Routeburn. Track. Duration: 2 4 days Distance: 32 km. Get out & greatwalks.co.nz

Transcription

1 Routeburn Track 2 4 days 32 km Get out walk & greatwalks.co.nz

2 The Routeburn Track is the ultimate alpine adventure, taking you through ice-carved valleys and below the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. A short trip from bustling Queenstown, this Great Walk links Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks in the Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. Weaving though meadows, reflective tarns and alpine gardens, you ll be rewarded with spectacular vistas over vast mountain ranges and valleys. Bird watchers can feast their eyes on tiny rifleman/tītitipounamu, rare yellowhead/mohua, blue duck/ whio, goose-like paradise shelducks and cheeky kea to name just a few. Flower lovers can t miss the largest fuchsia in the world, the kōtukutuku, growing up to 12 metres tall (especially noticeable between The Divide and Key Summit). Families can enjoy the track with an overnight stay at a hut at Routeburn Flats, Routeburn Falls or Lake Howden. Absolutely awesome. DOC huts were amazing!! Loved it. Debbie, Australia

3 Track guide greatwalks.co.nz The Routeburn Track can be walked in either direction. The track is well marked and signposted, but some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. Winter conditions make the track more challenging see safety information. This guide describes a 3 day easy hike for independent, non-guided walkers. Day 1: Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats Hut 6.5 km, 1 hour 30 minutes 2 hours 30 minutes The track begins at Routeburn Shelter, gently winding alongside the crystal-clear Route Burn (river). After passing Sugarloaf Stream, the track climbs to Bridal Veil Waterfall and continues above the gorge. A swing bridge leads to open, grassed flats and the Routeburn Flats Hut and Campsite. Routeburn Flats Hut to Routeburn Falls Hut 2.3 km, 1 hour 1 hour 30 minutes The track climbs steadily through stunning beech forest, providing views of the Humboldt Mountains. End the day at Routeburn Falls Hut, situated on the edge of the bush line and close to the impressive Route Burn Falls cascade. Day 2: Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hut 11.3 km, 4 hours 30 minutes 6 hours Climb steadily up the valley, through wetlands and tussock-covered flats, before sidling along the bluffs above Lake Harris to reach the highest point on the track at Harris Saddle/Tarahaka Whakatipu (1255 metres). The track then descends and traverses along the exposed Hollyford Face, with expansive views over the Darran Mountains. This section of the track is well known for its impressive array of alpine plants. A steady descent leads to the enchanting Lake Mackenzie. Optional side trips Day 2 Conical Hill 1 2 hours return From Harris Saddle, a steep climb up Conical Hill gives superb views of the Hollyford Valley through to Lake McKerrow/ Whakatipu Waitai, Martins Bay and the Tasman Sea. Day 3 Key Summit 1 hour 1 hour 30 minutes return Well worth the effort, with magnificent views of the Darran Mountains, Lake Marian and the Hollyford Valley. Day 3: Lake Mackenzie Hut to The Divide 12 km, 4 hours 5 hours 30 minutes Leaving Lake Mackenzie Hut, the track crosses a small flat before climbing to the bush line. A gradual descent then leads past the Orchard, an open grassy area dotted with ribbonwood trees, to the impressive Earland Falls (174 metres). The track continues its gradual descent through beech forest to Lake Howden Hut and on to The Divide, with the option of a side trip to Key Summit. See optional side trips. ELEVATION PROFILE Key - Hut - Campsite - Shelter Please refer to altitude to assess track elevation Day 3 Day 1 Harris Saddle Day 2 Altitude (metres) Routeburn Shelter Routeburn Flats Hut 20 bunks 15 campsites Routeburn Falls Hut 48 bunks Lake Mackenzie Hut 50 bunks 9 campsites Lake Howden Hut 28 bunks The Divide Altitude (feet) 6.5 km hours 2.3 km hours 11.3 km hours 8.6 km 3 4 hours 3.4 km hours

