RoutebuRn tRack Great Walks season: Duration: 2 – 4 days 27 October 2015 – Distance: 32 km (one way) 27 April 2016 elevation pRofile & tRack guide RoutebuRn Harris Saddle

Routeburn Falls tRack 1250 m 48 bunks

The is the Routeburn Flats 1000 m 20 bunks ultimate alpine adventure, taking 15 campsites

you through ice-carved valleys Routeburn and below the majestic peaks of 750 m Shelter the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. 500 m

A short trip from bustling 6.5 km / 1.5 – 2.5 hrs 2.3 km / 1–1.5 hrs Queenstown, this Great Walk links Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks in the Te Wāhipounamu – South West World Heritage Area. Weaving through meadows, reflective tarns and alpine gardens, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular vistas over vast mountain ranges and valleys. Day 1: Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut The Routeburn Track can be walked in either direction. The track is well marked and signposted, but some 2 hour 30 min – 3 hours 30 minutes, 8.8 km sections are steep and rough and The track begins at Routeburn Shelter, gently winding alongside may be muddy and slippery. This the crystal-clear Route Burn (river). After passing Sugarloaf Stream, guide describes a 3-day easy hike for you’ll climb to Bridal Veil Waterfall and continue above the gorge. independent, non-guided walkers during A swing bridge leads to open grassed flats, and the Routeburn Flats the Great Walk season (27 October 2015 Hut and Campsite. The track climbs steadily through stunning – 27 April 2016). beech forest, providing views of the Humboldt Mountains. End the day at Routeburn Falls Hut, on the edge of the bushline and close to the impressive Routeburn Falls cascade. Outside the Great Walks season (May to October) walking conditions are more hazardous – see the safety information.

Duration: 2 – 4 days Distance: 32 km (one way) COveR: Lake Harris, Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz)

AbOve LeFt tO RiGHt: Swingbridge, Jurriaan Persyn CC-BY-NC 2.0 Great Walks season: Mountain views, Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) 27 October 2015 – Lake Mackenzie, Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) 27 April 2016 MAin pHOtO: Key Summit, Shellie Evans (tikitouringnz.blogspot.co.nz) greatwalks.co.nz 0800 694 732

hut campsite shelter car park Harris Saddle

Lake Mackenzie 50 bunks 9 campsites

Lake Howden 28 bunks

The Divide

11.3 km / 4.5 – 6 hrs 8.6 km / 3 – 4 hrs 3.4 km / 1 – 1.5 hrs

Day 2: Routeburn Falls Hut to Day 3: Lake Mackenzie Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hut the Divide

4 hours – 5 hours 30 minutes, 12 km 4 hours 30 minutes – 6 hours, 11.3 km Leaving Lake Mackenzie Hut the track crosses a On day 2, you’ll climb steadily up the valley, through small flat before climbing to the bush line. A gradual wetlands and tussock-covered flats, before sidling descent then leads past the ‘Orchard’, an open grassy along the bluffs above Lake Harris to reach the area dotted with ribbonwood trees, to the impressive highest point on the track at Harris Saddle/Tarahaka Earland Falls (174 metres). The track continues its Whakatipu (1,255 metres). descent through beech forest to Lake Howden Hut The track then descends and traverses along the and on to The Divide. A popular side trip (1 hr 30 exposed Hollyford Face, with expansive views over min) to Key Summit climbs to an alpine wetland the Darran Mountains. This section of the track is with panoramic views over Fiordland mountains and well-known for its impressive array of alpine plants. alpine lakes. A steady descent leads to Lake Mackenzie Hut, set beside the enchanting Lake Mackenzie. HigHligHts

Air new Zealand partners with the Photo: Kerry Weston Department of Conservation to help bring native birds back to the beautiful Great Walks.

 DOC has teamed up with Air new Zealand, Genesis energy and the Routeburn Dart Wildlife trust to further support and expand conservation Photo: Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) projects on the Routeburn track, aiming to ‘bring back our birds’ and turn up the birdsong along the Routeburn. the rare whio/blue duck, tuke/rock wren and mohua/, which live and breed in the mountainous headwaters of , are a major focus as stoat plagues have hit their numbers hard. boosted by the partnership, four times the original number of stoat traps have been laid over 40 km in the Routeburn, Rockburn and beansburn areas, ready for the re-introduction of endangered wildlife into these valleys.

