Routeburn Track

Guided walk

From

1,979

NZD

The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated Great Walks, weaving through both Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. This 32 km alpine trail links the dramatic Hollyford Valley with the glacier-carved landscapes near Glenorchy.

Our 3 day / 2 night guided walk lets you experience the best of the Routeburn with comfort and support, including expert guides, cosy private lodges, and delicious meals throughout.

Walk through lush native forest, climb to panoramic alpine passes, and cross crystal-clear rivers. The views are ever-changing, from hanging valleys and waterfalls to snow-capped peaks stretching out toward the Tasman Sea.

At the end of each day, unwind in our lodges with a hot shower, a hearty dinner, and a drink from the bar. The track has its challenges, but the rewards are unforgettable. Keep an eye out for native birds like kea, ruru (morepork), and the rare whio (blue duck).

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3 days | 2 nights

32 km | 20.1 miles

Difficulty | Intermediate

November - April

Accommodation and meals included

Transport from Queenstown or Te Anau (return Queenstown only)

Download Map

Info for Families

Itinerary

Routeburn Track Guided Walk with Ultimate Hikes

Day 1

Queenstown to Lake Mackenzie Lodge

12km (7.5 miles)

Approx 6 - 8 hours walking

Track Terrain

Well-formed track with steady uphill climbs, rocky descents, and some narrow sections

12km (7.5 miles)

Approx 6 - 8 hours walking

Queenstown to the The Divide
Begin your journey with an early departure from Queenstown. Travel by coach to Te Anau for a morning tea break, then continue along the Milford Road to the track start at The Divide. Your guides will distribute picnic lunches, help fit packs and poles, and give you an overview of the day’s walk
The Divide to Key Summit (Optional Side Walk)
From The Divide, begin a steep, steady zigzag climb through lush forest. The track is well graded but rocky in places, so take your time. At the top, you’ll reach the Key Summit junction. Leave your pack and follow a boardwalk trail to the summit, an optional hour-long return walk with spectacular panoramic views across three valleys.
Key Summit to Lake Howden
Back at the junction, collect your pack and begin a steep and rocky descent to Lake Howden, where you can enjoy your packed lunch and a hot drink in the shelter. If you prefer to skip the Key Summit detour, you can head straight down to Lake Howden.
Lake Howden to Mackenzie Lodge
From Lake Howden, the track climbs gradually through beech forest toward Earland Falls, a stunning 174-metre cascade. Take a rest at the base and soak your feet in the cool, clear water if you like. Beyond the falls, pass through a regenerating forest known as the Orchard, then begin a steep descent into the valley. Watch your footing as the track becomes rough and rocky with large stone steps. Soon, you’ll reach the hebe garden clearing and spot Lake Mackenzie Lodge, your private accommodation for the night‍
Evening at Mackenzie Lodge
On arrival, your lodge host will show you to your room. For the adventurous, a refreshing dip in Lake Mackenzie is just a few steps away. Enjoy a hot shower, rinse your hiking gear, and relax in the lounge with snacks and drinks from the bar. A three-course dinner is served in the dining room, followed by a briefing from your guides. Lodge generators turn off at 10 pm.

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Day 2

Lake Mackenzie Lodge to Routeburn Falls Lodge

11km (6.9 miles)

Approx 5-7 hours walking

Track Terrain

A steady zigzag climb to Harris Saddle, followed by an undulating traverse and steep descent to the lodge.

11km (6.9 miles)

Approx 5-7 hours walking

Morning at Lake Mackenzie Lodge
Generators will turn on to signal the start of your day. Lunch preparation tables and a continental breakfast with tea & coffee, followed by a cooked breakfast, will be set up in the dining room. Your guides will be waiting outside the Lodge entrance at the scheduled departure time.
Lake Mackenzie to Ocean Peak Corner
The track begins alongside Lake Mackenzie, climbing steadily through ancient beech forest. It’s steep, narrow, and root-covered in places. As you rise above the treeline, the trail opens up to panoramic alpine views. Continue across a zigzagging path to Ocean Peak Corner, a scenic rest stop.
Ocean Peak Corner to Harris Shelter
From here, the trail follows the exposed Hollyford Face for 4.5 km. Enjoy sweeping views across the Hollyford Valley to Martin’s Bay on clear days. Cross a small stream (your last water stop) before tackling a short, steep staircase. Wind past alpine tarns before arriving at Harris Shelter for lunch and a hot drink.
Optional Side Walk: Conical Hill
Weather permitting, take the steep side track behind the shelter up Conical Hill. A lookout two-thirds of the way offers a great view, or continue to the summit for a full panorama over Fiordland to the Tasman Sea. This return walk takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Check with your guide before setting off.‍
Harris Shelter to Routeburn Falls Lodge
After lunch, the track skirts Lake Harris and reaches the highest point on the Routeburn Track. Begin your descent into the Routeburn Valley, passing waterfalls and alpine basins. Boardwalks and wide steps help guide you down, but take care on rocky sections, they can be slippery in wet weather. Follow the river down to Routeburn Falls Lodge, where a host will welcome you for another warm meal, hot shower, and relaxed evening in comfort.

