Lots of options here on what is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and most famous hiking tracks. The full Routeburn Track crosses the South Island’s main water divide, affords spectacular views of snow-clad mountains, thick rainforest and hidden mountain lakes and tarns - and can be walked in either direction.

Day-hikes

If you’re on a daytrip from Queenstown, consider the one-hour Nature Walk at the Glenorchy end of the track, a 5-6hr return walk up to the Routeburn Flats Hut, or if you’re feeling fit, a 6-8hr return walk up to Routeburn Falls.

Routeburn Track

You’ll need to be prepared and do your homework to tackle the Routeburn Track, a 33km three-day hike over Harris Saddle to the Divide on the Te Anau to Milford Sound road.

Do it independently, staying at DoC huts, or guided, staying at private lodges with Ultimate Hikes.

Trailhead

All the above start from the Routeburn Shelter trailhead (this entry’s map location).

Allow 1.5 hours for the scenic drive here from Queenstown.

Alternatively, ask at DoC’s Queenstown Visitor Centre about track transport or guided walks.