Photo: Bernard Spragg  trampers have a choice of four comfortable, well-equipped huts along the track. Routeburn Falls Hut is only 3–4 hours from the road end and makes a great overnight trip for families.

 bird watchers can feast their eyes on cheeky , tiny /tītitipounamu, rare yellowhead/mohua and paradise shelducks to name just a few.

 Flower lovers can’t miss the largest fuchsia in the world, the kōtukutuku, growing up to 12 meters tall. it is especially noticeable between the Photo: DanielShellie DeansEvans (tikitouringnz.blogspot.co.nz) Divide and Key Summit.

HEAPHY TRACK Takaka

Motueka

Karamea NELSON Nelson Picton Visitor Centre Wakefield

BLENHEIM

Westport Murchison St Arnaud Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre

Punakaiki Reefton Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre

Kaikoura Greymouth Hanmer Springs

Kumara

Hokitika

Arthur’s Pass National Park Visitor Centre

Oxford Rangiora

Kaiapoi Franz Josef/Waiau Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre CHRISTCHURCH Ōtautahi/Christchurch Visitor Centre Methven

Aoraki/Mount Cook Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Akaroa Visitor Centre Haast ASHBURTON Awarua/Haast Visitor Centre

Geraldine greatwalks.co.nz Fairlie 0800 694 732

Temuka Twizel getting tHeRe Makaroa the Routeburn track is accessed by road from the Sign me up! What do I do next? TIMARU following locations:  Routeburn Shelter: 30 minutes, 25 km drive along a partially unsealed road from Glenorchy.

 The Divide: 1 hour 30 minutes, ROUTEBURN TRACK Wanaka Kurow Waimate 85 km from . Milford Sound Start off at greatwalks.co.nz/ Tititea/Mount Aspiring 1 routeburn for more information. please note: the road distance National Park Visitor Centre MILFORD between each end of the track TRACK Glenorchy is 325 km, so you’ll need to Arrowtown arrange transport at each end. Cromwell OAMARU Whakatipu-wai-Māori/ Book your huts and campsitesRanfurly Refer over page for Queenstown Visitor Centre 2 transport options onlineClyde or in a DOC visitor Centre. and services. Alexandra

KEPLER Palmerston TRACK Te Anau Te Rua-o-te-moko/ Visitor Centre Book your transport to and from Waikouaiti 3 the track – operators are listed online and in this brochure. Mossburn 0 25 50 km Lumsden DUNEDIN Fairfield Ōtepoti/Dunedin Visitor Centre Dipton buy your food and pack your places to stay 4 bags – download the Great Walks GORE Milton packing list and make sure you Winton have everything you need for a Mataura Balclutha 4-day independent unguided walk.

Kaka Point Riverton/ Aparima INVERCARGILL

Read up on safety and make 5 sure you’re well prepared for your Photo: John Strother (panafoot.com) journey and changeable weather at greatwalks.co.nz/routeburn. Make sure you have left your DOC operates 4 huts and 2 campsites along the Routeburn Track, which intentions with a trusted contact Oban must be booked in advance during the greatStewart Walks Island/ season at adventuresmart.co.nz. (27 October 2015 – 27 April 2016). Rakiura Visitor Centre Outside the Great Walks season facilities are greatly reduced and there are no wardens. Bookings are not required, huts and campsites are first come, first served and fees are reduced. See the website for details. visit the closest DOC Visitor 6 Centre (Queenstown or te Anau) Great Walks huts to pick up your tickets and official $54 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (bookings required). track guide, and chat with the During the Great Walks season the huts have bunks, mattresses, friendly staff for the latest weather heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and forecast and track conditions. cold running water, and a DOC ranger is in residence. The huts do not provide food, cooking utensils or showers.

Great Walks Campsites $18 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (bookings required). All set! Lace up your boots and 7 get hiking. Don’t forget to share Great Walks campsites offer basic facilities including toilets, sinks and your experience on facebook. a water supply. Some also have picnic tables and cooking shelters. com/GreatWalks. Campers may not use hut facilities. Daily Track Transport

Competitive rates offered to fit your timetable and ensure the transport to your tramping experience is hassle free.

