New Zealand - Routeburn Track Hike
On the Cheap: New Zealand - Routeburn Track Tramp
The Routeburn Track is one of the New Zealand Great Walks. The Great Walks summer season is end of October to end of April, and hut and camp site bookings are essential in this time period. There is often snow on the track even during the summer season, so keep that in mind when packing, and make sure you have appropriate gear.
Length of track: 32km
Duration: 2 - 4 days
What to take:
At least 3L water for each day - can top up each day at the huts
Enough food for the trip
Strong shoes
First aid kit
Gloves
Sun hat
Warm hat
Water and wind proof jacket and over trousers
Three warm top layers (no cotton)
Two water bottom layers (no cotton)
Cooking equipment - DOC provides different equipment depending on the season
DOC Hut Tickets
It's essential to book huts and camping sites well in advance. If you are planning on going over a public holiday, hut beds sell out months ahead of time. You can do this online, through the link previously provided, or go into a DOC centre. You will need to pick up from tickets from either the DOC centres in either Queenstown or Te Anau. Also, it is free for kids to stay in huts!
How to get there and back
This track is one way, as opposed to a circuit, so you will need to consider transportation options.
Shuttle - $20 - $80
The price of the shuttle depends on what locations you are travelling between.
Car Relocation - $250
There a couple of different companies that will drive your car from one end to the other. Keep in mind this is a drive 324km that takes 5 hours. This could be a cheaper option if travelling in a group, as the shuttle cost could be at least $100 per person to and from Queenstown.
Key Swap
We met a few people that were swapping keys at the Conical Hill shelter, and driving each others cars back to Queentown. There is no website that facilitates this option, but you could potentially organise this through Couchsurfer and Tripadvisor forums, or on the Backpackers New Zealand, Backpacking New Zealand, and New Zealand Network Backpackers Facebook groups.
Hitching
Once again, you can always hitch a ride, just make sure somewhere knows what your plans are, and be safe.
Side Tracks:
Conical Hill
Height: 1515m
Time: 40 minutes - 2 hours return
Once you are on Harris Saddle, leave your bags at the Harris Saddle Shelter, and climb up Conical Hill for great views over Hollyford Valley, Lake McKerrow, and out to the Tasman Sea. Two thirds of this climb is hard rock hopping, so it might be a good idea to refuel and have a bit to eat in the Harris Saddle Shelter, out of the wind.
Key Summit
Height: 918m
Time: 30 minutes - 1.5 hours return
Leave your packs hidden in the bushes, and head up key summit for awesome views over Darran Mountains, Lake Marian and the Hollyford Valley. Until Conical Hill, there is a very clear track up to the top. Once you are up to the plateau, take one of the laminated guides for a self-guided tour of Key Summit.
View from Routeburn Falls Hut
Harris Lake
Enjoy
:)
