Routeburn Track Pre Walk Information

Important Information Pre-track briefing Please note that departures are available, but the walk finishes in Queenstown Please check in at 3:45pm on the day prior to your The Te Anau pre-track briefing is held walk for a group pre-track briefing. The briefing is only. held at the Ultimate Hikes Centre, Ground Floor, The on the morning of departure (on request, please Station Building, Duke Street Entrance, Queenstown. notify reservations at time of booking). The group will arrive in Te Anau at approximately 9.30am. The Ultimate Hikes Centre Location (Queenstown) Ultimate Hikes Te Anau Desk is located in Kiwi Coun- try, cnr Town Centre & Miro Streets, Te Anau.

Return time The coach returns to Queenstown on the final day at approximately 3.30pm. Note: it does not pass through Te Anau. You will be dropped off at the Ultimate Hikes Centre in Queenstown. Arrival times may vary due to weather, road and traffic conditions.

Guides Your guides are trained outdoor enthusiasts who will tell you about the flora, fauna and history of the track. They pride themselves on their safe, efficient At the briefing, you will have the opportunity to and friendly service and provide everything from a confirm your dietary, medical information and hot drink at lunch to an evening briefing on the next emergency contact details. You will be able to pick day’s walk. They are trained in first aid and are in up any gear you need to borrow from us or constant radio contact with each other, the lodges purchase any last minute items from our shop. and our Queenstown base. Our customer service staff will also give you an overview of what to expect while you are on track. Weather If you cannot make the pre-track briefing, please We cannot stress enough how extreme and contact Reservations on +64 3 450 1940 or unpredictable the weather can be in this region. [email protected] as soon as possible. and Mt Aspiring National Parks experience some of the highest precipitation in ; Check in time snow, high winds and rain can occur at any time Check in time on day of departure is 6.30am of the year. It is essential to be prepared for all at the Ultimate Hikes Centre. weather conditions and to carry the clothing that we recommend. If you wish to check the weather There is no collection from accommodation. Please ensure you have breakfast before arrival forecast you can visit the NZ metservice website, as food and beverages are not to be consumed but please be aware that forecasts can change very on the coach. quickly. Equipment & what you will carry A reasonable level of fitness is required and if It is essential that you are prepared for all types of you are not a regular walker, you should begin a weather. The full equipment list detailing what we daily walking regime that includes hill-climbing, suggest you bring is included in this document and at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure. You should can be viewed on our website. gradually increase the distance that you walk, carrying a backpack and wearing the boots you We can provide a backpack and raincoat. Walking will be hiking in. poles can be hired ($25 a pair) or purchased. We encourage you to walk at your own pace, it is not a race and we want you to enjoy it. There is always a Capacity guide at the rear of the group. See our fitness page The maximum number of people per departure is for more information. 40. You are encouraged to walk at your own pace, unless your guides advise otherwise due to track Meals included conditions or weather. Day 1: Lunch, dinner, Safety Day 2: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 3: Breakfast, lunch Your safety is of paramount importance and our guides may have to adapt the day depending on fitness levels and weather or track conditions. Breakfast: Whilst they will make every effort to meet your Selection of cereals, toast, fruit, cooked options, needs, you must adhere to their professional juice, hot drinks decisions if required. Lunch: Selection of breads, sandwich fillings, salad, fruit, Insurance scroggin/trail mix, snacks, hot drinks We HIGHLY RECOMMEND you take out your own Dinner: medical/travel insurance to cover your walk and any Varies between lodges: starter, main course (choice circumstances in which you may not be able to walk. of 3 options), dessert In the unlikely event of a medical emergency on the track, a medical evacuation by air will be carried out Vegetarian and gluten free options are available. If by New Zealand emergency services. you have any particular dietary requirements or intolerance, please advise and we will do our best Fitness requirements to accommodate you, bearing in mind the isolated To enjoy your experience, you should be environment. comfortable carrying a backpack (5-7kg/10-14lbs) for 4-8 hours, walking up to 21km (13.5 miles) of A selection of New Zealand wine and beer is sometimes uneven track each day. available for purchase. Each walker will have a different experience/ expectation depending upon previous experience and fitness level. Lodges & accommodation Luggage storage All beds have pillows and duvets, sleeping bags are We are not able to store excess luggage while not required. There is generated electricity in the you are on track. This should be arranged with lodges until 10pm each evening. All lodges have your pre/post track accommodation. clothes washing facilities, washing soap and Alternatively there are luggage storage facilities drying rooms. in Queenstown. For further information, please Multishare room: Up to 4 people in a room with contact our reservations team prior to your arrival single beds, and shared bathroom facilities (fl ush or the Ultimate Hikes Centre team at your pre-track toilets & hot showers, with soap, shampoo, briefi ng. conditioner and towels provided). A sleep sheet is required and can be provided at the pre-track Please note that because of weight restrictions on briefi ng (approx. 500g) or you may prefer to bring a our coaches, excess luggage cannot be transported. lighter option of your own. Private queen room: 1-2 people in private room with queen bed with all linen provided and private ensuite bathroom (fl ush toilet & hot shower, with soap, shampoo, conditioner and towels provided) Private twin room: 1-2 people in private room with two single beds with all linen provided and private ensuite bathroom (fl ush toilet & hot shower, with soap, shampoo, conditioner and towels provided).

