Routeburn Track

The Routeburn runs about thirty-three kilometres between the Routeburn Shelter near Glenorchy and The Divide on the Milford Road, crossing from Mount Aspiring National Park into Fiordland over Harris Saddle at 1,255 metres. It is the most alpine of the Great Walks that most people attempt: long sections above the bushline with the Hollyford Valley falling away on one side and the Darran Mountains opposite, Lake Harris in its basin, and a side climb up Conical Hill for the wider view. Two to four days depending on how it is broken. The logistics are the thing to understand early - the two trailheads are about 350 kilometres apart by road, so a shuttle or a car relocation is essential and should be booked with the huts. Huts fill within hours of the booking season opening. Outside the Great Walk season the track becomes an alpine route requiring avalanche awareness and equipment.

What you actually see

• Harris Saddle - 1,255 metres, the crossing between two parks.
• The Hollyford view - the valley and the Darrans from the high traverse.
• Lake Harris - the alpine basin below the saddle.
• Conical Hill - the side climb for the wider panorama.

When to go

Late October to April, in the Great Walk season. Book huts the day bookings open - they sell out within hours. Arrange the shuttle at the same time.

Honest expectations

The two ends are 350 km apart by road; transport is a real cost and must be planned. Huts book out months ahead. Above the bushline there is no shelter and weather turns fast. Outside the season it is a genuine alpine route with avalanche risk.

Nearby

Glenorchy and Queenstown are east; Te Anau and the Milford Road are west.