Routeburn Gastro Pub with recently renovated Greenstone hotel rooms, self-contained backpacker cottage, cabins and camping Rees/Dart accommodation available. Internet, off- street parking, luggage storage and ATM. 42 – 50 Mull Street, Queenstown Glenorchy Restaurant, Café, Bar and terraced Garden provide a relaxed atmosphere to have T: +64 3 442 9902 breakfast, lunch or dinner. We specialise E: [email protected] Glenorchy Journeys is the best way to get from Queenstown in catering for large groups & functions. www.glenorchynz.com Airport to the start of your track. We can meet your flight, drop your bags to your accommodation and pick up supplies en-route to the walking tracks.

We are dedicated to sorting your transportation from start to On-site Glenorchy Information finish, and everything in-between. Centre & Glenorchy General S P Store provides: S • DOC brochures For info and friendly service: • Track & Weather updates Free phone 0800 495 687 • DOC backcountry hut tickets Phone: +64 3 409 2049 [email protected] • Maps & Tramper supplies [email protected] www.glenorchyjourneys.co.nz • Groceries and bottle store glenorchyinfocentre.co.nz

On the Lake Front between the Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks

• Free Wifi • Restaurant and self – catering facilities • Hot Tub • Shop with tramping supplies • Boot dryer & laundry facilities • Complimentary long term parking and luggage storage • Booking service • DOC Hut tickets • Bunks from $35, doubles from $95-$180 $18 Routeburn transfers $15 Greenstone transfers Conditions apply

2012, 2013, 2014 WINNER Kinloch Road • Glenorchy • Ph: 64-3-4424900 www.kinlochlodge.co.nz BOOK AHEAD TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT HIGHWAY 94, MILFORD SOUND PHONE 03 2498071 [email protected] milfordlodge.com Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels Routeburn Track Guided Walks With Ultimate Hikes you have the true hiking adventure Family and Studio Motels while we take care of the rest. BOOK NOW 0800 659 255 Marakura Lakeview Family Motels Backpackers, Tent and Powered Sites 3 Days / 2 Nights Bathroom and Kitchen Cabins Car and Bag Storage • Transport to and from the track Groups and Schools welcome • Accommodation in private lodges 77 Manapouri-Te Anau Highway, Te Anau • All meals on track P. 0800 483 262 [email protected] W. www.teanau.info • Friendly & experienced guides

Routeburn Track Shuttle Hollyford & Humpridge Day walkers & groups welcome Charter & on demand services year round. Out of Season Bus/Boat Package May/Oct Queenstown Te Anau Invercargill Milford Sound Phone +64 3 450 1940 | ultimatehikes.co.nz P. 0800483262 E. [email protected] W. www.tracknet.net

seasON free hot showers for freedom walkers sPeCIaL phone 0800 hump ridge and quote promo code: shower

Routeburn Track Car Relocation Service. Our service is to move your vehicle from one trail head to the other. The Milford, Caples, Greenstone, Rees and Dart tracks are also available. www.trackhopper.co.nz

TRACKHOPPER email: [email protected] phone: 03 442 8079 mobile: 021 187 7732

We provide the only safe and secure park while you walk the SAFER track. Don’t let a break-in spoil PARKING your holiday. www.saferparking.co.nz More wilderness SAFER PARKING TE ANAU email: [email protected] 48 Caswell Road, Te Anau phone: 64 3 249 7198 or 027 260 9032 ... less people 3-day loop track BOOK NOW: Packages from Group (5+ people) charter transport linking Fiordlands’ tracks with Basic Tramping at $175 Queenstown, Invercargill & Te Anau. www.tripsandtramps.com Contact us for an obligation free quote. to Guided Walking at $1645

FIORDLAND TRIPS & TRAMPS email: [email protected] p 03 226 6739 or 0800 HUMP RIDGE (486774) Te Anau phone: 03 249 7081or 0800 305 807 w www.humpridgetrack.co.nz e [email protected] the Steamers Beach Complex is conveniently located within Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels.

