Routeburn Track

A high mountain traverse

With spectacular vistas, alpine gardens, mountain ranges and pristine streams, the Routeburn Track is a rewarding tramp with plenty of time spent above the forest, walking through ice-carved valleys between two national parks.

General Info:

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Length: 33 km one way

Season: November - April

From: Routeburn Shelter to The Divide or The Divide to Routeburn Shelter. 

Depart from: Queenstown, The Divide, Te Anau or Milford Sound.
Return to:  Queenstown or Te Anau.

Getting there: See Getting There section below and find our 2025/2026 bus time table here.

Suitable for: Hikers with a medium to good level of fitness.

Accommodation: Department of Conservation huts or campsites. The Routeburn Track features three DoC huts that provide simple accommodation including bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities (you will need to bring your own cooking utensils), solar-powered lighting and cold running water (boil before use). Showers are not provided. 

You’ll also find two campsites along the walk, both of which have toilets, sinks and a water supply, picnic tables and cooking shelters but be aware campers can’t use hut facilities. 

Requirements: DoC hut tickets and all camping equipment.

Hut Tickets: Available here - they sell out quickly, so be prepared.

What to take to walk the Routeburn Track: For a full list of what you need to take to make the most of this Great Walk, visit our What to Take page or if you would rather hire your hiking equipment and have a food package prepared for you, you can here.

Important to know:

  • There is no cellphone coverage.

  • No food is available at the huts or on the track so bring all foods and snacks with you.

  • Weather conditions on the Routeburn Track can change quickly in any season, so come prepared for all conditions, and track closures are possible so travel insurance is recommended.

  • Showers are not provided at the huts and water needs to be boiled before use.

  • Campers can’t use hut facilities. 

  • Dogs are not allowed.

Essential App: Download The Great Walks App here

Getting There: Routeburn Track Transport

Take the hassle out of organising track transport for the Routeburn Track and choose a Great Walks bus. Our bus depart from Queenstown, The Divide, Te Anau and Milford Sound and return back to Queenstown or Te Anau.To make your preparation easier you can also hire top hiking and camping gear or buy a food package with everything you need for your hike.

  • Track Transport

    Choose the best Routeburn track transport for you with the Great Walks Bus.

    Learn More

  • Car Relocation

    We partner with the most trust car relocation company so that you can drive to the track and leave your car knowing it will be there for you at the end.

    Learn More

  • Hiking Packages

    Take the stress out of getting your camping equipment together and choose one of hiking equipment packages.

    Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Routeburn Track?

The walk is 33 km one way and can be walked in either direction. 

Do you have to stay at every hut on the Routeburn Track?

Along the Routeburn Track you’ll find three huts and two campsites all of which need to be booked via DoC well in advance during the Great Walks season. 

Does your bus operate everyday?

Our buses operate everyday for the Routeburn track throughout the Great Walks Season. 

Does your track transport operate on public holidays?

Yes, we operate every single day during Great Walks Season.

What happens if I miss the return shuttle?

Please get in contact with your booking agent to find alternative transport.

Routeburn Track History

Tourism to the Routeburn Track began back in the 1880s when visitors would be taken to the Routeburn flats by horse before joining a guided walk to the Harris Saddle. However, the route had been used long before then. Māori had travelled through the Greenstone and Routeburn valleys as they looked for pounamu (greenstone). In the 1860s Europeans started to think the area could be suitable for grazing, but soon swapped to gold when it was discovered. A track was set to be constructed for the transport of gold but the project was later abandoned. 20 years later in the 1880s, tourists and explorers started turning up to hike the trail.

Fun Facts 

  • The Routeburn Track is a chance to walk through two of New Zealand’s national parks: Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park. 

  • The Routeburn Track is 33 km one way. 

  • Fiordland National Park, one of the two national parks that the Routeburn Track travels through, covers over 1.2 million hectares and was declared a World Heritage Area in 1986.

More Information

For more information about tramping and the Routeburn track in particular, please see the DoC website.