The Routeburn Track Day Hike Guide
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The Routeburn Track in New Zealand is most commonly done 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.
Routeburn Track Day Hike
The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s most popular multi-day 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 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 on a Routeburn Track with only a day hike.
Here’s everything you need to know for the perfect Routeburn Track Day Hike!
About The Routeburn Track
The Routeburn Track is a single 32 km 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 track crosses both Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park – two of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks. The track is one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks and is maintained by the DOC (Department of Conservation).
Aside from the four huts along the trail, there is also one emergency shelter at the Harris Saddle.
Hiking The Routeburn Track In One Day
During Peak season (between December to February), the Routeburn Track huts completely book 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 Anua or Milford Sound you can access the hike, hike some pretty spectacular parts and return all in one day.
Below are 6 different ways to hike the Routeburn Track in a day.
Start Of The Trail (End Of Routeburn Road) To Routeburn Flats Hut And Back
Distance: 15km return
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation hiked: Around 300m
Time: 3 to 5 hours
This rather easy section on the Routeburn 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 trial in this section is shaded and very well maintained.
Start Of Trail (End Of Routeburn Road) To Routeburn Falls Hut
Distance: 19.6km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation hiked: Around 600m
Time: 5 to 6 hours
Heading in slightly further this time the trail does become more difficult after the Routeburn Flats Hut. From the 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 rock fall in 1987, crossing several small suspension bridges, Eagle Bluff, and of course Routeburn Falls.
Start Of Trail (End Of Routeburn Road) To Lake Harris Saddle
Distance: 25km return
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Elevation hiked: About 850m
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 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!
End Of Trail (The Divide On Milford Road) To Key Summit
Distance: 7km return
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Elevation hiked: 400m
Time: 3 hours
The hike to the Key Summit from the Divide 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 weather which is notoriously unpredictable in this region.
End Of Trail (The Divide) To Lake Mackenzie Hut
Distance: 24km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation hiked: 550m
Time: 7 hours
If you keep hiking on from the Key Summit 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 quiet the challenge and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. The Lake Mackenzie campground was my favorite place I stayed on the trail!
Routeburn Road Carpark To The Divide
Distance: 32km
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation hiked: 850m
Time: 9 – 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 32km journey will see you climb 850m 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 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
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, 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. However, 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, however, 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.
Other Tips And Important Information For The Routeburn Track Day Hike
- The trail is clearly marked with orange makers 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.
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!
-Daniel
April 12, 2019
