Rudolf Abraham is an award-winning travel journalist, photographer and guidebook author. He writes on trekking and hiking for National Geographic, the BBC, Cicerone, DK Eyewitness, Bradt Guides, among many others.
- Distance: Approx. 32 km
- Duration: Three to four days
- Start: Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy)
- End: The Divide (near Te Anau)
- Difficulty: Moderate
One of New Zealand’s most popular treks, the Routebourn crams in some of the best views in Fjordland National Park and Mt Aspiring National Park into an unforgettable three days.
The route starts at the Routeburn Shelter, close to Glenorchy, and ends at The Divide, near Te Anau. You pass through a variety of landscapes, from wildflower meadows to alpine valleys, enjoying incredible vistas over Mt Aspiring National Park.
One of the trek's highlights is the panoramic view from the Harris Saddle and Conical Hill - on a clear day, views stretch as far as the Tasman Sea. Accommodation on the track is in the form of comfortable huts managed by the Department of Conservation, and camping is also an option at designated sites.
At a glance
Destinations
Fiordland
Activity
Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & WildlifePhysical Level
ModerateDuration
3 daysRelated Guides
Active Adventures In New Zealand
New Zealand must be in contention for title of adventure travel capital of the world. The list of white-knuckle thrills you can seek out here knows no bounds.
New Zealand's Best Road Trips
With just four million people spread over two main islands, nature and dramatic scenery rules in New Zealand.From the high Southern Alps that run the length of the South Island to the volcanic peaks of the North Island, the watery passages of the Marlborough Sounds and Fiordland to the geothermal activity of the central North Island, the golden sands of Northland beaches to the black sands of the west coast of both islands – there’s a lot to see on a self-drive route through New Zealand.