ROUTEBURN WALKING TRACK

Inclusions

• 2 Nights accommodation pre and post track
• All track transport to the Routeburn Track (The Routeburn Shelter and at the Divide).
• Pre walk briefing at 3pm.
• All Routeburn Track hut bookings and fees.
• 3 nights DOC hut accommodation.
• Scenic Cruise in Milford Sound (including picnic lunch).
• Track map and information.
• Souvenir track book (rrp $NZ30).
• Booking services of our Queenstown office for optional Queenstown and Fiordland sightseeing & activities.
• NZ Mountain Safety Council approved pack liner.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Queenstown

Arrive in Queenstown (hotel accommodation included), free time to explore or book your post hike activities. Pre track briefing held at Kiwi Discovery, 37 Camp Street at 3pm.

Day 2 - Routeburn Track

Pick up at hotel accommodation, travel by bus to the head of Lake Wakatipu through Glenorchy and past Paradise to the Routeburn Shelter for the start of the Routeburn Track. Entering the Mount Aspiring National Park, you have a gentle walk through beech forest and along the Routeburn valley, a short steady climb takes you past waterfalls and up to the first night at the Routeburn Falls Hut. Situated by the Routeburn waterfall overlooking the valley below, it's a stunning location for your first night on the track. Approximately 2½ to 4 hours walk.

Day 3 - Routeburn Track

Today you head up over the Harris Saddle where there is an optional side track to the summit of Conical Hill with expansive views across the Hollyford valley and out to the Tasman sea on a clear day. The descent down to Mackenzie hut traverses the Hollyford Valley mountain through alpine vegetation and then down into a 'magical forest' covered in moss and lichen. It's not hard to see why Fiordland was used to film Lord of the Rings. Mackenzie Hut is situated by a lake in a hanging valley, truely photogenic whatever the weather. Approximately 4½ to 6 hours walk.

Day 4 - Routeburn Track

As above except accommodation is booked at Howden Hut for your 3rd night on the track. This option gives you more time to take in the views or enjoy a leisurely morning at Lake Mackenzie, or relax around Howden Hut with ample time the next morning to catch a bus to Milford Sound. Approximately 3 hours walk.

Day 5 - Routeburn Track/Queenstown.

It's a short walk to the Divide with ample time to take the side trip up Key Summit before catching the lunchtime coach to Milford Sound. Approximately 3 hours walk including the side track. It's a short distance to Milford Sound where you board a cruise to take in the sights of the world famous Milford Sound. Complementary tea and coffee and a licensed bar are on board the purpose built vessel and a picnic lunch is included in your package so you have fresh sandwiches after your walking adventure.

After your Milford Sound cruise, your luxury coach returns to Queenstown with a short comfort stop in Te Anau. Reclining seats and ample leg room mean it's hard to stay awake on the journey home. You will arrive back at your hotel in Queenstown early evening for a well deserved shower and choice of dining options!

Bedding Configuration

Rates are based on twin or double so please indicate preferred bedding configuration at the time of booking under "Add Booking Notes" on the check out page.

Additional Information

There are always other walkers on the track, and people always tend to meet others and group up on their own accord. We do not group people up but you will be leaving with people on the same transport and generally with the same or similar itineraries so you won’t be alone. The huts all sleep approximately 40 people, and are divided up into 4-6 communal bunk rooms. There are no exclusive rooms.

Season

The season operates from 25th October 2012 to 25th April 2013.

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation Policy

More than 10 days prior to departure incurs a $150 (NZD) fee per person. Between 3-10 days is 50% refundable and less than 3 days is 100% non-refundable.

Bookings are subject to availability. Should your chosen date note be available, date changes are available.