Track conditions The track surface varies from smooth, well formed paths to rough terrain broken by rocks and tree roots. It can be challenging in places. There are steep rocky uphill and downhill sections and you may have to cross small streams and wade in deep water after heavy rain. We recommend that you wear hiking boots which provide fi rm ankle support. Taking two walking poles is also recommended and are available for hire or purchase at the Ultimate Hikes Centre. Itinerary

Pre-track briefing Day 2 (Day prior to departure) Lake Mackenzie to Routeburn Falls Lodge Please check in at the Ultimate Hikes Centre, Ground The track starts just past Lake Mackenzie and rises Floor, The Station Building at 3:45pm on the day up through the ancient forest before emerging prior to your departure. Here we will give you above the treeline for stunning views of the lake an outline of what to expect, and you can collect below. At the top of the zig zags is Ocean Peak equipment and purchase last minute items you may Corner. On a clear day you’ll have a full panorama require. of the Darran Mountains across the Hollyford Valley, You will need to fill out a registration form, and to the distant Tasman Sea at Martin’s Bay. Follow the we can answer any queries that you may have. track along the mountain face and ask your guides to point out the native flora, including mountain At the pre-track briefing, you will receive a walking daisies, buttercups, gentians and edelweiss. After guide to carry with you. lunch at the Harris Saddle, and if track and weather conditions allow, you can climb Conical Hill for a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. The track continues around Lake Harris, before descending into the upper basins of the Routeburn Valley Day 1 skirting the Routeburn Falls. Spend your final night Queenstown to Mackenzie Lodge at the aptly named Routeburn Falls Lodge. The day begins early with a coach ride to the Divide, stopping in Te Anau for morning tea on the way. At the Divide, make sure you collect your lunch from 11 km (6.9 miles) 4-6 hrs Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner the guides before setting off. The track begins with a steady climb up through Silver Beech forest to the turn off to Key Summit – about an hour’s walk. Leave your pack at the turn off before climbing to Day 3 Key Summit. Spend some time admiring the views and examining the wetlands. After descending and Routeburn Falls to Queenstown collecting your pack, it’s a short walk down to Lake Take in the dramatic landscape around the Falls, Howden where the guides will provide hot drinks to before descending to the alpine pastures of the accompany your lunch. Routeburn Flats. Red Beech grow on this north After lunch the track gradually climbs to the 80m facing slope. Picnic beside the Routeburn river at (240ft) Earland Falls, a good place to stop for a Forge Flat. The track shadows the river through break at the base pool. After Earland Falls, the track the beech forest to the Road End. Take the nature traverses around the mountain side to the Orchard. walk at the detour to read more about the native Beyond, you’ll climb for a short section before a forest and listen for native birds in the valley. At steep descent to Mackenzie Lodge. Road End the coach will be waiting to take you back to Queenstown, stopping at the small town of Glenorchy for refreshments.

