Hike the Routeburn Track in Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks on this three day guided walk staying in comfortable lodge accommodation, before rewarding your efforts with a luxury stay at world-class Blanket Bay Lodge

South Island, New Zealand

From $4,001 pp

5 Day Journey with 3 Days on the Routeburn Track

Routeburn Track

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1 Overview

2 Rates & Inclusions

3 Location & Access

4 Luxury Accommodation

5 Itinerary

6 Season & Departure Dates

7 Other Routeburn Itineraries

1Overview

Overview

One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Routeburn Track hike traverses 32 km with mountain peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and tranquil lakes as your constant companions. This end-to-end three-day guided walk from The Divide - near Milford Sound - to the Routeburn Shelter includes accommodation in comfortable Ultimate Hikes lodges. Join up to 50 hikers per departure in the company of experienced guides from Ultimate Hikes, with the freedom and flexibility to walk at your own pace. The Routeburn Track guided walk runs from November to early April and includes coach transfers from Queenstown, two nights' accommodation in comfortable private lodges and all meals and snacks for the duration of the walk. To reward your efforts, Walk into Luxury's all-inclusive Routeburn Track itinerary includes an exclusive post-hike stay at the luxurious Blanket Bay Lodge, allowing time to soak in the spa and enjoy local food and wine surrounded by the Southern Alps. Transfers to the lodge after your hike, and back to Queenstown are included for a seamless South Island journey.

Image credit: Walk into Luxury (hero image); Ultimate Hikes; Blanket Bay Lodge

Ultimate Hikes Routeburn Walk Lake Harris R

Accommodation on Blanket Bay Walk, cr Blanket Bay Lodge

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2Rates & Inclusions

Inclusions

Shared coach transfer from Queenstown to the Divide trailhead, where you commence your Routeburn Hike
Experienced guides to lead you on your 32 km (20 mile) Routeburn Track hike
Two nights of accommodation in a private ensuite room at private Routeburn Track lodges during your hike
All bedding, towels, and select toiletries for your convenience at the Routeburn Track lodges
40L hiking pack supplied for you to carry on the hike
Daily breakfast and three-course dinners at your hike accommodation
Trail lunches and snacks on the track
Transfer from the Routeburn Track to Glenorchy post-walk, with a private drop-off to Blanket Bay Lodge
Two nights of luxury accommodation at the world-renowned Blanket Bay Lodge
Daily breakfast and evening drinks at Blanket Bay Lodge
Daily multi-course dinners at Blanket Bay Lodge
Private transfer from Blanket Bay Lodge to Queenstown
Pre-walk briefing in Queenstown the day before your hike commences
Option to add pre or post-walk accommodation in Queenstown^

Pricing includes Queen (or twin) ensuite rooms on the Routeburn Track, based on two guests per room. If you would prefer a triple share or quad share room, and don't require a private ensuite, please enquire for our best price. The minimum age for the Routeburn Track hike is ten years, and the per-person rate is the same for adults and children. Pricing may vary for public holidays and peak dates.

^ A minimum one night accommodation is required in Queenstown pre-walk due to an early start on Day 1, and if you'd like to attend the briefing the day prior to departure. Please let your Journey Designer know if you'd like your preferred Queenstown accommodation added to your quote. They can also advise the best location for accessing the departure point on foot from your hotel on day one.

3Location & Access

Location & Access

The multi-day Routeburn Track guided walk departs from Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island. The Routeburn Track runs for 32 km between The Divide (85 km from Te Anau) and the Routeburn Shelter (25 km from Glenorchy). All transfers are included in your journey, starting and finishing in Queenstown.

4Luxury Accommodation

Where You'll Sleep

South Island, New Zealand

Mackenzie Lodge, Routeburn Track Guided Hike Accommodation

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South Island, New Zealand

Routeburn Falls Lodge, Routeburn Track Accommodation

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South Island, New Zealand

Blanket Bay Lodge, Glenorchy

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5Itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

An early start to meet your group at the departure point in central Queenstown at 6:15am. Your adventure begins with a coach ride from Queenstown to the Divide near Milford Sound on the scenic Milford Road. Including a stop at Te Anau for morning tea, this is a four-hour transfer, so settle in and enjoy the views. From the trailhead at The Divide, climb the wide and well-formed track to Key Summit. Here you can sit among the alpine plants and gaze down three valleys from which water flows to three different coasts. Next, you'll descend to Lake Howden hut for a hot drink and picnic lunch, before gradually climbing through the silver beech forest to Earland Falls. This is followed by a steep and rocky descent to Mackenzie Lodge where refreshments, a hot shower, a three-course meal and comfortable beds await.

