Hiking the Routeburn Track – half- or full-day excursion

Experience a taste of the legendary Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s most iconic hiking trails, on this fantastic half- or full-day excursion.

Leaving Queenstown, you’ll follow the picturesque Queenstown–Glenorchy Road, hugging the shores of Lake Wakatipu. After Glenorchy, your journey continues through the idyllic Paradise area and into Mount Aspiring National Park, arriving at the Routeburn Shelter where your adventure along the Routeburn Track begins.

Your hike starts with a crossing over a swinging bridge suspended above the Routeburn River before winding into a spectacular beech forest. The trail is gently undulating and easy underfoot, giving you the perfect chance to look out for birds flitting through the treetops. You might just spot New Zealand’s smallest bird, the rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris), or the rare yellowhead mohua (Mohoua ochrocephala), which is found only in New Zealand.

The path follows the Routeburn River as it thunders through an impressive gorge before disappearing beneath the rocks. It’s a steady ascent through a magical world of 130-million-year-old ferns, mosses and beech forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter a wealth of fascinating flora and fauna, about which your guide will share plenty of insights. Your guide will also recount tales of the Routeburn Track’s historical importance, including its use by both the Māori and European pioneers.

You can also look forward to encountering several beautiful waterfalls on the way, as the route gradually climbs, with snow-capped peaks rising on the horizon.

After around an hour and a half of walking, you’ll return to the car park and retrace the scenic drive back to Queenstown.

If you opt for the full-day tour, you’ll venture even further along the Routeburn Track and be rewarded with even more breathtaking views. This section of the route is a little more challenging than the half-day option. Lunch (included) is enjoyed amidst truly stunning surroundings.

After this experience, you might well feel inspired to take on the whole Routeburn Track next time you’re in New Zealand! The full trail is roughly 33 kilometres long, and most people complete it over three days, overnighting in basic huts or shelters along the way.

There are toilets both at the car park where the hike begins and at points along the trail.

Start and finish location: Selected hotels in Queenstown (your voucher will list the address and pick-up time). Please note, you are responsible for your own transport to and from the starting point.

Duration: Approx. 4.5 hours, from 13:30–18:00 for the half-day tour (walking time about 1.5 hours) and approx. 10 hours from 08:00–18:00 for the full-day tour (walking time about 7 hours)

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.

Group size: Maximum 6 people per vehicle.

Price includes: Transport and guide. For the full-day tour, lunch is also included.

Remember to bring: Good walking shoes, layered clothing, a rain jacket or poncho, sun protection, camera, and a small daypack with water and snacks.

Note: This tour operates all year round, but is dependent on weather conditions. The best season for trekking is between November and April.
Moderate physical fitness is required. There is a minimum of two participants for the tour to run (and a minimum of four on New Zealand public holidays). If the minimum is not met, you will, of course, receive a full refund.

If you join the full-day excursion, please mention any allergies or food preferences when booking.