Routeburn Track

Understand

The Routeburn Track follows ancient Māori trails once used to traverse the Southern Alps. Today, it serves as a spectacular link between Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. The trail ascends from an elevation of 200 m to its highest point at the Harris Saddle, which sits at 1255 m. The track can be walked in either direction, beginning at the Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy) or The Divide (near Te Anau). While the hiking distance is modest, the two trailheads are roughly 350 km apart by road, as vehicles must skirt the massive mountain range the track crosses. As one of New Zealand's premier Great Walks, the track features ranger-staffed huts during the peak summer season (late October to late April). These facilities must be booked in advance through the Department of Conservation (DOC) at a cost of approximately $65 per night. While the Routeburn does not sell out as instantaneously as the Milford Track, it is highly recommended to book as soon as your dates are confirmed, as peak-season spots are often claimed months in advance.

Getting there

Walkers can depart from Queenstown to enter the track via the Routeburn Shelter, or from Te Anau to enter via The Divide. Because the two trailheads are 350 km apart by road, transport must be arranged in advance.

Shuttles and Buses During the Great Walks peak season (late October to early May), several operators provide daily scheduled transport to both ends of the track.

1 Info & Track (Info & Snow), 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown, ☏ +64 3 442 9708, toll-free: 0800 46 22 48, [email protected]. Check-in: 7:30AM–6:00PM (Summer). Provides daily bus services from Queenstown to the Routeburn Shelter and return transport from The Divide. They also offer equipment rental and luggage storage. (updated Jan 2026) 2 Tracknet, 77 Manapouri-Te Anau Highway, Te Anau, ☏ +64 3 249 7777, toll-free: 0800 487 225, [email protected]. Specializes in connections between Te Anau, the Divide, and Queenstown. They offer flexible "Track Packages" that allow walkers to start at one end and be picked up at the other. (updated Jan 2026)

Car Relocation Car relocation is a popular time-saving option. A driver moves your vehicle from your starting trailhead to the finishing point while you hike, ensuring your car (and a change of clothes) is waiting for you at the end.

Easyhike, ☏ +64 21 445 341, toll-free: 0800 327 944, [email protected]. Provides professional car relocation services for the Routeburn, Milford, and Kepler tracks. They use a secure lockbox system for key transfers and can also provide food packages and gear hire. Trackhopper, ☏ +64 21 187 7732. A dedicated car relocation service specializing in the Routeburn and Greenstone/Caples tracks. Their service includes a detailed relocation plan and insurance coverage for the driver.

Go next

Other Great Walks:

Milford Track Kepler Track Heaphy Track Rakiura Track on Stewart Island Nearby places:

Te Anau Queenstown Milford Sound Glenorchy