Grand Traverse

The Grand Traverse starts on the shores of Lake Wakitipu and stretches the length of the Greenstone and Routeburn Valleys, crossing the main divide twice in the process. The Greenstone and Routeburn Tracks have long been New Zealand's most accessible and popular routes into the spectacular South Island high country.
The Grand Traverse passes through two national parks, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring, and is part of Te Wahipounamu, South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. The pristine bush is home to a myriad of native birdlife: the Robin; Kea; Fantail; Parakeet; Bellbird; and Yellowhead, just to name a few. The sheer isolation and raw beauty of the Greenstone provide the perfect stage for the breathtaking scenery of the Routeburn. An unsurpassable combination to make a memorable walking experience.

Day 1. Queenstown/Greenstone Car Park to Steele Creek
Distance: 18km / 11.2 miles, Time: 5-7 hours walking

Your trip starts with a morning coach trip from Queenstown following the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu to the township of Glenorchy. After morning tea the coach continues around the lake edge delivering you to the mouth of the fabled Greenstone River. Here you don your pack and follow the Greenstone Track into the stately Beech forest.
You are soon deep within the forest with glimpses of the crystal clear waters of the Greenstone River below you. Drop down to the swingbridge at the junction of the Caples and Greenstone Tracks. Enjoy the mountainous panorama as you cross the grasslands before submerging back into the deep green of the forest. Wind your way though the trees, past two small waterfalls and onto the lunch shelter where your guide will be waiting with the billy boiled.
After lunch follow the river up the valley, there are some great places for a swim. Back in the trees your guides will take you down the Mavora Lakes side track for great views of the river running through a deep chasm. Returning to the main trail you slip in and out of the forest until you reach the Greenstone Flats where you walk the last hour in the wide open spaces that can only be high country New Zealand.

Day 2. Steele Creek to Lake McKellar
Distance: 14km / 8.7 miles, Time: 4-5 hours walking

Cross the swingbridge behind the lodge one by one then head out into open plains of the Greenstone Valley. The views are vast in every direction, the river snakes it's way down the valley with the mighty mountains looking down from both sides. The Mid Greenstone Gorge is your first chance to get close to the river, the green water here will astound you.
Cross rocky slips, remnants of the ice age, as you make your way back into the emerald world of the Beech forest, a garden of ferns and mosses. Stay in the forest until the lunch shelter, where your guides have everything ready and waiting once again.
After lunch the track passes in and out of the forest, astounding you with everything from the tiniest red lichen on a rock to a 2000m mountain towering above. The track follows the river as you approach the lodge, cross a swingbridge once again and arrive at McKellar Lodge, nestled in a small clearing looking out upon forest and river.

Day 3. Exploration & Rest at Lake McKellar

Today you can stay in the lodge taking it easy or do any number of walks from a 15 minute lakeside stroll to a challenging 900m climb up to the tops of the Livingstone Mountains.
Your guides will explain all the options: the demanding climb to the very top of the ranges (1538m); the Greenstone Valley Lookout or the waterfall walk. We also have a dinghy at the lodge for a little jaunt on Lake McKellar.

Day 4. Lake McKellar to Lake Mackenzie
Distance: 16km / 9.9 miles, Time: 5-6 hours walking

In one of the lushest parts of the forest start your walk following the shore of Lake McKellar. This is one of the wettest areas in New Zealand which makes it a haven for mosses and ferns. Leave the forest and cross the Greenstone Saddle, part of the main divide, and on to the head of Lake Howden.

At the far end of Lake Howden is Howden Hut, where the Greenstone and Caples join the Routeburn. Leave your packs at the hut and follow your guides up to Key Summit where we have the first of those breathtaking Routeburn views with a panorama of the Hollyford, Greenstone and Eglington Valleys.
Descend back to Lake Howden hut for a hot drink and lunch, before gradually climbing through lush Silver Beech forest to the base of Earland Falls. Continue traversing around the mountainside with the glimpses of the Hollyford Valley just a teaser for what is to come tommorrow. Pass through the natural clearing of the Orchard before descending into the Mackenzie basin. Lake Mackenzie is 5 minutes further on from the lodge, slow down and take it all in on your first night on the Routeburn Track side of the Grand Traverse.

Day 5. Lake Mackenzie to Routeburn Falls
Distance: 15km / 9.4 miles, Time: 5-7 hours walking

Today is divided into three distinct sections: the climb out of the Mackenzie basin to Ocean Peak Corner; the traverse across the Hollyford Face to the Harris Saddle and the descent to Routeburn Falls.
From the lodge you skirt Lake Mackenzie and follow the track into the forest. As the track starts to climb you leave the trees and enter the alpine world of daisies, buttercups, gentians and edelweiss. From the first daisies in November to last gentians in April the track winds through one of the greatest natural gardens on earth.
The traverse along the Hollyford Face is for many people the most spectacular scenery of the whole track. With the Darran Moutains in front of you and the Hollyford Valley far below, you are in big country. After lunch at the Harris Saddle the views get even better if you climb Conical Hill where the 360 degree panorama it seems like you are on top of the world.
Return to the shelter, pick up your pack and begin your descent into the Routeburn Valley. After walking around Lake Harris you come onto more intimate terms with the mountains towering above the upper reaches of the Routeburn River. Just before your arrival the lodge you are greeted by the Routeburn Falls and stunning views of the lower valley.

Day 6. Routeburn Falls to Routeburn Road
Distance: 10km / 6.1 miles, Time: 3-4 hours walking

Your last day is the least stenuous, a nice way to wind down and take time to enjoy the enviromnent.
The descent from Routeburn Falls to Routeburn Flats takes you through a rich mixed Beech forest as you slowly lose altitude and reach the valley floor. Morning tea is at Routeburn Flats Hut, set in natural grasslands surrounded with moutains rising straight up from the flat valley floor.
Below the flats the Routeburn River enters its gorge, surging among boulders in frothing white torrents at one turn and resting in the clear jade pools at the next before finally disappearing underground at the Sump. Lunch is right by the river at Forge Flat, you may even be inspired to take a plunge; your guides will encourage you with this!
From here it's a gentle stroll downhill to the end of the track, but not before you pass through the Red Beech section with it's huge gnarled ancient forest giants. A coach will be waiting at the road end to take you back to Queenstown, stopping at Glenorchy for a group photo. Tonight a celebration dinner is held in a local restaurant, a great night to finish off a magnificent experience.

The Briefing
Please attend the pre-track briefing, at the Ultimate Hikes office, Top Floor, The Station Building, corner of Shotover and Camp Streets in Queenstown at 3.00pm (check-in 2.45pm) on the afternoon prior to departure. Here any questions are answered, you are issued with a sleeping sheet, a backpack and 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 polyproylene 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 lodges are fully equipped and 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 there are 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. The 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.

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, it is suggested that 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 sandfiles?
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 (5 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: fees 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.