Starting at Lake Howden, the 42km long Greenstone Track is the original historic route to Lake Wakatipu - a 3 day trip through the wide open Greenstone Valley, situated in the Fiordland National Park.

Access to the Greenstone Track is either via Glenorchy northwest of Queenstown, or The Divide Shelter which is the starting or ending point of the Routeburn track. Public transport is available from both ends.

Day 1: Car park to Mid Greenstone Hut
(11km, 3 hours)
Two bridges and a track through beech forest characterise the start of the Greenstone Track. The path then leads along the scenic Greenstone River with some deep pools, ideal for a refreshing swim. The track continues out in the open when crossing the Slip Flat, and then re-enters the bush just to lead up into the wide open red tussock river flats of the Greenstone Valley. Just before reaching the Mid Greenstone Hut there is a gentle climb to succumb.

Day 2:Mid Greenstone Hut to Lake Mackellar Hut
(11km, 5-6 hours)
After an easy gentle descend to the Greenstone River the track today leads along the River through the wide open Valley. Then the Valley narrows, the path re-enters into the forest and then leads you over a swing bridge to the right shore of the Greenstone River and to Mackellar Hut.

Day 3:Lake Mackellar Hut to The Divide Car Park (8km, 4 hours)
On this last day the track moves away from Greenstone River to lead along Lake Mackellar, Lake Howden and then to the Howden Hut not far from the lake. The night can be spent at this 28 bunk hut, or keep going to the Divide Car Park, only about 2km away. There is the option of a highly recommended detour to the Key Summit. The stunning view is well worth it!

An alternation of the Greenstone track would be a round trip, walking up the Routeburn Track to Lake Howden, and then returning down the Greenstone Valley.