Routeburn Track
Personally hiked by Mike & Amanda, premium Rab, Lowe Alpine & MSR gear, delivered NZ wide - trusted by hikers from NZ and around the world
INCLUDES PERSONALISED GEAR TIPS FROM HIKERS WHO HAVE DONE IT!
32km
OF ALPINE PASSES, WATERFALLS & BEECH FOREST
2-4 DAYS
DURATION - DEPENDING ON HUT BOOKINGS AND HOW LONG YOU WANT TO TAKE!
GRADE
IDEAL GREAT FIRST WALK IF REASONABLY FIT
GREAT WALK OF NZ
AND WELL WORTH THE CLIMB!
QUICK FACTS
Everything, at a glance.
HIGHEST POINT
Harris Saddle 1,255 m
SEASON
Late Oct - Apr
SUITABLE FOR
First multi-day hikers
Our Routeburn story
Hi, we’re Mike & Amanda, and we've experienced the Routeburn in two very different ways. We hiked it over three days, and Amanda later ran the entire track in a single day. That's why we love it. No two trips are ever the same.
On our hike, we crossed Harris Saddle in falling snow, despite it being February. The Rab Kangri jacket quickly became the best piece of gear we packed. A couple of months later, Amanda returned to clear blue skies and views that stretched for miles.
Some of our favourite memories aren't just the scenery. Swimming in Lake Mackenzie after a hot first day, arriving at Routeburn Falls Hut to a roaring fire after the alpine crossing, and spending the evening eating far too many snacks and playing cards with friends are the moments that have stayed with us.
The final walk through Routeburn Flats towards Glenorchy felt different. The hard work was behind us, the sun was shining, and there was a real sense of achievement as we followed the valley out. It's one of those hikes that stays with you long after you've left the track.
If you're unsure what to pack, where to stay or how to plan the Routeburn, that's exactly why PackBack exists."
Lake Mackenzie
Planning the Routeburn?
✔ Premium gear
✔ Delivered NZ-wide
✔ Pay only for hiking days
THE ROUTE
Three days. One unforgettable line.
From ancient beech forest to alpine passes and roaring waterfalls.
Day 1
4- 6 hours
📌 The Divide (Te Anau)
📌 Lake Howden
📌 Earland Falls
📌 Lake Mackenzie Hut
Day 2
6 - 8 hours
📌 Lake Mackenzie Hut
📌 Harris Saddle - 1,255 m
📌 Routeburn Falls Hut
Day 3
6 - 8 hours
📌 Routeburn Falls Hut
📌 Routeburn Flats Hut
📌 Routeburn Shelter
PACKBACK TIP
Missed a hut booking?
DOC campsites are often still available. Our lightweight MSR Hubba Hubba tent is perfect for Routeburn camping - and you can pair it with our Core Pack for $60 / day.
WHAT YOU’LL SEE
The moments worth showing up for.
RUNNING HARRIS SADDLE ON A GOOD DAY!
ROUTEBURN FLATS HUT
LAKE HOWLAND MYSTIC MAGIC
A VIEW THAT STOPS EVERYONE
SNOW & RAIN IN FEB POST SADDLE
LUNCH STOP WE HAPPILY REPEAT
APPROACHING ROUTEBURN FALLS HUT
ROUTEBURN FLATS ON A GOOD DAY
TESTED ON THE TRACK
The Routeburn Bundle.
Essentials, hand picked for this exact walk.
✓ 65L Lowe Alpine Pack
✓ Ascent Pro Rab sleeping bag
✓ Sleeping bag liner
✓ Leki trekking poles
✓ After dark (head torch, pillow & towel)
✓ Meal pack
✓ Rab Kangri gortex jacket
✓ Cooking pack (plate, cup, spork & knife)
✓ Emergency & first aid kit
✓ Rab gaiters
✓ JetBoil (optional)
✓ Variety of dry bags
Trip length
3 Days
$590
NZD $196 / DAY FREE DELIVERY (excluding JetBoil)OR PICK INDIVIDUAL ITEMS
Curate your own Routeburn pack.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The honest briefing.
Checklist
✓ Book DOC huts in May
✓ Carry layers - alpine weather flips fast
✓ Cell coverage is patchy; download offline maps
✓ Sandfly repellent is non-negotiable
✓ Leave No Trace - pack out everything
✓ Plasters and blister packs come in handy!
💧Water
We filled out bottles up in the lakes, streams (which were free flowing) and from the tanks - but don’t assume every water source is safe untreated.
🍽️ Food
Zero resupply on track. Carry all meals - and a treat for Harris Saddle.
⚠️ Alpine weather changes rapidly.
Never attempt Harris Saddle in dangerous conditions. Always check the latest forecast with DOC before setting out.
THE NEIGHBOURS
Wildlife & where to land after.
Keep an eye out for Kea near the alpine sections, fantails in the bush, and robins around quieter forest sections. Don’t feed kea, or leave your gear lying around!
Mike & Amanda’s Te Anau picks
Hard-earned food, drinks, relaxation & local attractions
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Black Dog - our favourite spot to unwind after the trail with a great gin, crispy parmesan and truffle fries, and a cosy seat beside the open fire. They do meals and arrange of snacks.
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The Merchant - on the Milford road, a local favourite serving excellent coffee and fresh baking. Ideal before setting off or when you return from the track OR on your way to check out Milford.
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The Blak Shak - bacon and egg butties, souvlaki’s and delicious coffee - unbeatable combination, when strolling the streets of Te Anau.
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Nonna Giovanni - authentic Italian favourites, handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Comfort food with a lake front view.
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Sprig & Thistle - on your drive in, or out of Te Anau, situated at the Key - the coffee and cookies are legendary. Don’t forget to check out Davaar, the most beautiful 100% wool knitwear, from right off the farm (that you will be standing on!).
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Fat Duck - gastro pub of the year, their food is exceptional and if you can nab yourself a reservation, you will not be disappointed.
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Tasman Park Spa Pool - sink into private hot spa pools surrounded by Fiordland scenery and lake front views. The perfect reward for hardworking legs.
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Wild wood sauna - recharge with a wood-fired sauna and cold plunge, overlooking Lake Te Anau. The ultimate way to soothe tired muscles after your adventure.
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Fiordland Cinemas - right next to the Black Dog, are one of our favourite places to relax and unwind, while watching a new release or the regular Deer War or Ata Whenua Shadowland films, about the Fiords.
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Visit the newly created Woodstone Farm experience - you’ll see an arrange of farm animals, feed a lamb, enjoy great food and coffee, all against the beautiful backdrop of Te Anau.
QUESTIONS
Asked, answered.
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Yes. Hut and campsite bookings are required during the Great Walks season and can sell out months in advance.
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Don't give up. DOC campsites are often still available. Our premium MSR Hubba Hubba tents are a lightweight, comfortable alternative for completing the track. Get in touch we may be able to secure you a hut booking.
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The full Routeburn Track is 32 km and is usually completed over 2 to 3 days.
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Most hikers walk either Glenorchy to The Divide or The Divide to Glenorchy. Both directions are spectacular, so choose based on transport, accommodation and hut availability.
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The Routeburn is considered a moderate to challenging multi-day hike. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, with several sustained climbs and changing alpine conditions.
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The Great Walks season runs from late October to late April, offering the best weather and full hut services. Outside this period, conditions become significantly more challenging.
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Yes. We deliver nationwide so your gear is waiting before your adventure begins.
PEAKS FOR MILES!