The Routeburn Track stretches over a distance of 32 km, usually walked within 3 days and starts 25 km north west of Glenorchy, at the Routeburn Shelter. This well formed travelling route leads through stunning Mount Aspiring National Park over a 1277m high alpine pass called the Harris Saddle and then down to the famous Fiordland National Park, ending at The Divide on the Milford Road, close to the Homer Tunnel. Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks both belong to "Te Wahipounamu", The South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. The Routeburn track can be walked in either direction.
On this very popular journey you will pass through rain forests, rugged and scenic mountain country and cross the bush line. The spectacular sights to savour are the Routeburn Waterfalls, Harris Saddle, crystal clear Mackenzie Lake, Split Rock, Lake Howden, Key Summit, just to mention but a few. Routeburn Track is renowned for its panoramic alpine views.
Not only Ornithologists will be stunned by this areas abundant birdlife. There is the Robin, Fantail, Bellbird, Silvereye, Tomtit, Chaffinch, Yellowhead, the Kea and many more to observe.

Day 1, 8.8km, 3-4.5 hours walking time:

On the starting day the Routeburn track will first lead you across a swing bridge, and then slightly uphill through beech forest, along the crystal clear Routeburn River. As the track gains height, you will come into the pleasure of enjoying some prime views. After about 2 hours you're at Routeburn Flats Hut, with a campsite located right beside the river just 5 minutes away. Routeburn Flats campsite offers cooking shelter and a pit toilet.
If you keep going, you will have to master the hardest uphill path of the track. But crossing the bush line and arriving at awe inspiring Routeburn Falls and the view will more than compensate for this effort. Spending the rest of this day exploring the area on short walks is highly recommended. The night can be spent at the modern Routeburn Falls hut.

Day 2, 11.3km, 4-6 hours walking time:

After walking mostly through dense beech forest so far, the path now leads through wild, scenic landscape passing numerous creeks and the Harris Lake along the way. Day two will be highlighted with passing Harris Saddle on 1277m, the highest point of the journey. Harris Saddle offers shelter for lunch and a toilet is also on site. Then the path continues on to glacier fed Lake Mackenzie, situated in the Mackenzie alpine basin. This pristine lake is absolutely stunning with its crystal clear water. This scenic place invites you to rest for the reminder of the day, and/or take a short hike along the right shore of Lake Mackenzie to the monumental Split Rock. You will find accommodation either in the Mackenzie Hutt or at the campsite.

Day3, 12km, 4-6 hours walking time:

The third day of your journey on the famous Routeburn track will take you through dense vegetation. It starts with a short climb. The spectacular 174m high Earlland waterfall and views over the Hollyford Valley, and sooner than you think, you get to Lake Howden where you could stop for lunch. Only a short walk from Howden Hutt is the end of the trail, The Divide. At this shelter you can wait for your pre-arranged transportation or hitch hike to your next destination. A bus to Queenstown is leaving every 3.5 hours.

A short distance after leaving Lake Howden you have the option to take a side track winding steeply up the hill to The Key Summit. Key Summit provides 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and is one of the highlights of the Routeburn Track.
When hiking the Routeburn track the path leads your far away from where the car is parked. Therefore the way back in public transportation takes up to two days. The other option would be to hike back on either the Greenstone Track or the more demanding Caples Track.

The variety of landscapes on this track will astound you. A well trained hiker could certainly walk the whole track in two days. But taking your time and enjoying the spectacular views will be worth the time investment. Also the side trips to the key summit and onto the Conical Hill are strongly recommended.