Single rooms Dorm rooms Double rooms Twin rooms 4, 6 and 8 bed rooms BBH Member Rates

P. 0800 483 262 [email protected] W. www.teanau.info

GREAT WALKERS DESERVE GREAT HOSTELS TRACK TRANSPORT, RENTAL EQUIPMENT LOCAL YHA oers great pre and post walk options YHA GLENORCHY & PACKAGES with aordable, comfortable accommodation EXPERTS ideally suited to Great Walkers. YHA Glenorchy - Closest hostel to the Routeburn. A tramper’s haven with restaurant, self-catering, hot tub, track transfers and gear storage. 30 mins from Routeburn Shelter. YHA Te Anau - Perfect access to the southern end of the track 1 hr away. An ideal starting point for multiple Great Walks. YHA Queenstown - For a longer pre and post walk adventure YHA Queenstown has two centrally located hostels.

+64 3 442 7340 0800 505 504

Milford - Ski - Tracks www.kiwidiscovery.com YHA.co.nz/great-walks or 0800 278 299

Hiking adventures begin here. Friendly advice on hiking in the Southern Alps. Rental gear available plus great range of accessories. www.outsidesports.co.nz

Outside spOrts email: [email protected] 38-40 Milford Road, Te Anau and phone: Te Anau +64 3 249 8195 36-38 Shotover Street, Queenstown Queenstown +64 3 441 0074

www.infotrack.co.nz 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown +64 3 442 5958 0800 462 248 greatwalks.co.nz 0800 694 732 Other Great Walks

Duration: Distance: season: tongariro Northern Duration: Distance: season: lake Waikaremoana 3 – 4 days 46 km all year 3 – 4 days 46 km 23 Oct 2015 – Circuit 30 apr 2016

race the shoreline of beautiful Huts: inding its way past Huts: TLake Waikaremoana ‘the sea $32 WMount Tongariro and $32 of rippling waters’ for spiritual adult/night Mount Ngauruhoe, this Great adult/night and cultural enlightenment. Walk lets you explore dramatic Walk through ancient rainforest, volcanic landscapes including pass giant podocarp trees and craters, glacial valleys, native admire stunning views from beech forest, alpine meadows Panekire Bluff. and emerald-coloured lakes in this World Heritage area.

Location: te Urewera, east north island Location: tongariro national park, central north island nearest towns: Rotorua, napier, Wairoa, Gisborne nearest towns: taupo, turangi, Ohakune, Waiouru

Duration: Distance: season: abel tasman Coast Duration: Distance: season: Whanganui Journey 3 – 5 days 145 km 1 Oct 2015 – 3– 5 days 60 km all year 30 apr 2016 track

he Whanganui River winds Huts: lessed with a mild Huts: Tits way from the mountains $32 Bclimate, golden beaches $32 to the Tasman Sea through adult/night and coastal forest, the Abel adult/night countless hills and valleys. This Tasman Coast Track has it all. journey lets you take a multi-day Choose to walk the whole track canoe or kayak trip to experience or water taxi or kayak between its most remote scenic beauty, different locations at any time history and cultural significance. of the year.

Location: Whanganui national park, south-west north island Location: Abel tasman national park, north-west nearest towns: Whanganui, taumarunui, Ohakune nearest towns: nelson, Motueka, takaka

Duration: Distance: season: Duration: Distance: season: 4 – 6 days 78.4 km all year Milford track 4 days 53.5 km 27 Oct 2015 – 27 apr 2016

rom forest to coast, the Huts: xperience the stunning Huts: FHeaphy Track combines $32 Egrandeur of the Milford Track $54 all of New Zealand’s scenic adult/night including rugged mountain peaks, adult/night beauty into one Great Walk. breathtaking sheer canyons and Travel through expansive majestic waterfalls. Walk beside tussock downs, lush forests pristine rivers and amongst lush, and nīkau palms to the roaring green rainforest before crossing seas of the wild West Coast. Mackinnon Pass and reaching spectacular Milford Sound.

Location: , north-west South island Location: Fiordland national park, south-west South island nearest towns: nelson, Westport, Collingwood nearest towns: Queenstown, te Anau and invercargill

Duration: Distance: season: Duration: Distance: season: kepler track 3 – 4 days 60 km 27 Oct 2015 – rakiura track 3 days 32 km all year 27 apr 2016

n adventure above the Huts: scape on an island Huts: Aclouds! The Kepler Track $54 Eadventure and exchange the $22 takes you from the gentle, adult/night hustle and bustle of mainland adult/night beech-forested shores of Lakes life for the tranquillity of Te Anau and Manapouri to the the Rakiura Track. Revel in exposed tussock lands and the the peacefulness and idyllic summit of Mount Luxmore for surroundings, with the bush, spectacular alpine views. birds and beach at your side.