12 km (7.5 miles) 4-6 hrs Lunch, Dinner

9 km (5.7 miles) 3-4 hrs Breakfast, Lunch

Key Summit Mackenzie Conical Hill Routeburn Lodge Falls Lodge

1300m Lake Howden

1000m

700m

Day 1 - 12 km (7.5 miles) Day 2 - 11 km (6.9 miles) Day 3 - 9 km (5.7 miles) Advised equipment list † Water bottle or bladder (1 litre capacity). † Camera. † Credit card & some cash. The following is a list of essential equipment (we stop in Te Anau) that we recommend you bring on your multiday guided walk. Many items can be purchased In the lodge at reasonable prices from the Ultimate Hikes A change of clothes is recommended for the Centre in Queenstown to reduce the need for you to carry them throughout your holiday. lodges and for sleeping in. Remember the more that is taken, the heavier the pack is to carry. The nights may be cold so a warm change of clothing is What to bring recommended. † Shirt or long sleeved top. To walk † Sweater/jersey. We suggest taking one set of clothing to walk in, † Lightweight trousers. the more that is taken, the more that must be † Lightweight shoes. carried. All of our lodges have hand washing and drying facilities so clothing can be washed and dried † Nightwear. overnight. † Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo and conditioner are provided) . Fabrics † Change of underwear. We suggest you wear fabrics that are lightweight but warm and quick drying such as merino wool, Optional polypropylene, thermal, micro fleece and polar † Walking poles. We strongly advise all walkers fleece. Most items on the recommended use two walking poles, especially if you have clothing list are available to purchase at the Ultimate difficulty walking up or down gradients. Leki Hikes Centre. poles are available for hire ($25 a pair) or Cotton is not recommended for physical activity as purchase from the Ultimate Hikes Centre. when it gets wet, the fabric retains the moisture next † Waterproof over trousers. We strongly advise to your skin and can make you feel cold. walkers to carry lightweight over trousers for rain † Walking boots or sturdy shoes. Broken in, and wind protection. preferably with ankle support. Please check your † Gaiters. For extra foot protection in wet weather boot condition prior to coming to the pre-track † Swim suit. briefing. Look especially at how well your sole † Spare laces. Just in case. is attached to the boot, to see if the glue is not † Sealable plastic bags. drying out. Please also ensure that they are clean when coming through customs in New Zealand and adhere to all biosecurity notices at the Extras/useful items airport. We do not sell walking boots/shoes in our † Foot fleece/second skin. retail outlet. † Strapping tape. † Thermal base layer (top and bottom). † Lip balm. Fundamental clothing that can be worn either as a base layer or as a single layer. † Ear plugs. † Small torch. † Fleece or merino wool jacket. An ideal outer layer in cold weather. † Reusable face covering. † Long-sleeved top. Lightweight, warm and quick- We can supply free of charge though you may drying, this is an ideal layer to be worn on top of prefer to bring your own. Items can be collected thermal base layer. at the pre-track briefing: † T-shirt. Ideal for fine weather. Avoid cotton. † Back pack & Liner (weighs approx 2kg). † Sunhat, warm hat, gloves. Be prepared for sun † PVC Waterproof raincoat with hood and cold. (weighs approx 500gms). † Shorts/walking trousers. Fast drying shorts, † Cotton sleep sheet (weighs approx 500 gms) or trousers or zip-off trousers (NOT JEANS). you may prefer to bring a lighter option of your † Three pairs of merino wool or thermal socks. own. Required for multi share beds only. Main consideration is warmth and comfort. † Sunscreen, insect repellent FAQs

Will I be fit enough? Generally late December, January and February are warmer but not necessarily dryer. March and April To enjoy your experience you should be comfortable usually have fresh mornings, sunny days and cooler carrying a backpack (5-7kg/10-14lbs) for 4-8 hours nights with walking up to 21km (13.5 miles) of sometimes shorter days. uneven track each day. Each walker will have a different experience/ expectation depending upon previous experience How remote are the tracks? and fitness level. The tracks are not accessible by road except at the A reasonable level of fitness is required and if start and at the end. Any requirement to remove people off the track or over closed sections will be you are not a regular walker, we suggest that you done by helicopter. In the event of an accident or begin a daily walking regime at least 6-8 weeks emergency, a medical evacuation by air will be carried prior to departure. You should gradually increase out by New Zealand emergency services. the distance that you walk, carrying a backpack. Staircase or hill-climbing will leave you better prepared. Is there internet/Wifi access on the tracks? We encourage you to walk at your own pace, it is not No. Guides and Lodge staff are in constant a race and we want you to enjoy it. There is always a communication by radio to Queenstown base. There guide at the rear of the group. See our fitness page is no facility for walker access to the internet whilst on for more information. the track.

Do I have to carry my pack or do you What are the toilet facilities on the tracks? transport it? All our lodges have flush toilets. There are toilets You carry your own pack from lodge to lodge. We do (some flush, some Kiwi long drop style) at all our lunch not offer a service for transporting your luggage. shelters and at various intervals along the track.

How heavy will my pack be? What time do I arrive back in Queenstown? It’s likely to be approximately 5-7 kg (10-14lbs) if you All multiday walks arrive back at the Ultimate Hikes Centre in Queenstown at approximately 4pm. follow our equipment list & guidelines. However, we cannot guarantee arrival time, which may vary due to road and weather conditions. Milford Track What weather should I expect in the walkers can be dropped off at Queenstown Airport month that I am walking? if required. The unpredictable nature of the weather in this region means that snow, high winds, rain and How bad are the sandflies? flooding can occur at any time of the year. It is They are prevalent on the Milford Track, particularly at therefore very important to be prepared for the Sandfly Point! We recommend wearing insect repellent worst weather conditions and carry the appropriate each day. This can be purchased from our shop, but clothing at all times. During November & December, most insect repellents should offer protection. the mountain lilies are just coming out and there is still snow on the surrounding mountains. Where can I park my vehicle? What about special dietary requirements? We do not have car park facilities in Queenstown or Vegetarian and Gluten free meals can be provided Te Anau, however you can park your car in the Man on all tracks. We will endeavour to cater for your Street Carpark in Queenstown for a set fee. dietary requirement within reason, however please The carpark is not able to take campervans. remember we operate in an extremely isolated and See the Ultimate Hikes Centre at the briefing for challenging environment. tickets. Alternatively, the hotels/motels where you Please ensure you provide us with your dietary are staying may allow you to park your vehicle whilst requirements at time of booking or at the pre-track you are on the track. briefing.

