Routeburn Track Location
I have always been keen to walk the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, and with COVID19 closing the borders to tourists there could be no better time to walk this popular track.
Many New Zealanders choose to walk the Routeburn Track as ‘freedom walkers’ and places are booked in the Department of Conservation huts within hours of bookings opening each season.
I am no longer able to carry a heavy backpack so I decided to book a guided walk through Ultimate Hikes. It is more expensive but is all inclusive with transport to and from Queenstown, 2 nights accommodation in private lodges, all meals on track, and of course guides to assist you.
It is a 3 day/2 night 32km hike with some steep and uneven terrain, requiring a moderate level of fitness. I later discovered that some people (who are undoubtedly much fitter than I am) run the entire track in just a few hours but they certainly wouldn’t be stopping to take photos and admire the scenery – which is the whole point of it from my perspective. The track can be walked in either direction – we are starting from The Divide at the southern end and walking towards the Routeburn Shelter near Glenorchy.
The Ultimate Hikes package starts and finishes in Queenstown. It is definitely worth spending some time in Queenstown before and/or after the walk if you haven’t been there before. I had been there just a few weeks ago when I started my Southern Loop trip so I flew down in time for a lunch at Madame Woo, a walk along the lakefront, and the afternoon briefing where I met my fellow hikers (23 in total plus 4 guides) and picked up a borrowed pack and raincoat.
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- Cloud formations over The Remarkables
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- Lake Whakatipu, Queenstown
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- Lake Whakatipu, Queenstown
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- Lake Whakatipu, Queenstown
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- The Earnslaw, Lake Whakatipu
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- The Earnslaw
Join me in my hike over the next few posts:
Routeburn Track Map
DAY 1 – QUEENSTOWN TO MACKENZIE LODGE
12km (7.5 miles); 4-6 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate.
Track Terrain: The track is reasonably smooth, with some steep rocky sections.
DAY 2 – MACKENZIE LODGE TO ROUTEBURN FALLS LODGE
11 km (6.9 miles); 4-6 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate.
Track Terrain: Uneven and steep in places, with a series of zig zags, then mostly flat, before heading downhill with some boardwalks and steps.
DAY 3 – ROUTEBURN FALLS TO QUEENSTOWN
9km (5.7 miles); 3-4 hours
Level of difficulty: Easy.
Track Terrain: Mostly wide and smooth with some rocky patches.
Routeburn Track Elevation
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