Duration: Approx. 10 hours return from Queenstown
Walking: Approx. 7 hours
Departs: Queenstown at 8.00am
Operates: 1 October – 30 April, conditions permitting

Experience one of New Zealand’s most celebrated Great Walks on a full-day guided adventure along the world-famous Routeburn Track in Mt Aspiring National Park. Your day begins with a spectacular drive from Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, through Glenorchy and Paradise, before arriving at the start of the Routeburn Track. Cross the Routeburn swing bridge and enter an ancient world of native beech forest, ferns, mosses and lichens.

The walk follows the beautiful Routeburn River, passing waterfalls, dramatic gorges and native forest before climbing towards the alpine landscape. The first section rises gradually towards Routeburn Flats Hut, before becoming steeper and more rugged on the climb towards Routeburn Falls Hut. Enjoy approximately 7 hours of moderately paced walking, with the aim of reaching Routeburn Falls Hut. Along the way, take in spectacular views across mountain ranges and valleys and keep an eye out for native birdlife, including the rare mohua / yellowhead, South Island robin and rifleman.

Your local guide will bring the landscape to life with stories about the area's native flora and fauna, natural environment and the historical significance of the Routeburn Track to Māori and early European pioneers.

Highlights

• Experience one of New Zealand's world-famous Great Walks
• Enjoy the spectacular drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy and Paradise
• Cross the Routeburn swing bridge
• Walk alongside the beautiful Routeburn River through ancient native beech forest
• Climb from Routeburn Flats towards Routeburn Falls Hut
• Take in waterfalls, alpine scenery and spectacular mountain views
• Discover native flora, fauna and birdlife
• Learn about the area's natural and cultural history from your local guide
• Enjoy an included packed lunch, water and trail mix

Fitness & Walking

This is a full-day hike requiring moderate fitness. The walk is approximately 7 hours and includes a mixture of well-defined forest trail, gradual climbs and steeper, more rugged sections. The walk begins with a relatively gentle incline towards Routeburn Flats Hut. From there, the track becomes steeper on the climb towards Routeburn Falls Hut, with approximately one hour of sustained uphill walking. The group walks together at a comfortable but steady pace. If you're unsure whether the full-day walk is right for you, our Routeburn Guided Walk – Half Day offers a shorter and easier-paced alternative.

What to Wear & Bring

Please wear sturdy, supportive hiking shoes with good grip and comfortable layers suitable for the conditions. Alpine weather can change quickly and conditions on the track may be very different from Queenstown, so please bring:

• Waterproof jacket
• Water bottle
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Small day pack
• Camera or phone
• Hat and gloves in cooler weather

Lunch

A packed lunch is included and typically consists of a sandwich, fruit, slice, water and trail mix. Please let us know when booking if you have any dietary requirements.

Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Pick-up and drop-off are available from selected central Queenstown accommodation or our Info & Track shop at 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown. We are unable to offer pick-ups from Hilton Queenstown or Frankton due to traffic delays. Guests staying in these areas should meet us at 37 Shotover Street.

Looking for a Private Experience?

Prefer to explore with your own guide? Our Private Routeburn Full Day Hike is available for groups looking for a more personalised experience. 

Winter Operations

Our scheduled Routeburn Full Day Hike does not operate during winter and is unavailable until 1 October due to the potential for snow, ice and changing alpine conditions on the track.Private guided hikes may be available during this period, subject to weather, track conditions and guide availability. Please contact our Reservations Team to discuss current conditions and available options.

Important Information

Tours operate subject to track, weather and road conditions. For your safety, the route, turnaround point or itinerary may occasionally need to change due to conditions such as adverse weather, snow, ice, high water levels or road access. Reaching Routeburn Falls Hut is the aim of the walk but cannot be guaranteed, as your guide will make decisions based on the conditions and the safety and ability of the group. Please review our Disclosure of Risks and Weather Cancellation Policy before booking. If your preferred date or departure time is unavailable, please contact our team and we'll be happy to help. For cancellations between 7 days and 24 hours before departure, please contact res@nomadsafaris.co.nz.