Routeburn Trail (New Zealand)

The Routeburn route is a 32 kilometre trek through the Southern Alps of New Zealand. It joins Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Park. Along the route you will see meadows, ice carved valleys, alpine lakeshores and forests. All this against the backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks. It is considered one of the best hiking trails in the world.

During the walk, the feeling of belonging to nature is unavoidable. This is achieved through the smell of the oxygen-rich rainforest, the songs of the native birds, the taste of the cold glacial water and the sensation of mist created by the waterfalls.

The Routeburn Track is one of the nine Great Walks of the New Zealand Department of Conservation. These tracks have higher quality standards than the rest of the tracks. That means they are well shaped and easily mowed.

Practical guide for hikers

The route can be started at two different points: at the beginning and at the end, allowing the route to be followed in two directions. One of the entrances is at Routeburn Hut (Glenorchy). The other entrance is at The Divide (Milford Road).

Starting the hike from Routeburn the forest begins to climb up to the hut at Howden Lake. After a few hours' walk at 174 metres above sea level you come to Earland Falls, a waterfall that offers a breathtaking view and also helps hikers to cool off.

Following the road, we walk to Lake Mackenzie. This will be our stop for the first day. After 12 kilometres and 5 hours walking, it's time to sleep at the campsite, which is just a few metres from the water's edge.

On day two there is a change between the tropical zone and the ascent to the alpine zone. From the lookout point you can see the grandeur of the lake, which was formed by a glacier into a U-shape. During this section it is possible to encounter rain, dense fog and strong gusts of wind. If the wind is very strong it is difficult to communicate with your companions. After a fairly steep path you reach the finish line, the highest point of the track at 1,225 metres.

The route continues, now descending into a valley. The whole path is lined with trees full of moss and lichen creating a green walk. After 13.6 km and 7 hours walking you reach the Routeburn Flats campsite.

The third day is the last day to finish the walk. This is the easiest day for walking. The path is through a forest that is full of streams.

No there are no services along the road, only huts and campsites.

Advice for hikers

It should be borne in mind that the route will be done on foot. Although the route is not complicated in any way, people who have problems going up and down slopes should take great care.

The route is surrounded by high altitude mountains, which is why the snow will be a companion for most of the trip. It is advisable to make use of thermal clothing or those that help to keep you warm during the trip. Shoes should be waterproof, help to keep your feet warm and be able to withstand any type of ground. If the route is done in spring or summer, the snow is not as abundant but the nights are equally cold. During these months it is advisable to wear thinner clothing during the day but include warm clothes for the night. You should never forget a backpack that includes all the elements you need during the day and that includes clothes for the sudden changes of weather that may occur.

During the hike, as mentioned above, there are only places to spend the night. This means that hikers should carry all the food and drink they require in their backpacks. It is important to carry plenty of food in case of emergencies.

In the case of sleeping, although there are some places to spend the night, in the months of high season (end of December) the occupation is usually complete and in some cases it is often necessary to camp. In order to avoid any unforeseen eventuality, it is recommended to bring a tent and all the necessary elements to spend the night and cook on top of it. However, it is always necessary to carry a sleeping bag.

Taking into account all the complications that can occur along the way, it is advisable to make a detailed planning. It is important that the route includes all the details and that the route is followed. This will make it easier for the search and rescue team to rescue them in case they get lost. It would be even better if a family member had a copy of the plan. It is also advisable, bearing in mind that the weather can be quite varied, to contact the Visitor Centre to find out what the weather is going to be like. +

As it is a very popular trail, there are many people who want to go on it. It is therefore recommended that you book your trip, accommodation, transport and transfers to and from the start and end of the trail well in advance.