Is there alcohol on the track? How many people share the Beer, New Zealand wine and soft drinks are available multi share rooms? for purchase at the lodges. These are paid for at the Multi share rooms sleep 4 - 6 people on the Milford final lodge on your walk. Track, and 4 people on the and Lake McKellar Lodge on the Greenstone Track, with Can I wash my clothes? shared bathroom facilities. Steele Creek Lodge on the Greenstone Track (Grand Traverse) has large All lodges have clothes washing facilities with soap dormitory rooms. Room allocation is unique to each and drying rooms. Being able to wash and dry group. clothing helps keep the pack weight down. I will be travelling by myself, Do I have to bring all my hiking is that a problem? clothes with me? No problem. It is a great opportunity to walk with Yes you do. We can lend you a raincoat. If you do like-minded individuals from around the world. not wish to bring all your clothing or do not have a particular item, we have a very reasonably priced shop in Queenstown where items can be purchased What clothing do I need to bring? prior to your departure. Please refer to equipment list.

Where should I leave my excess baggage while I am walking? We are not able to store excess luggage while you are on track. This should be arranged with your pre/ post track accommodation. Alternatively there are luggage storage facilities in Queenstown. Please ask at the Ultimate Hikes Centre on arrival (or by phone prior to arrival). NB on the Milford Track / Classic: a small bag can be borrowed for clothing for use at and will be sent by road from Queenstown to await your arrival at Mitre Peak Lodge. Covid-19 alert levels

What will happen if Covid-19 alert levels change prior to or during my walk? Level three and above Ultimate Hikes is following all guidelines, restric- If the Otago/Southland region or the whole country tions and recommendations as defined by the is put into level three, we will have to cease operat- New Zealand government in relation to Covid-19. ing and remove all staff and walkers from the track As at September 2020 the following guidelines will within the timeline specified by the government apply. This relates to the levels under which we directive. We have done this before so we are con- can operate. fident that it will be achieved efficiently. To assist us in helping you to manage your transport home, Up to and including Level One please ensure we have your accommodation infor- mation post walk and a personal contact to advise • We are able to operate as per our normal of the situation. Depending on where you are on operations however we will be following all Ministry of Health guidelines. the track, helicopters and buses will be used to evacuate the lodges and tracks and bring you safe- • If you are feeling at all unwell at the time of your ly back to Queenstown where we can assist you in departure, please stay home. This is for the making arrangements from there. benefit of your fellow walkers as well as yourself and our staff. Cancellations, transfers and refunds • We recommend you bring a reusable face due to Covid alert levels. covering with you in case of level changes while you are on track or any situation arises that may Level one and two require wearing them in closed spaces. Whilst the country is at level one or two, our nor- • Should the level change while you are walking mal terms and conditions, including the cancella- with us, we have procedures in place to move tion policy, will apply to all walkers. quickly and safely to the new level. Level three and above If you are living in a region that goes into level Level two – up to Level three three prior to your walk,regardless of the time pe- riod before your departure, you can transfer your If levels are at two or move to two at the time of your walk to another date in the season if the restric- walk the following procedures will be applied. tion is lifted or to the 2021-22 season, or you can • Face coverings will be mandatory on all modes of receive a full refund. transport and encouraged in closed spaces. Please note: This refund/cancellation option is • If we have any concerns about a walker’s health only valid for those who live within the restricted prior to departure, we may ask them to have their region, it does not extend to others in your party temperature checked before departing on the who are still able to travel. walk. If the region we operate in or the country as a • On track you are welcome to choose who you whole is moved to Level 3 or above – we will have walk with – however should weather or other to cease operation and all walkers affected by the conditions dictate it, you will be required to closure will be offered a transfer to the following adhere to all guide instruction which may include grouping together. season or a refund. For walkers on the track should an immediate move to level three be imposed, • Social distancing will be implemented as per your refund will be determined by the amount of government guidelines in all common areas. time you have spent on track. Please note: multi share rooms are large enough for two couples to share while social distancing. Lodge managers will manage room allocations according to bubbles, but you may be placed in a room with others.