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The Routeburn Track in New Zealand is most commonly hiked over a couple of days, but it is possible to see a great portion of the track on a day hike! This blog is all about the Routeburn Track day hike and how it can easily be accomplished from Queenstown, Glenorchy, or Milford Sound.
The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s most popular hikes.
Every summer thousands of trampers (the term used in New Zealand for hikers) head to New Zealand’s South Island to embark on an unforgettable journey through pristine landscapes – and the Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful!
As with most popular tourist attractions, bookings are required, and with very (and I mean VERY) limited accommodation along the Routeburn Track it is likely that most will miss out on hiking the track’s 3-day classic route.
However, what some people don’t know is that you can hike some of the most amazing parts of Routeburn Track with only a day hike.
This day hiking option is becoming more and more popular – especially with the cost of huts and campsites for non-NZ residents increasing.
So, here’s everything you need to know for the perfect Routeburn Track hike and how to hike it in just one day!
Routeburn Track Overview
About The Routeburn Track
The Routeburn Track is a single 32 km (20 mi) trail that leads through the Southern Alps from Glenorchy (a small town near Queenstown) to the Divide (a car park near Te Anau on the road to Milford).
The track can be hiked from either direction in 1,2 or 3 days. Along the trail, there are four huts: Routeburn Flats, Routeburn Falls, Lake Mackenzie, and the Lake Howden Hut. The Routeburn Falls hut is really nice and one of the best huts in New Zealand.
These huts are run by the DOC (Department of Conservation) and at the Routeburn Flats and Lake Mackenzie you can also find campgrounds.
The Routeburn Track crosses both Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park – two of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks. The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks and hiking these trails is considered a must-do activity in NZ!
Aside from the four huts along the trail, there is also one emergency shelter at the Harris Saddle. This shelter is used primarily in winter in emergencies, however, it can also be used in summer for exhausted or injured hikers.
Related Read: Don’t miss out on driving from Queenstown to Glenorchy, one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives.
6 Hiking Itineraries to Hike The Routeburn Track in ONE Day
During Peak season (between November and the end of April), the Routeburn Track huts are completely booked out. The limited spaces mean that many visitors must find an alternative way to hike the Routeburn Track (other than the classic 3-day trip.)
Therefore, a Routeburn Track day hike is the perfect way to still experience this world-class trail.
From Queenstown, Glenorchy, Te Anau, or Milford Sound you can access the trail, hike some pretty spectacular parts, and return all in one day.
Below are 6 different ways to hike the Routeburn Track in ONE day.
1. Routeburn Road Trailhead (near Glenorchy) to Routeburn Flats Hut
- Distance: 15 kilometers return (9.3 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation hiked: 300 meters (1,000 feet)
- Time: 3 to 5 hours
This rather easy section on the Routeburn Track is perfect for those who may not be the most experienced hikers but still want to enjoy some of the Routeburn Track’s stunning landscapes. The track in this section is rather flat and sheltered from the weather.
Highlights along this section include the turquoise water of the Routeburn River, Bridal Veil Falls, views of the Southern Alps, and thick untouched forest. Most of the trail in this section is shaded and very well maintained.
2. Routeburn Road Trailhead to Routeburn Falls Hut
- Distance: 19.6 kilometers return (12.1 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation hiked: 600 meters (1,970 feet)
- Time: 5 to 6 hours
Heading in slightly further this time the trail does become more difficult after the Routeburn Flats Hut. From the Routeburn Flats Hut, you make your way up to Routeburn Falls.
As you climb in elevation the views of the area become all the more breathtaking. Looking down back towards the valley floor is stunning and the views of Mount Somnus and Mt Homus are amazing!
Highlights on this part of the track also include passing the site of a major rockfall in 1987, crossing several small suspension bridges, Eagle Bluff, and of course Routeburn Falls.
Related Read: I’m sharing the “secret” Moke Lake viewpoint here with you!
3. Routeburn Road Trailhead to Lake Harris Saddle
- Distance: 25 kilometers return (15.5 miles)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation hiked: 850 meters (2,790 feet)
- Time: 7 to 8 hours
Once again, this hike takes you further up the trail past the Routeburn Falls Hut to the highest point of the Routeburn Track, the Harris Saddle!
This is the day hike I did during my winter mission on the trail. For a beginner new to hiking this could be a very difficult hike. However, in my opinion, Lake Harris (just before the saddle) is so beautiful is worth the extra few hours of walking.
Other highlights along this part of the trail include walking below the towering cliffs of the Southern Alps, swimming in Lake Harris (only in summer), and enjoying one of the quieter, more peaceful parts of the track.
Please note, in winter this part of the trail becomes highly dangerous. Please check with the Department of Conservation before going any further than the Routeburn Falls Hut.
For more information on hiking the Routeburn Track in winter check out our blog!