Daily walk distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)

Included: L - D

A minimum one night accommodation in Queenstown is required pre-walk due to the early start today. A pre-walk briefing is also held in Queenstown the day prior to your walk departure date at 1:45pm which is good to attend (or a video briefing can be arranged if you arrive into Queenstown later in the day). Please speak to your Journey Designer about adding your preferred accommodation to your quote. They can recommend properties in walking distance to the meeting point on day 1 (which is the same as the briefing location the day prior).

Ultimate Hikes Routeburn Walk Mackenzie Lodge Lounge

Day 2

Wake up to the sound of birdsong and enjoy a hearty continental and cooked breakfast selection at the lodge this morning. You will also have time to prepare your packed lunch in the dining/lounge area using the plentiful provisions laid out by the lodge hosts. Today's walk starts with an ascent through ancient forest and alpine zig zags to Ocean Peak Corner, where you have a full vista of the Darran Mountains. Crossing the Hollyford Face, you will stop for lunch at the Harris Saddle. Walk up to Conical Hill for a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. From Lake Harris, descend into the upper basins of the Routeburn Valley, with the towering mountains above. Spend your final night at the beautifully located Routeburn Falls Lodge, joining new friends for a cosy fireside drink and another wonderful dinner.

Daily walk distance: 11 km (6.9 miles)

Included: B - L - D

Day 3

After breakfast you'll have time to prepare your lunch for the trail and lace up your boots one last time. Enjoy views of the pristine Routeburn Valley's snow-capped mountains, lakes, waterfalls and ancient beech forest on today's hike. Take time to enjoy the dramatic landscape around the Routeburn Falls, before descending to the alpine pastures of the Routeburn Flats. The track shadows the river as it roars through a magnificent gorge. Gorge Flat is a great place to stop for lunch. From here it is a gentle walk through the beech forest to the Road End. Join the coach for the return journey, disembarking in the beautiful small town of Glenorchy. Your driver will meet you for your transfer to Blanket Bay Lodge where you'll enjoy a luxurious stay for the next two nights. This evening, meet fellow guests over pre-dinner drinks and canapes in the lounge, followed by a five-course degustation menu that showcases fresh, local produce.

Daily walk distance: 9 km (5.7 miles)

Included: B - L - D

Day 4

Enjoy a leisurely lie-in this morning before making your way to the dining room for breakfast with views across the lake. Today is a free day at Blanket Bay Lodge to do as much or as little as you like. Soothe and refresh tired muscles with a soak in the hot tub or a gentle swim in the heated pool, complete with lake and alpine views. Other on-site activities include Petanque (bocce ball), garden chess and molkky, or head indoors to the Den which features a pool table and lounge bar. If you're still feeling active, use the complimentary bikes or enjoy a self-guided walk on one of the nearby nature trails. Tonight you'll be treated to another gourmet dinner, best enjoyed on the terrace if it's a fine evening.

Daily walk distance: no walking today.

Included: B - D

Day 5

After a sleep-in and breakfast overlooking the lake, your private driver will transfer you back to Queenstown or to the next stop on your journey. Please enquire about extended South Island itinerary options or additional nights and experiences in Queenstown. We'd be delighted to customise your journey to suit.

Included: B

6Season & Departure Dates

Season & Departure Dates

The Routeburn Track Walk season runs from November to early April, with almost daily departures in season. Rates and accommodation options may vary during the festive season, subject to availability.

7Other Routeburn Itineraries

More ways to hike the Routeburn

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4 Day Blanket Bay Walk with Milford Heli-Hike

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4 Day Kepler, Milford & Routeburn Track Walk

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Frequently asked questions

What to pack for a multi-lodge walk in New Zealand

You carry all of your belongings between lodges, including clothing and personal items for all days on the trail, plus lunch and water supplies that you will replenish daily at each lodge. Pack for four seasons to ensure you are prepared for all types of weather. Track lodges have drying rooms – lightweight Merino wool or polypropylene clothing has a better chance of drying overnight if it gets wet. Cotton, silk, or denim garments are not suitable.

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Routeburn Track Hike in Luxury