Trek iconic Routeburn Track with alpine views
Te anau, New Zealand • 
Popular
PopularTe anau, New Zealand
Popular
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Mar
10°C – 20°C, warm temperatures with moderate rainfall; weather can change rapidly, high crowds, peak season
10°C – 20°C, warm temperatures with moderate rainfall; weather can change rapidly, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Track requires hiking; not wheelchair accessible.
Track requires hiking; not wheelchair accessible.
Value for money
Medium
Accommodation adds cost, but views make it worthwhile.
Accommodation adds cost, but views make it worthwhile.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Stunning Scenery
Couples raved about the panoramic views from Harris Saddle. Truly breathtaking experience!
Well Maintained
Travelers found the track well-maintained, perfect for a couple's shared adventure.
Unforgettable Journey
Couples found the diverse landscapes and huts ideal for a romantic, adventurous getaway.
Weather Concerns
Couples should prepare for unpredictable weather. Pack for all conditions; it can change fast.
Hut Booking
Some couples found booking huts challenging due to high demand during peak season.
Physical Challenge
The steep climbs tested some couples' fitness levels. Be prepared for a tough hike.
Hours of operation
Monday
open - open
Tuesday
open - open
Wednesday
open - open
Thursday
open - open
Friday
open - open
Saturday
open - open
Sunday
open - open
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience a virtual hike through the iconic Routeburn Track.
An adventurer embarks on a hike adventure through Routeburn Track.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
HIGH
10-20°C
Warm temperatures with slightly less rainfall; weather remains changeable.
Warm temperatures with slightly less rainfall; weather remains changeable.
Open
Advance booking for huts and campsites is necessary due to continued high demand.
Advance booking for huts and campsites is necessary due to continued high demand.
Recommended
February continues to provide favorable hiking conditions with warm weather and slightly reduced rainfall. The trails remain busy, and accommodations should be booked well in advance.
February continues to provide favorable hiking conditions with warm weather and slightly reduced rainfall. The trails remain busy, and accommodations should be booked well in advance.
March
MEDIUM
8-18°C
Mild temperatures with decreasing rainfall; weather can still be unpredictable.
Mild temperatures with decreasing rainfall; weather can still be unpredictable.
Open
Easier to secure bookings, but advance reservations are still recommended.
Easier to secure bookings, but advance reservations are still recommended.
Recommended
March offers milder weather and fewer crowds, providing a more peaceful hiking experience. While it's still within the Great Walks season, prices may start to decrease, and booking accommodations becomes slightly easier.
March offers milder weather and fewer crowds, providing a more peaceful hiking experience. While it's still within the Great Walks season, prices may start to decrease, and booking accommodations becomes slightly easier.
April
LOW
5-15°C
Cooler temperatures with reduced rainfall; weather remains variable.
Cooler temperatures with reduced rainfall; weather remains variable.
Open
More availability in huts and campsites; advance booking still advised.
More availability in huts and campsites; advance booking still advised.
Recommended
April marks the end of the Great Walks season, offering cooler temperatures and fewer hikers. It's an excellent time for those seeking solitude on the trails. Prices are generally lower, and accommodations are more readily available, though it's still wise to book in advance.
April marks the end of the Great Walks season, offering cooler temperatures and fewer hikers. It's an excellent time for those seeking solitude on the trails. Prices are generally lower, and accommodations are more readily available, though it's still wise to book in advance.
May
LOW
1-9°C
May marks the beginning of winter conditions on the Routeburn Track, with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 9°C. Snow and ice are common, and the risk of avalanches increases. Weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of rain and snow.
May marks the beginning of winter conditions on the Routeburn Track, with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 9°C. Snow and ice are common, and the risk of avalanches increases. Weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of rain and snow.
Open
Huts operate on a first-come, first-served basis with reduced facilities. Some bridges may be removed, and certain sections can be impassable due to snow and ice.
Huts operate on a first-come, first-served basis with reduced facilities. Some bridges may be removed, and certain sections can be impassable due to snow and ice.
Not recommended
May is not recommended for hiking the Routeburn Track unless you have advanced alpine skills and experience. The track is often buried in deep, unstable snow, making navigation difficult and increasing the risk of avalanches. Facilities are limited, and weather conditions can be severe.
May is not recommended for hiking the Routeburn Track unless you have advanced alpine skills and experience. The track is often buried in deep, unstable snow, making navigation difficult and increasing the risk of avalanches. Facilities are limited, and weather conditions can be severe.
How to get there
Shuttle
Recommended
Bus
Car
Taxi
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