4. The Divide Trailhead (on Milford Road) to the Key Summit
- Distance: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Elevation hiked: 400 meters (1,300 feet)
- Time: 3 hours
The hike to the Key Summit from the Divide parking lot is one of the most popular things to do on your way to Milford Sound. This hike is a climb to the Key Summit and there isn’t much flat ground on this part of the trail. However, it is a short hike and only takes a few hours to complete.
From the top of the Key Summit, you get a 360-degree view of the Southern Alps. Just be aware this is very dependent on the weather which is notoriously unpredictable in this region.
Related Read: The drive from Te Anau to Milford is a free activity that is sure to impress!
5. The Divide Trailhead to Lake Mackenzie Hut
- Distance: 24 kilometers return (15 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Elevation hiked: 550 meters 1,800 feet
- Time: 7 hours
If you keep hiking on the Routeburn trail past the Key Summit turn off you will eventually reach the Lake Mackenzie Hut. This hut is located in a stunning area surrounded by nature. The lake itself shines green and is the perfect place to cool off in summer.
Hiking to the Lake Mackenzie Hut and back would be quite the challenge and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. The Lake Mackenzie campground was my favorite place I stayed on the trail!
Tip: The Lake Mackenzie Campground isn’t always fully booked. So you could hike in, spend one night, and then hike back out! Just be sure to book your campsite in advance online!
6. Routeburn Road Carpark to the Divide
- Distance: 32 kilometers (20 miles)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation hiked: 850 meters (2,790 feet)
- Time: 8 to 10 hours
The last way to hike the Routeburn Track on a day hike is to do the entire trail. This is a very common thing to do, however, it is a very long and hard day. The 32 km (20 mi) journey will see you climb 850 m (2,789 ft) to the saddle and then back down to the Divide!
If you choose to do this you will need to organize a bus or lift for the other side. Be aware that from one end of the trail to the other takes around 5 hours by car!
If the drive seems like a bit much then consider spending the night in Milford Sound either before or after your trip. That way you can wake up fresh, begin your hike and finish in Glenorchy or vice versa.
To be honest I’m not sure if you would be able to enjoy the stunning views as much on this hike as you would be constantly hiking. But if you’re crazy enough, go for it – I’m sure it will be rewarding!
What To Bring on the Routeburn Track
Food
Depending on which hike you intend on doing you may need to bring more or less food. The full-day hike to Harris Saddle will have you wishing you brought a packed lunch and snacks.
Bailey and I brought only a few snacks and were dreaming about Fergburger and poutine the entire way down!
Water
The water that runs from the streams on the Routeburn is generally fine to drink, however, it is not tested and in the warmer months, you should boil it for 5 minutes, then filter or treat it.
In winter when I did the hike, I drank straight from the rivers up near Lake Harris and ate plenty of snow without any purification or boiling!
Hiking Gear
On the first and shortest route mentioned above, hiking gear is less likely needed and a good pair of runners and active-wear clothing would suffice. But on the longer trails, it pays to bring a good set of hiking boots, pants, and if you have bad knees, hiking poles.
Sunscreen
The start of the trail until Routeburn Flats is mostly shaded, but once you begin the ascent to Routeburn Falls and especially from the falls to the Harris Saddle you become very exposed to the sun and wind.
Related Read: If you’re going to be renting a car in NZ then here are some of our favorite New Zealand road trip itineraries!
Other Tips and Important Information for the Routeburn Track Day Hike
- The trail is clearly marked with orange markers and poles
- Parking is available at both ends of the trail, however, the Te Anau side is more limited.
- Hiking the trail in winter exposes you to a few extra hazards and in some cases won’t allow you to hike much of the trail.
- There are a few suspension bridges that are limited to only two people at a time. Checking the load limit of every bridge is a great idea.
- Routeburn Road is an unsealed gravel road. Livestock can cross the road at times too.
Related Read: There are tons of scenic bike tours in Queenstown for a fun daytime activity!
Guided Routeburn Track Day Hikes Tours
Taking a guided tour is great for those of you who don’t have your own transport, like to learn about the nature and wildlife in the region, or are not the best with directions haha.
Routeburn Track Guided Hike – This full-day hike lasts 7 hours and starts from the Milford Sound Visitors Center. Arthur River, Lake Ada, and Giant’s Gate Waterfall are three of the main noticeable spots you’ll hike to on this section of the trail. This tour includes hot drinks and can book up to 12 people.
Private Routeburn Track Day Hike – You will begin your 8-10 hour day driving from Queenstown about an hour on one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand to start the section of Routeburn near Glenorchy. You’ll hike 8 miles return and can continue 3 more miles if you are at a high fitness level. You’ll go along the Routeburn River and see Bridal Veil Falls, a swing bridge, and the Humboldt Mountains to name a few.
Full-Day Small-Group Routeburn Valley Walk – This hike starts at the Routeburn Shelter and takes you 8 miles return trip to Lake Wakatipu and ends the hike nearby with a picnic lunch at Routeburn Flats Hut. This tour lasts around 7-8 hours and it isn’t private and takes up to 6 people out of Queenstown.
