Routeburn Track
A trans-alpine Great Walk through Fiordland and Mount Aspiring national parks, with tarns, waterfalls and broad mountain views.
Route overview
The Divide or Routeburn Shelter; Lake Mackenzie; Harris Saddle; Routeburn Falls; Routeburn Flats; opposite trailhead.
The Routeburn Track crosses between the Hollyford and Route Burn valleys through beech forest, alpine gardens and exposed terrain near Harris Saddle. The two trailheads are separated by a long road journey, so transport planning is as important as hut reservations and weather preparation.
Trail facts
- Country
- New Zealand
- Region
- Southland / Fiordland, with Routeburn Track also crossing Otago
- Distance
- 33 km one way
- Typical duration
- 2–4 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Alpine crossing via Harris Saddle at approximately 1,255 m
- Best season
- Great Walks season 1 November 2026–30 April 2027; winter only for alpine-experienced parties
- Trail type
- Point-to-point multi-day track
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No separate permit, but huts and campsites require advance booking and fees during the Great Walks season.
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Avalanche terrain, snow, wind, heavy rain, slips, stream crossings, transport disruption and no dependable mobile service.
Highlights
Key Summit option, Earland Falls, Lake Mackenzie, Harris Saddle, alpine tarns and Routeburn Falls.
Why find a buddy
A partner is valuable for alpine judgment, transport coordination and managing delays or injury.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.