Location: Fiordland national park, south-west South island Location: Stewart island/Rakiura nearest towns: Queenstown, te Anau and invercargill nearest towns: invercargill (20 min flight) or bluff (1 hr ferry)

Published by: Department of Conservation, Marketing Team, PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143, New Zealand | October 2015 this publication is produced using paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests. Know before you go Mount Aspiring it is important to plan and prepare your Mount Erebus National Park trip and be well equipped on a Great Walk. Fiordland before you go, know The Outdoor Safety Lake Wilson Code—5 simple rules to help you stay safe: National Park To Glenorchy and Queenstown Mount Xenicus 1. Plan your trip. book your trip well in 1912m advance, including your accommodation, Routeburn Shelter Routeburn Routeburn transport and transfers to the start/end Conical Hill 1515m Falls Hut Flats Hut of the track. Lake Harris H 1537m

o k l e l y e r f o Harris Saddle 2. Tell someone your plans. Safety C r l d e r R r 1515m i a ve is your responsibility – leave your H B r e U l

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trip details with a trusted contact. o Upper Peak B D O 2079m Further research on safety outside L D T Ocean Peak Emily Peak of this brochure is essential. See 1848m M 1820m O Wha adventuresmart.org.nz. U N k a T t i A p Weather u I 3. Be aware of the weather. K N

a ek S T re u C on the track is changeable, so be k s a Pot t e r prepared and check the forecast Hollyford 2120m before you go. See Fiordland and Valley Mt Aspiring national park forecasts at metservice.com. Lake Mackenzie Hut

k 4. Know your limits. A good level of Cree ring Roa S N fitness is required to walk the track. I A T You can expect to walk up to 7 hours N U a day, depending on your fitness and O M weather conditions and carry a pack SA L

of up to 15 kg for the whole length of AI the track.

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5. Take sufficient supplies. the right ek Su re k n ny C e e Earland r outdoor clothing and gear are essential 1661m C Great Walk hut Falls y a P K a

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ek r equipment and your own food and Milford Sound a s e Standard campsite r drinks (including an extra day’s supply). C r

e 919m e Shelter k Food and drinks are not available 1752m Lake Howden Hut for purchase at Great Walks huts or 94 Carpark Key Summit campsites. Toilet

Great Walk C The Divide aples River Routeburn Track safety Tramping track

G 1448m State Highway r the information in this brochure relates e

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n s Other Roads to the Routeburn track in the Great Walks to

Lake n Fergus e season (27 October 2015 – 27 April 2016). T k ac r Tr a s c ple 0 1 Km k Ca  this track is not recommended for SH94 to Te Anau ¯ children under age 10, due to the exposed mountainous environment Lake Gunn and often adverse weather conditions. An overnight stay at Routeburn Flats, Routeburn Falls or Lake Howden huts is a suitable family option.  Fiordland and Mount Aspiring national parks lie in an area with high rainfall and changeable weather patterns. Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year.  the Routeburn track is complex Outside the Great Walks season (early May to late October) facilities are avalanche terrain and the risk of greatly reduced (no gas for cooking, limited water supply, no rangers or avalanche is present throughout winter emergency radio facilities). there are additional safety hazards to consider: and often into December. During the  the winter environment in Fiordland is very cold and wet, with ice, snow Great Walks season, DOC manages and short daylight hours. Avalanche-prone bridges across some major this risk and walkers may be flown watercourses are removed. DOC does not manage hazards such as flooding (at their cost) over dangerous sections. or avalanches.  Go to greatwalks.co.nz/routeburn Walking the Routeburn track at this time should only be attempted by fit, ‘Know before you go’ section for experienced and well-equipped people. navigation, river crossing, and alpine detailed safety information, and ‘What skills are essential for your survival. For more information see ‘Outside the Great to take’ section for a comprehensive Walks season’ at greatwalks.co.nz/routeburn. gear list.

Remember – your safety is your responsibility