Your 3-day guide to New Zealand’s best hiking trail

Leave the world behind during a traipse over this breathtaking New Zealand trail.

Selecting a hiking destination in New Zealand is like choosing your favourite dinner –  every time you decide on one, another tempting option emerges. This is why hikers love the Routeburn Track on the South Island: this single trail has icy waters, snow-capped peaks and thunderous waterfalls all nestled together. Here’s how to enjoy the adventurous Routeburn Track safely and in comfort.

Who should do the Routeburn Track?

The Routeburn Track is rated as moderate, meaning the terrain can be challenging. You should assess your fitness levels before embarking on this trail, which spans up to 32 kilometres; it requires five to nine hours of walking per day with a backpack weighing up to seven kilograms.

For families, children under 10 years of age are generally not recommended on the track, and it’s best if young hikers have prior trekking experience. If these conditions are met, the track’s swimming spots, waterfalls, and opportunities for rock climbing will be thrilling.

Before the walk begins

Your adventure begins at the Ultimate Hikes Centre in Queenstown the day before your hike. Your group will receive a briefing on current trail conditions, weather forecast, itinerary and packing recommendations (swimmers, perhaps?). It’s also an opportunity to purchase any last-minute items.

Relax in  comfortable private lodges.

Day 1: Queenstown to Mackenzie Lodge

Distance: 12 kilometres

The journey starts with a bus ride to Te Anau, about two hours away. After a brief stop, the journey continues to the Divide along Milford Road and the Routeburn Track trailhead.

After distributing packed lunches and gear, friendly guides will lead your group through Fiordland National Park. The hike begins with an ascent through silver beech forest, reaching the Key Summit turn-off within an hour. Before descending to Lake Howden, keen hikers can ascend to Key Summit (depending on the weather); there, they can enjoy stunning overlooks of alpine lakes, rainforests, mountains and valleys.

The trail continues to the rainbow-sparkled Earland Falls, one of New Zealand’s most impressive waterfalls. After a five-kilometre hike along the mountainside, a downward track leads to Mackenzie Lodge, your cosy luxury lodge for the night. For those craving more adventure, a short walk to Lake Mackenzie offers a chance for cold water dip.

Back at your lodge, refresh with hot showers, drying rooms, bar and a three-course meal. The day ends with an overview of the next day’s hike and conditions before retiring for the night.

Follow the pathway to Key Summit.

Day 2: Mackenzie Lodge to Routeburn Falls Lodge

Distance: 11 kilometres

The second day starts with a cooked and continental breakfast as you prepare to hike the most exposed section of the track (which also offers breathtaking views).

The trail begins by passing Lake Mackenzie and through ancient beech forest, climbing to reveal Ocean Peak Corner, where hikers may see the Tasman Sea and Darran Mountains.

The route then traverses alpine landscapes along the Hollyford Face over 4500 metres. Guides point out native plants, like edelweiss and mountain daisies, and endemic birds, such as kea parrots and bright yellow mohua.

Tuck into lunch at Harris Shelter. If conditions permit, take an optional detour to scramble up Conical Hill for spectacular views above the picturesque alpine Lake Harris, considered one of the country’s most beautiful alpine trail sections.

The day finishes with a hike along Routeburn Falls into the upper basins of the Routeburn Valley, ending at Routeburn Falls Lodge, an outdoor-style lodge resembling tree huts.

Pause by the stunning Lake Mackenzie. (Image: Janice Chen)

Day 3: Routeburn Falls Lodge to Queenstown

Distance: 9 kilometres

The final day begins with a long descent, crossing bridges through native forest before reaching Routeburn Flats below. Take in iconic vistas of the surrounding mountains, and after a brief stop, follow Routeburn River through a forest of red beech trees. After travelling four kilometres, you can swim in the river’s clear teal blue water at Forge Flat.

The final stretch is an easy walk through native forest – but you’ll want to drag your feet, with opportunities to identify birds and enjoy scenic river views. The Routeburn Shelter marks the end of the route and your rewarding hike.

Afterwards, a coach takes you to Glenorchy for a celebratory drink before driving back to Queenstown along picturesque Lake Wakatipu.

Let the Routeburn River lead you through awe-inspiring landscapes

Start planning your Routeburn Track adventure.