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3 day routeburn track

highlights

World Heritage Area
Fiordland National Park
Mt Aspiring National Park
Cascading waterfalls
Pristine lakes
Lush Rainforest
Mountainous Peaks
Comfortable lodge accommodation

itinerary

Day 1 - Queenstown/The Divide to Lake Mackenzie: Your adventure begins with a coach ride from Queenstown to the Divide on the scenic Milford Road. We stop for morning tea in Te Anau before continuing on to the Divide where our walk starts. You climb a well-graded track through Silver Beech forest to the Key Summit turnoff. From here we leave the forest for the alpine environment of Key Summit, where we have the first of those breathtaking Routeburn views with a panorama of the Hollyford, Greenstone and Eglington Valleys. You then descend to Lake Howden hut for a hot drink and picnic lunch, before gradually climbing through lush Silver Beech forest to the base of Earland Falls. Continue traversing around the mountainside with the glimpses of the Hollyford Valley just a teaser for what is to come tomorrow. Pass through the natural clearing of the Orchard before descending into the Mackenzie basin. Lake MacKenzie is 5 minutes further on from the lodge, a good place take it all in on your first night away from it all.
Distance: 14km/8.7 miles, Time 5-6 hours walking

Day 2 - Lake Mackenzie to Routeburn Falls: Today is divided into three distinct sections: the climb out of the Mackenzie Basin to Ocean Peak Corner, the traverse across the Hollyford Face to the Harris Saddle and the descent to Routeburn Falls. From the lodge you skirt Lake Mackenzie and follow the track into the forest. As the track starts to climb you leave the trees and enter the alpine world of daisies, buttercups, gentians and edelweiss. From the first daisies in November to the last gentians in April the track winds through one of the greatest natural gardens on earth. The traverse along the Hollyford Face is for many people the most spectacular scenery of the whole track. With the Darran Mountains in front of you and the Hollyford Valley far below, you are in big country. After lunch at the Harris Saddle the views get even better if you climb Conical Hill with a 360 degree panorama, it seems like you are on top of the world. Return to the shelter, pick up your pack and begin your descent into the Routeburn Valley. After walking around Lake Harris you come into more intimate terms with the mountains towering above the upper reaches of the Routeburn River. Just before your arrival at the lodge you are greeted by the Routeburn Falls and stunning views of the lower valley.
Distance: 15km/9.4 miles, Time: 5-7 hours walking

Day 3 - Routeburn Falls to Routeburn Road: Your last day is the least strenuous, a nice way to wind down and take time to enjoy the environment. The descent from Routeburn Falls to Routeburn Flats takes you through a rich mixed Beech forest as you slowly lose altitude and reach the valley floor. Morning tea is at Routeburn Flats Hut, set in natural grasslands surrounded by mountains rising straight up from the flat valley floor. Below the flats the Routeburn River enters its gorge, surging among boulders in frothing white torrents at one turn and resting in the clear jade pools at the next before finally disappearing underground at the Sump. Lunch is right by the river at Forge Flat, you may even be inspired to take a plunge; your guides will encourage you with this! From here it's a gentle downhill stroll to the end of the track, but not before you pass through the Red Beech section with it's huge gnarled ancient forest giants. A coach will be waiting at the road end to take you back to Queenstown stopping at Glenorchy for a group photo. Tonight a celebration dinner is held in a local restaurant, a great way to finish off a magnificent experience.
Distance: 10km/6.1 miles, Time: 3-4 hours walking

inclusions

transport ex Queenstown lodge accommodation meals snacks backpacks rain jackets led by expert guides

times

Departs: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday from Queenstown at 7.45am
Returns: 3 days later to Queenstown at approximately 4.00pm
Operates: November to April

additional information

Rates: are per person based on share accommodation. Private Double and Sole use rooms are available on application. Rates are in New Zealand including GST.
Children: aged 10 to 15 years are at the child rate. Children under 10 years are not accepted.
Payment: Full payment is required at least 60 days prior to your departure.
Cancellation policy: For cancellations outside 90 days a NZD$100 per person fee applies, between 89-60 days NZD$200 per person, between 59-21 days 50% of full fare, and within 21 days 100% of full fare applies.
Fitness requirements: Their walks are neither easy nor difficult. They are a challenge, which people of all ages and abilities will relish. To enjoy your walk you need to be able to carry a medium sized backpack containing your personal belongings weighing 5-7kg (10-14lbs) for 6-8 hours over 15-21kms (9-13 miles) of mountain tracks each day. They encourage you to walk at your own pace, there is no pressure to walk with others or keep up with the fastest walkers. There is always a guide at the front and rear of the party.
Pre-departure Briefing: You will need to attend a pre departure briefing, which will be held in their Queenstown office the afternoon before departure at 2.00pm (Check in time 1.45 pm)

rates

* Please note that due to the short operation period, availability can be limited. Bookings are on a request basis.