Day 3

Routeburn Falls Lodge to Queenstown

9km (5.7 miles)

Approx 3 - 4 hours walking

Track Terrain

Steep rocky descent from the lodge, then mostly flat, well-formed track through forest and river flats

9km (5.7 miles)

Approx 3 - 4 hours walking

Routeburn Falls to Routeburn Flats
After breakfast and lunch making, your guides will see you off on your final day of hiking. The track begins with a steep, rocky descent, opening into a broad path with sweeping views over the Routeburn Flats, including a large open section created by a tree avalanche in 1994. Once on the valley floor, the walking becomes easier. A guide will meet you at the junction to Routeburn Flats Hut, where you can leave your pack and walk five minutes to explore the wide, grassy flats along the Routeburn River.
Routeburn Flats to Forge Flat
Follow the trail through red beech forest, with the river nearby. After around 4 km, you’ll reach Forge Flat, a scenic riverside spot ideal for lunch. If conditions are good and you’re brave enough, check with your guide and dip your feet (or more) in the icy turquoise water.
Forge Flat to Routeburn Shelter
The final stretch is a relaxed walk through lush forest. Keep an ear out for native birds and enjoy the sound of the river rushing through the gorge below. Take the short nature walk detour, where interpretation panels share insights about the area’s flora, fauna, and forest history. Cross the long suspension bridge and you’ll arrive at the Routeburn Shelter, marking the end of your Routeburn Track journey.‍
Return to Queenstown
Your coach will be waiting at the shelter. After collecting any borrowed gear and changing into clean shoes, board the bus for your return journey. Stop for a celebratory drink or snack in Glenorchy, before continuing along the shores of Lake Wakatipu back to Queenstown, arriving at the Ultimate Hikes Centre in the late afternoon.‍

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Guides

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Always Ready

Our guides stay in constant radio contact with each other, the lodges, and our Queenstown base. Meaning they can respond quickly and effectively to changing weather, track conditions, or minor injuries, keeping you safe and supported throughout.

First Aid and Beyond

All our guides are first aid certified, with advanced training for the challenges of remote environments. They can manage minor issues on the track and are equipped to respond to more serious situations until additional help is available.

Continuous Learning

Our guides take part in ongoing training to stay up to date with safety practices and to deepen their knowledge of the tracks. What unites them is a genuine love for the outdoors and a passion for sharing it with others.

Private Lodges

Manaakitanga – Care for others

Dedicated to providing you with modern comfort in ancient surroundings, each lodge is fully staffed with comfortable lounges with snacks, tea and coffee available. Our dining facilities, provide delicious food for breakfast and dinner.

Food & Beverage

All meals are provided from lunch on day one to your packed lunch on day five.

Breakfast

Breakfast is a choice of continental and cooked options.

Snacks

Snacks are available on arrival at the lodge and before dinner.

Lunch

Lunch is subway style where you make your own from a range of sandwich and salad fillings with fruit and snacks to pack too.

Drinks

Tea, coffee and water are available at all times. Wine, beer and some soft drinks can be for purchase from the bar in late afternoon.

Dinner

Dinner is three courses you will be asked to choose a main course from three different options each night.

Dinner on the first three nights is a set menu, you will be asked to choose a main course from three different options on the last two nights.

Snacks

Snacks are available on arrival at the lodge and before dinner.

Drinks

Tea, coffee and water are available at all times. Wine, beer and some soft drinks can be for purchase from the bar in late afternoon.

Dietary Requirements

Vegetarian and gluten free options are available. Any particular allergies or dietary requirements must be advised prior to departure. We will do our best to accommodate requests bearing in mind the isolated environment.

Lodge Facilites

Designed for your comfort in remote surroundings.

Warm and comfortable lounges

Private & shared accommodation

Towels and linen provided

Facilities for hand washing and drying your clothes.

Books and games

In lodge bar

Generated electricity till 10pm

Power points to charge devices.

No wifi

There is no internet access on track or in the lodges

Rooms & Pricing

A room to suit your style & budget

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Multishare

Up to 4 people

4 single beds

Shared rooms are great for family and friends with 4 single beds in each room. Bathrooms are shared with hot showers and hairdryers. We have one room that can take up to 5 people, contact us to reserve this.

Inclusions

Shared bathroom: hot showers, flushing toilets

Towels, shampoo, body wash & hairdryer

Pillows and duvets. Sleepsheets provided or you can bring your own

Adult

1,979

NZD pp

Child

1,485

NZD pp

Add an additional children for

$985 and save $500. Child age 10-16 years inclusive.

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2 people

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1 person

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Private Queen/Twin Room

2 people

1 Queen or 2 Twin beds

Private rooms have a queen or two single beds and adjoining ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet facilities.