4 S Milford Sound Routeburn Track Getting there The Routeburn Track is accessed by road from the following locations: Glenorchy 1. The Routeburn Shelter 30 minutes, 20 km drive along a partially unsealed road from Glenorchy. 94 Queenstown 2. The Divide 1 hour 30 minutes, 85 km from Te Anau. The road distance between each end of the track is 350 km, so you ll need to arrange transport at each end. Refer to the back of the brochure for transport options and services. Te Anau 94 6 Road distances and times Queenstown to Glenorchy: 48 km, 40 minutes Queenstown to Te Anau: 197 km, 2 hours The Divide to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi: 35 km, 45 minutes This map is intended as a general guide only. For up-to-date track, route, hut and safety information visit and/or your local DOC Visitor Centre before you travel. Hollyford Track FIORDLAND N NATIONAL PARK Conical Hill Harris Saddle Lake Harris Routeburn Falls Hut H U M B O L D T M O U N T Route Burn Routeburn Roadend Hollyford River Routeburn Flats Hut to Glenorchy, Queenstown Lake Mackenzie N T A I N A I N Lake Mackenzie Hut M O U S Earland Falls A I L S A SH94 to Milford Sound Key Summit Lake Howden Hut MOUNT ASPIRING The Divide Caples Track NATIONAL PARK Greenstone Track Hut Shelter Campsite Great Walk SH94 to Te Anau Map by Geographx Ltd Other Track

5 Plan and prepare It is important to plan and prepare your trip and be well equipped on a Great Walk. Before you go, know The Outdoor Safety Code 5 simple rules to help you stay safe: 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits 5. Take sufficient supplies Book your trip well in advance including your accommodation, transport and transfers to the start/ end of the track. Safety is your responsibility leave your trip details with a trusted contact. See adventuresmart.org.nz. Weather on the track is changeable, so be prepared and check the forecast before you go. See metservice.com. A good level of fitness is required to walk the track. You can expect to walk up to 6 hours a day, depending on your fitness and weather conditions; and carry a pack of up to 15 kg for the whole length of the track. The right outdoor clothing, gear and equipment will greatly improve the enjoyment of your trip. Pack all necessary equipment, your own food and drinks (including an extra day s supply) and personal effects. Food and drinks are not available for purchase at Great Walks huts and campsites. Routeburn track safety This track is not recommended for children under the age of 10 due to the exposed mountainous environment 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. While the track can be walked year round, outside of the Great Walks season (late October to late April), facilities are reduced and visitors will need to be well equipped and experienced for winter conditions including the risk of avalanche: see doc.govt.nz/ avalanche. The Routeburn Track is complex avalanche terrain and the risk of avalanche can extend into December. During the Great Walks season DOC manages this risk to a low level and walkers maybe flown (at their cost) over dangerous sections. For detailed safety information and a comprehensive gear list, see Plan & Prepare at greatwalks.co.nz. Cover image: Lake Mackenzie. Photo: Rob Suisted (naturespic.com) Page 2: Lake Harris. Photo: Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) Quote: rankers.co.nz Page 3: Hut life. Photo: Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) This page: Mohua/yellowhead Photo: DOC Places to stay greatwalks.co.nz The Routeburn Track huts during the Great Walks season have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold running water, and a DOC ranger is in residence. The huts do not provide cooking utensils or showers. $54 per adult per night; 17 years and under stay free. Great Walks campsites offer basic facilities including toilets, sinks and a water supply. Some also have picnic tables and cooking shelters. Great Walks campsites can only be accessed by foot and are not accessible by vehicle. Bookings are essential during the Great Walks season (late October to late April). Great Walks huts and campsites must be booked in advance. Further information and bookings Visit the Great Walks website or contact your nearest DOC Visitor Centre for further information and bookings. P: 0800 NZ GREATWALKS ( ) E: greatwalks@doc.govt.nz W: greatwalks.co.nz Book online greatwalks.co.nz Bringing back the blue and yellow Spectacular vistas into the Routeburn and Hollyford Valleys are hopefully about to get a lot more crowded with rare birdlife found only in this part of the world. An increase in stoat trapping on the eastern side of the Routeburn Track aims to increase numbers of two special native birds: the blue duck/whio and the yellowhead/mohua. The traps are funded by Air New Zealand and also have been flown into other areas including Harris Saddle, Lake Wilson and the Beans Burn. Blue duck/whio inhabit the clean, fast-flowing streams in the area, and the bright and noisy yellowhead/mohua is a small, insect-eating bird that lives only in the forests of New Zealand s South Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura. Air New Zealand is proud to support the Department of Conservation by funding biodiversity projects in and around the beautiful Great Walk tracks.

