Streets, Queenstown at 2.00pm (check-in 1.45pm) the evening prior to departure. Here we can answer any of your questions, issue you with a sleeping sheet and towel, lend you a backpack or raincoat, if you need them, and arrange your departure details for the following morning. If you are unable to attend the briefing due to late arrival in Queenstown, please let us know where you are staying so we can deliver equipment and information to your hotel.

To enjoy your trek you need to be able to carry a medium sized backpack (5-7 kg) containing your personal belongings and a sleeping sheet, which we provide, for 4-7 hours over 10-18kms of mountain tracks each day. We encourage you to walk at your own pace. There is no pressure to walk with others or keep up with the fastest walkers. There is always a guide at the rear of the party. The track surfaces vary from smooth well formed paths to rough terrain broken by rocks and tree roots. We recommend you wear hiking boots, which provide firm ankle support. If you are not a regular walker we suggest you begin a daily walking regime 6-8 weeks before departure. Gradually increasing the distance you walk, carrying a backpack and staircase or hill climbing will leave you even better prepared for your challenge. If you are over 70 years of age, a doctors certificate is required. The walks are not recommended for those with poor vision.

Your guides are probably the New Zealanders you will get to know best. They are trained outdoor enthusiasts who will explain the natural and human history of the area you are walking through. They pride themselves on their safe, efficient and friendly service, and provide everything from a warming cup of tea at lunch to an evening briefing on the following day's walk. All guides are trained in first aid and are in portable radio contact with each other, the lodges and our Queenstown base at all times. Your safety is of paramount importance to us, and your guides' decisions must be adhered to.

Equipment Provided and Required
You may borrow a 40 litre backpack and rain coat free of charge or if you prefer you can use your own. Weather conditions are highly variable throughout the season and it is essential that you have clothing which keeps you warm when wet through rain or perspiration e.g. wool or polypropylene.

Essential Items

For Walking
· - waterproof raincoat with hood (we can lend you one)
· - boots or strong walking shoes preferably with ankle support
· - woollen or polypropylene thermal underwear (top & bottom)
· - warm hat
· - sun hat
· - woollen sweater or fleece jacket
· - T shirt for fine days
· - gloves
· - shorts for walking
· - woollen socks - two pairs
· - sunscreen
· - insect repellent
· - water bottle
· - camera.

For Evenings
· - shirt or sweater
· - trousers or skirt
· - underwear - two sets
· - sandals or lightweight shoes
· - pyjamas or night wear
· - handkerchiefs (not tissues)
· - toilet requisites (towels, soap, shampoo & conditioner are provided)

Optional items: swimsuit, spare laces, journal and second skin for blisters. We also sell film, maps, guidebooks, postcards, walking poles, foot fleece (to reduce your feet and boots) and blister kits.

We do not recommend you walk in cotton garments, jeans or silk thermals. Perspiration means you are likely to feel damp and cold inside the best raincoat.
We supply a sleeping sheet with pillowslip, a towel and a plastic pack liner at the pre-departure briefing, as well as a raincoat and back pack if required. We have a shop at the Ultimate Hikes office in Queenstown selling quality clothing at reasonable prices, including thermal underwear, fleece vests and jackets and walking sticks. The shop is open prior to and after each briefing.

We recommend you put all your clothing in plastic bags inside your pack liner for added rain protection. Keep your pack as light as possible while still taking the essentials. Remember hand laundry facilities are available in the lodges and a lighter pack will enhance your experience.

All transport from Queenstown to the start of the track and return is in air conditioned coach and included. There are no hotel / motel pickups so you will need to arrange a taxi to get to the meeting place. You will be dropped off at 'The Station' building on return. Please arrange storage of spare luggage and vehicles with your pre and post track accommodation.

After your exhilarating day outside on the Routeburn Track you will have worked up an appetite. All our lodges are fully equipped and our guides are there to make sure your time inside the lodge is as memorable as your time outside.

Enjoy a snack and cold drink when you arrive at the lodge. A three course dinner follows: hearty soup; a traditional New Zealand main; fresh garden salad or vegetables and no Kiwi meal would be complete without 'pudding' (dessert), and tea or coffee. A selection of wine, beer and soft drinks is available for purchase.