Inclusions

Ensuite private bathroom: hot showers, flushing toilets

Towels, shampoo, body wash & hairdryer

All linen provided

Adult

NZD pp

Child

NZD pp

Add an additional children for

Select dates

2 people

2,619

NZD pp

1 person

NZD pp

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Multishare

Up to 4 people

4 single beds

Inclusions

Shared bathroom: hot showers, flushing toilets

Towels, shampoo, body wash & hairdryer

Pillows and duvets. Sleepsheets provided or you can bring your own

Child

NZD pp

Adult

NZD pp

Add an additional children for

Select dates

2 people

NZD pp

1 person

NZD pp

Select dates

View all

Private Queen/Twin Room

2 people

1 Queen or 2 Twin beds

Private rooms have a queen or two single beds and adjoining ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet facilities.

Inclusions

Ensuite private bathroom: hot showers, flushing toilets

Towels, shampoo, body wash & hairdryer

All linen provided

Child

NZD pp

Adult

NZD pp

Add an additional children for

Select dates

2 people

NZD pp

1 person

NZD pp

Select dates

FAQs

Let’s plan your Ultimate Hike

Routeburn Falls lodge outdoor deck for guests to relax on

What are the lodges like?

Private, shared or bunk-style rooms with ensuite or shared facilities. Linen, towels & toiletries included.

Where is Ultimate Hikes?

The tracks we operate on are in the Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. All of our walks depart from and return to Queenstown.

Can we wash and dry clothes?

Discover how Ultimate Hikes lodges provide dedicated drying rooms to keep clothing ready for the next day’s adventure.

How do you manage risks?

Ultimate Hikes is a registered Adventure Activity, we are committed to providing a safe environment for all our guests on track.

When do I have to pay for my walk?

We take full payment by card at the time of booking. We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Do I need travel/medical insurance?

Yes. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND you take out your own medical/travel insurance to cover your walk and any circumstances in which you may not be able to walk including covid. In the unlikely event of a medical/accident emergency on the track, an evacuation by air will be carried out by New Zealand emergency services which will likely incur a significant financial cost.

Where can I leave my excess baggage while I'm walking?

We recommend you leave any excess luggage at your pre and post accommodation. We can store excess luggage at our centre in Queenstown for an additional fee. There is no need to book this – just bring it with you on the day of your departure.

Luggage storage is not available for Te Anau departures and drop offs. For further information, please contact our Reservations team prior to your arrival.

What are track conditions like?

Track conditions vary from wide flat and graded to very steep over rocks and tree roots.  There are some steep steps too, both up and down, and in heavy rain, sections of the track are prone to flooding.  Wind, rain and snow can also affect track conditions, particularly in exposed sections of the track.  A high level of stamina and stability is required.

What is your cancellation policy?

All cancellations must be made in writing and sent to info@ultimatehikes.co.nz or Ultimate Hikes Reservations, PO Box 259 Queenstown NZ, 9348.

Cancellation fees for all Multi Day Walks are charged on the following basis per person:

Outside 90 days from date of walk departure: NZ$100 per person;
Between 89-60 days from date of walk departure: NZ$200 per person;
Between 59-31 days from date of walk departure: 50% of full fare; or
Within 30 days of date of walk departure: 100% of full fare.

The date and customer name, for which the walk has been booked, once confirmed by the Operator providing the services and activities described, is non-transferable.

See our terms and conditions for more information.

Will I be fit enough?

To enjoy your walk, you’ll need to carry a medium pack (5–7kg) for 6–9 hours over 10–21km each day. If you’re not a regular walker, start training 6–8 weeks before departure, including hills, stairs, and walking with a pack in all weather. Tracks range from rocky, root-covered sections to well-formed paths, and you may walk through water in heavy rain. Walking poles, core strength, and sturdy boots with ankle support are recommended. Walk at your own pace, there’s always a guide at the back.

Read here for more information on how to train for your hike.

Is there power in the lodges?

Power in the lodges is driven by generators. They are turned on in the morning (timings depend on lodges) and all are turned off at 10pm. There is no power from 10pm until the morning.  Nightlights operate on small batteries charged during the day.

Steele Creek lodge on the Greenstone Track (Grand Traverse) is on solar power so there is limited ability to charge devices, and there is no drying room.

Do you have a risk management strategy?

Before booking a hike with Ultimate Hikes you should be aware that Hiking on New Zealand’s Great Walks and tracks, involves risks that include natural hazards such as flood, rockfall, landslip, earthquake, tsunami (Milford Sound) and avalanche. Unpredictable weather including high winds, snow and heavy rain can occur at any time. The tracks are uneven, rocky and steep in places. Ultimate Hikes takes every reasonable precaution to eliminate or minimise the risks you could be exposed to,  but natural hazards can be unpredictable and should they occur, they could result in injury and even death.  Read our Risk Management Strategy here.

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Care for people and place

We recognise it is a privilege to operate in such a pristine natural environment and we work hard to ensure it remains that way, by promoting environmental and conservation practises.

Kea Conservation

Ultimate Hikes and our walkers have raised over $30000 for the Kea Conservation Trust to help monitor and protect endangered kea on the Milford Track.

Tiaki Promise

In partnership with the Department of Conservation, we support the Tiaki Promise, helping protect New Zealand's unique environment and preserve it for future generations.

Saving the birdsong

We support and assist the Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust in predator control, ensuring the protection of native birdlife along the Routeburn Track.

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