6 Other Great Walks 1 Lake Waikaremoana Trace the shoreline of beautiful Lake Waikaremoana the sea of rippling waters for spiritual and cultural enlightenment. Walk through ancient rainforest, pass giant podocarp trees and admire stunning views from Panekire Bluff. 3 4 days 46 km $32 2 Tongariro Northern Circuit Winding its way past Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, this Great Walk lets you explore dramatic volcanic landscapes including craters, glacial valleys, native beech forest, alpine meadows and emerald-coloured lakes in this World Heritage area. 3 4 days 43 km $32 Location: Te Urewera National Park, east North Island Nearest towns: Rotorua, Napier, Wairoa, Gisborne Location: Tongariro National Park, central North Island Nearest towns: Taupo, Turangi, Ohakune, Waiouru 3 Whanganui Journey The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. This journey lets you take a multi-day canoe or kayak trip to experience its most remote scenic beauty, history and cultural significance. 3 5 days 145 km $32 4 Abel Tasman Coast Track Blessed with a mild climate, golden beaches and coastal forest, the Abel Tasman Coast Track really has it all. Choose to walk the whole track or water taxi or kayak between different locations at any time of the year. 3 5 days 55.2 km $32 Location: Whanganui National Park, south-west North Island Nearest towns: Whanganui, Taumarunui, Ohakune Location: Abel Tasman National Park, north-west South Island Nearest towns: Nelson, Motueka, Takaka 5 Heaphy Track From forest to coast, the Heaphy Track combines all of New Zealand s scenic beauty into one Great Walk. Travel through expansive tussock downs, lush forests and nīkau palms to the roaring seas of the wild West Coast. 4 6 days 78.4 km $32 7 Kepler Track An adventure above the clouds! The Kepler Track takes you from the gentle, beech-forested shores of Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri to the exposed tussock lands and the summit of Mount Luxmore for spectacular alpine views. 3 4 days 60 km $54 Location: Kahurangi National Park, north-west South Island Nearest towns: Nelson, Westport, Collingwood Location: Fiordland National Park, south-west South Island Nearest towns: Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill 8 Milford Track Experience the stunning grandeur of the Milford Track including rugged mountain peaks, breathtaking sheer canyons and majestic waterfalls. Walk beside pristine rivers and amongst lush, green rainforest before crossing Mackinnon Pass and reaching spectacular Milford Sound. 4 days 53.5 km $54 9 Rakiura Track Escape on an island adventure and exchange the hustle and bustle of mainland life for the tranquillity of the Rakiura Track. Revel in the peacefulness and idyllic surroundings with the bush, birds and beach at your side. 3 days 32 km $22 Location: Fiordland National Park, south-west South Island Nearest towns: Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill Location: Stewart Island/Rakiura Nearest towns: Invercargill (20 min flight) or Bluff (1 hr ferry) Published by: Publishing Team, Department of Conservation, Wellington, PO Box 10420, New Zealand September 2013 This publication is produced using paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests.

7 Routeburn Falls Hut. Photo: Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) greatwalks.co.nz

8 Lake Mackenzie. Photo: Rob Suisted (naturespic.com)

9 GREAT WALKERS DESERVE GREAT HOSTELS LOCAL EXPERTS TRACK TRANSPORT, RENTAL EQUIPMENT & PACKAGES YHA offers great pre and post walk options with affordable, comfortable accommodation 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 GLENOR CHY 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. YHA.co.nz/great-walks or The LANDSBOROUGH 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. WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE TRACKHOPPER info@trackhopper.co.nz 3-5 DAY RAFTING ADVENTURES 0800 RAFTING Explore with us Milford Sound Doubtful Sound Te Anau Glowworm Caves FREE phone: mobile: Buckley TransporT edbuckley@ihug.co.nz phone: WE GO ANYWHERE ANYTIME. Competitive prices, more convenient times, pickup s and drop-offs at accommodation. Service all tracks. Enquiries welcome Milford' s orig inal kaya k operator FIORDLAND TRIPS & TRAMPS Rosco has been running world class Sea Kayaking trips for 23 years, that is experience you can count on, his local guides are the best in the business, we offer 8 different trips, to suit beginner right through to the experienced paddler. Te Anau Group (5+ people) charter transport linking Fiordlands tracks with Queenstown, Invercargill & Te Anau. Contact us for an obligation free quote. info@tripsandtramps.com phone: or Adventure Fiordland, 72 Town Centre, Te Anau 726 FREEP HONE : kayaks.com rosco@ roscosmilford osc osmilfo rdkaya ks.c om ONLY $119 FOR PICK UP FROM THE DIVIDE SHELTER, MILFORD SOUND CRUIZE AND RETURN TO QUEENSTOWN jucycruize.co.nz CRUIZE MILFORD SOUND