A hot cuppa is available for early risers and breakfast offers a selection from fruit, cereal and toast to a full cooked breakfast of bacon and eggs. Just what you need to send you on your way for another day in the great outdoors.

Your guides will lay out everything for you to make your own picnic lunch: a delicious sandwich and your choice of fruit and energy snacks to keep you going through the day. Lunch is on route but we do have hot drinks ready for you at all our lunch stops.

For those of you with any special dietary requests or requirements, let us know at the time of booking and we will be more than happy to cater to your needs.

Traversing the main divide of the South Island, the Routeburn Track is in the heart of some of New Zealand's most isolated and rugged back country. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy all the comforts of home at the same time. Our lodges have been purposely designed and built, with everything right down to the last nail flown in by helicopter! The result is sheer indulgence in the last place you would expect it.

All lodges have drying rooms, flush toilets and hot showers complete with soap, shampoo and conditioner. The lodge kitchen treats you with a three course dinner and cooked breakfast, we are fully self sufficient and environmentally friendly with our energy needs being supplied by gas.

Accommodation is in bedrooms with bunk beds sleeping 4 to 6 people per room.

Pre and post track accommodation is required in Queenstown. Please let us know where you are staying. We can book this for you or you can book yourself. For information see the Accommodation section of this website.

Will I be fit enough?
To enjoy your trek you need to be able to carry a medium sized backpack for 4-8 hours over 10-21km of mountain track each day. To maximise your enjoyment we encourage you to set your own pace while walking the track, there is no need to keep up with the fastest walkers. There is always a guide at the back of the party. The track surface varies from smooth well-formed paths to rough terrain broken up by rocks and tree roots and we recommend you wear hiking boots, which provide firm ankle support. If you are not a regular walker, we suggest you begin a daily walk regime 6-8 weeks before your departure. Some practice carrying a pack and hill/staircase walking during this time will make you even better prepared for your walk.
What weather should I expect on the month I am walking?
The unpredictable nature of the weather in this region means that snow, high winds and rain can occur at any time of the year. It is therefore very important to be prepared for the worst weather conditions, and carry the appropriate clothing at all times.
Can I wash my clothes?
Lodges have hand washing facilities with soap powder and drying rooms. Being able to wash and dry clothing helps keep the pack weight down.
Do I have to bring all my clothing with me?
We will lend you a raincoat. If you do not wish to bring all your clothing or do not have a particular item, we have a very reasonably priced shop where items can be purchased prior to your departure from Queenstown.
Where should I leave my excess baggage while I'm walking?
Your hotel will store your luggage for you. If you will be staying in a different hotel on your return to Queenstown we can move your luggage for you.
How bad are the sandflies?
We recommend you to wear insect repellent each day.
Is there alcohol on the track?
New Zealand Beer and wine is available for purchase at the lodges. This is paid for at the end of your walk.
I am vegetarian. Is this a problem?
We cater for any diet requirements. Please request this on booking.
How many people share the bunkrooms?
Bunkrooms sleep 4 - 6 people with shared bathroom facilities.
I will be travelling by myself, is that a problem?
No problem. It is a great opportunity to walk with like-minded individuals from around the world.
Are there toilets on the tracks?
All our lodges have flush toilets. There are toilets (some flush, some Kiwi long drop style!) toilets at all our lunch shelters and huts.

New Zealand Beer and wine is available for purchase at the lodges. This is paid for at the end of your walk. Before and after the hike there may be opportunities to buy ice creams and souvenirs so it is a good idea to take some money or a credit card. Otherwise all other food and drink is included in the price.

Price includes: guides, accommodation (2 nights) in our private lodges, meals, coach transport to and from Queenstown, backpack, raincoat, sleeping sheet, pillowslip, towel, packliner, hot showers with soap, shampoo and conditioner provided, group photo and certificate of achievement.

Payment: For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 95 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations: are charged on the following basis:
Outside 90 days: $100 per person
89-60 days: $200 per person
59-21 days: 50% of full fare
Within 21 days: 100% of full fare

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance.

Medical Conditions: When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history, or medications that you are on. In particular, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, allergies to wasp/ bee stings and food allergies.

Notes: This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.

Please advise us of any special requirements e.g. special diets, birthdays, wedding anniversaries etc.

Maximum of 24 clients per departure. No minimum.