Full-Day Routeburn Track Key Summit Guided Walk – Starting out of Te Anau you’ll drive 1.5 hours and start at The Divide Shelter. This tour is more of an easier walk rather than a hike where you can expect to leisurely walk for a minimum of 6 hours on a well-maintained trail. At the summit, you’ll enjoy a lunch before heading back down. Perfect if you don’t have much experience hiking.
Where to Stay Near the Routeburn Track
The best town to stay in the night before or after your hike is Glenorchy. From here, you’ll only be about 25 minutes to the trailhead. Here are our suggested accommodations:
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat – This is a great budget option with lots of amenities. Although not in Glenorchy, it is on the other side of Lake Wakatipu in a very quiet area. The views from the hostel are amazing, and they also have private rooms in several different sizes!
Glenorchy Lake House – Located right in town, this is a really good option. You can find luxury private rooms and even a house that sleeps up to 9 people.
Glenorchy Motel – An older-style property with simple rooms that all come with a seating area, TV, and private bathroom, and a hot tub is available for guests. Another great option close to the Routeburn Track.
If you are looking for more choices, check out our guide on where to stay in Queenstown, which is just 50 km (31 mi) from Glenorchy!
Other Things to do Near The Routeburn Track
- Moke Lake Track – Learn our tip to reach the “secret” viewpoint that’s better than the original.
- Queentown winery tour – The Gibbston Valley is home to some of the best wines in New Zealand.
- Queenstown Hill Walk – One of the most popular hikes in Queenstown – for good reason!
- The Glenorchy Animal Experience – You will find them if you drive just outside of Glenorchy for 2.5km.
- Historic Cruise in Queenstown – Ride around Lake Wakatipu and enjoy gourmet BBQ for lunch
Renting a Car or Campervan in New Zealand
The first step to planning your New Zealand road trip is choosing your set of wheels! Most people rent a campervan or motorhome to get around, but you can also just rent a normal car and stay in hotels (as opposed to camping.)
You can search for rental cars online here in advance to compare car models and prices.
You can also do this with motorhomes and campervans on a website called Motorhome Republic. It shows all of the available campervans and motorhomes for your specific New Zealand road trip dates. You can compare prices and company reviews here too!
Personally, we have rented a campervan from a company called Mad Campers before and had a great experience. Mad Campers is for budget travelers and they offer 1 and 2 berth campervans that are very comfortable and perfect for a road trip in New Zealand! You can read our full Mad Campers review for more info!
We also have a discount code for our readers. Use DTRAVEL5 at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental with Mad Campers!
The only downside to Mad Campers is that they have limited inventory, so they might already be sold out for your travel dates. In that case, your next best option is JUCY. We love JUCY because they have such a range of both cars and campervans available so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something to suite your budget and travel style. You can check prices, availability and book with JUCY online here.
Kiwi Motorhomes is another company we personally recommend but specifically for motorhomes! They offer luxury motorhomes (as opposed to budget campervans) at really reasonable rates. Check out our full review on them as well as more info specific on renting a motorhome in NZ in our guide!
Kiwi Motorhomes has actually given us a discount code for our readers too! Use the code DEST5 at checkout to get 5% off your motorhome rental!
Thanks for reading!
Hiking the Routeburn Track is something every visitor to New Zealand should consider doing. Most don’t have 3 days to spare on one trail so the Routeburn Track day hike is the perfect compromise, and as I found out, still spectacular!
Thanks so much for reading! I hope this blog has answered all your questions about hiking the Routeburn Track! If you have any others please leave them below in the comments section!
If not then be sure to check out all our New Zealand guides (we have tons!) on our official New Zealand or Queenstown page and if you’re heading to Milford Sound check out all of our informative Milford Sound blogs!
Or check out these related articles:
Hiking Ben Lomond in Queenstown
Mount Crichton Loop Track, Queenstown
Phyllis
Monday 27th of May 2019
Hello, I am traveling solo to Queenstown, New Zealand in February 2020. I was looking to do a day hike from the Routeburn shelter to the Routeburn falls. Besides expensive group tours do you know of any shuttles that take independent hikers to the trail head and pick them up later on in the day as well, and return to Queenstown? Maybe even a website of solo hikers that want to share a hike? Thank you and have a great day!
destinationlesstravel
Tuesday 28th of May 2019
Hey!
There are shuttles from Queenstown, lots of them actually. They are not that cheap though and from my memory last year it was around $50 each way!
I would recommend hitching a ride with someone doing the same for the day. We have had lots of luck on facebook groups there is one called Queenstown Hiking. You can plan hikes with others on here. There are no rideshare services only services for switching cars at each side of the track.
If there are two or three of you it would honestly be much cheaper to just rent a car for the day.
Let us know how you go but honestly that time of year so many people will be going to do the Routeburn for a day you may even meet someone in your hotel or hostel.