The Routeburn Track

If you haven’t tramped the Routeburn Track yet then now is the time to book in order to get in next season. The Routeburn Track is arguably New Zealand’s best tramp and is located in the southwest of the South Island. It extends from the head of lake Wakitipu to State Highway 94, the Te Anau – Milford Road. The nearest townships of Queenstown, Te Anau and Glenorchy have a full range of accommodation - a good idea to relax prior to beginning your tramp. Bookings are essential on the Routeburn Track and you can expect very busy huts and plenty of keen trampers on the track itself. Most trampers take three days/two nights to complete the track, usually staying in Lake Mackenzie and Routeburn Falls Huts. However the trip can be extended or reduced by skipping or adding huts. You will need to make transport arrangements as it’s 350km by road between the start and finish of the track. Transport operations can be found in Queenstown or Te Anau (depending on which way you walk the track).
Physical fitness and good equipment will make all the difference to your enjoyment of this tramp, there is plenty of climbing so make sure you’re relatively fit. Fiordland is one of the wettest areas in New Zealand so prepare for rain even if it looks like it’s going to be fine. Make sure you take plenty of wet weather gear and spare pairs of socks, as you WILL get wet.
Hut prices in peak season are $45 adult (18+) per night and free for youths (0-17). Camping is $15 per night for an adult and free for youths.
During the Off/Peak winter season hut fees are $15 per night for an adult and camping is free. If you’re thinking about experiencing the Routeburn make sure you book well early as huts will book out many months in advance for the best weather periods.

Full guiding services are available at ultimatehikes.co.nz