Hiking the Routeburn in Spring

Spring is coming to Aotearoa/New Zealand, and with it the opening of the Great Walks season.

We say that the best time to hike the Great Walks is the time that suits you, and that’s true, but getting out there early in the season brings its own rewards.

Why Spring is a stunning time to walk the Routeburn Track

Spring marks the start of the Great Walks season and one of the most spectacular times to experience the Routeburn Track. As the snow melts and the alpine landscape awakens, the track transforms into a vivid world of colour, movement, and life, offering some of the most dramatic scenery of the entire season. If you're thinking about walking the Routeburn Track, spring might just be the best-kept secret.

Snow-dusted peaks and vibrant valleys

In the early weeks of the season, snow often still clings to the high ridgelines around the Harris Saddle, creating a beautiful contrast with the deep green valleys below. It’s a time when the landscapes feel raw and wild, yet incredibly peaceful.

Waterfalls un full flow

Spring is waterfall season. Snowmelt feeds the many falls along the track, including the spectacular Earland Falls, making them especially powerful and photogenic. The rivers and lakes are also full and crystal-clear, adding to the beauty at every turn.

A quieter time to explore

Walking in spring means fewer people on the track, especially early in the season. You’ll get a more tranquil and immersive experience, with plenty of space to soak up the scenery, connect with your fellow walkers, and enjoy uninterrupted views from the mountain passes.

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Spring flora and fauna

Spring brings a burst of life to the Routeburn. Alpine wildflowers begin to bloom along the higher sections of the track, including the striking Mount Cook Lily—actually the world’s largest buttercup—and clusters of mountain daisies that blanket the open tussock basins.

Another spring favourite is the native tree fuchsia (kōtukutuku), found in the lower forested sections of the track. Its papery bark and delicate pink flowers attract a variety of birdlife—tui, bellbirds, waxeyes, and kaka can often be seen feeding or foraging in its branches.

If you’re lucky, you might also hear the distinctive call of the long-tailed cuckoo. These migratory birds return to New Zealand in early October to breed, often revisiting the same forest areas each year before heading back to the Pacific tropics in late summer.

What to pack for a spring walk

Spring conditions on the Routeburn can be changeable, with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and occasional rain or snow flurries. When you walk with Ultimate Hikes, we take care of most of the logistics, but here’s what we recommend you bring:

Clothing:

• Breathable base layers (merino or technical fabrics)
• Warm mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
• Waterproof jacket and rain pants
• Gloves and a warm hat (especially early in the season)
• Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

Footwear & gear:

• Sturdy, well-worn-in hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
• Comfortable hiking socks
• Small backpack for daily essentials (we provide a pack liner)
• Water bottle or hydration system
• Walking poles (optional but helpful for uneven sections)

We’ll send you a full gear list after booking, so you’ll know exactly what to bring and what we provide.

Walk the Routeburn Track with us this Spring

At Ultimate Hikes, we guide Routeburn Track departures from early November, when the landscape is fresh, dramatic, and full of energy. You’ll walk with expert guides, stay in private lodges, and experience this World Heritage wilderness at a time when it’s truly coming back to life.

Whether it’s your first multi-day hike or one you’ve always wanted to do, spring is the perfect season to see the Routeburn Track at its most breathtaking.