Routeburn Track
Alpine traverse between two national parks
Overview
A high alpine crossing linking Mt Aspiring and Fiordland national parks via Harris Saddle.
Itinerary
Into the Beech Forest
Routeburn Falls cascade
Over Harris Saddle
Harris Saddle and Hollyford Valley views
To Lake Howden
Earland Falls thundering down the cliff
To the Divide
Meeting of the watersheds at The Divide
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1
3h 30m
Into the Beech Forest
Routeburn ShelterRouteburn Falls Hut
Distance
8 km
Elevation gain
480m
Est. time
3h 30m
Climb steadily through mountain beech forest with the roar of the Routeburn River below.
Routeburn Falls cascade
- 2
Day 2
4h 30m
Over Harris Saddle
Routeburn Falls HutLake Mackenzie Hut
Distance
11 km
Elevation gain
350m
Est. time
4h 30m
Above the treeline, Harris Saddle (1255m) offers panoramic views of Fiordland and Otago.
Harris Saddle and Hollyford Valley views
- 3
Day 3
3h 30m
To Lake Howden
Lake Mackenzie HutHowden Hut
Distance
9 km
Elevation gain
200m
Est. time
3h 30m
Traverse the circuit's western reaches past Lake Howden and the Earland Falls.
Earland Falls thundering down the cliff
- 4
Day 4
1h
To the Divide
Howden HutThe Divide
Distance
3 km
Elevation gain
0m
Est. time
1h
A short final descent to the Divide carpark on the Milford Road.
Meeting of the watersheds at The Divide
Huts on this walk
- Night 1HutSleeps 48
Routeburn Falls Hut
BunksFlush toiletsGas cookers - Night 2HutSleeps 50
Lake Mackenzie Hut
BunksFlush toiletsGas cookers - Night 3HutSleeps 28
Howden Hut
BunksFlush toiletsGas cookers
Walk it: step-through map
Plan this Great Walk
Trips are private by default. Share when you're ready.
Walk data from DOC — used with permission.