10 Milford Helicopters Milford Sound Take a scenic flight with Milford Helicopters and see the beauty of Milford Sound and surrounding areas. milfordhelicopters.com milford.helicopters@xtra.co.nz phone: PROTECT OUR WATERWAYS Hiking adventures begin here. Friendly advice on hiking in the Southern Alps. Rental gear available plus great range of accessories. Outside sports Milford Road, Te Anau and Shotover Street, Queenstown SAFER PARKING info@outsidesports.co.nz phone: Te Anau Queenstown We provide the only safe and secure park while you walk the track. Don t let a break-in spoil your holiday. DOC Visitor Centres Helping you plan your Great Walks experience SAFER PARKING TE ANAU 48 Caswell Road, Te Anau saferparkingteanau@msn.com phone: or Find one near you: doc.govt.nz Go Orange is NZ s funky new tourism brand offering cut-price adventures to Doubtful and Milford Sounds Book online! Looking for a slice of Fiordland at an even juicier price? Go Orange Limited Manapouri, Te Anau & Milford Sound info@goorange.co.nz phone: Lake Mackenzie. Photo: Rob Suisted (naturespic.com)

11 The Great Outdoors Meets The Great Indoors TE ANAU LAKEVIEW Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels Stay at our family owned Holiday Park, experience Fiordland from our spacious Lakefront establishment. We offer a range of rooms with Lake or Park views. Lake Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and the start of the breathtaking Te Anau Milford Sound Highway. Milford Sound is a must do and just 2 hours drive away. Te Anau is the start point for 3 Great Walks which can be enjoyed both as short day walks or as 3 night journeys, the Routeburn Divide is an hour drive away. Marakura Lakeview Family Motels Family and Studio Motels Bathroom and Kitchen Cabins Backpackers, Tent and Powered Sites Groups and Schools welcome Luggage & Vehicle Storage 2013 Certificate of Excellence Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels: 77 Manapouri-Te Anau Highway, Te Anau P E.res@teanau.info W. Your hike on the Routeburn Track promises to be a truly unique adventure. Our dedicated guides, private lodges and three course dinners will make it unforgettable. Walk at your own pace and enjoy this iconic alpine track safe in the knowledge that a welcoming drink and a hot shower are waiting for you at the end of the day. Book now to explore new Zealand s great outdoors. NZ CALL FREECALL WWW INFO ULTIMATEHIKES.CO.NZ ROUTEBURN.CO.NZ link the Routeburn with Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill. Tracknet also services the Milford, Kepler & Hollyford Tracks Routeburn Loop Package from Te Anau or Queenstown Divide carpark to Te Anau, Milford Sound or Queenstown Queenstown to Te Anau (connect to Routeburn Transport) Invercargill to Te Anau or Queenstown Te Anau to Milford Sound or Queenstown or Invercargill Charter Quotes by arrangement and out of season - enquire Day Walkers and Groups Welcome P E. res@tracknet.net W. BED & BREAKFAST AND GUIDED WALKS IN GLENORCHY! Fantastic views on the doorstep of MtAspiring National Park private, high quality self-contained one-bedroom apartment + your very own local mountain guide. the Steamers Beach Complex is conveniently located within Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels. Single rooms Dorm rooms Experience Glenorchy Limited, PRECIPICE CREEK STATION Bed & Breakfast and GLENORCHY BASE Guided Walks Double rooms Twin rooms info@experienceglenorchy.co.nz phone: mobile: address: 48 Nereus Way, Rees Valley, Glenorchy 4, 6 and 8 bed rooms BBH Member Rates P E.res@teanau.info W. Daily track transport Glenorchy Journeys will take you in comfort to all the great walks in Mt Aspiring National Park. Locally owned and operated and closest to the tracks Routeburn Greenstone Rees/Dart Queenstown Phone or office@glenorchyjourneys.co.nz

12 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 $85-$170 Free transfer deals in walking season Kinloch Road Glenorchy Ph: More wilderness... less people BOOK NOW: Packages from Basic Tramping at $175 to Guided Walking at $1595 p or 0800 HUMP RIDGE (486774) w e walk@humpridgetrack.co.nz