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Routeburn Track

Routeburn Track — the trail guide

The Routeburn Track is a 31.5 km trek in New Zealand, typically walked in 2–4 days, with 1591 m of total ascent. It rates Moderate on our published rubric (51 m of gain per km, topping out at 1310 m). Its operating periods and current access must be checked with the linked route authorities; historical climate averages cannot establish whether the route is open or passable.

A 33 km one-way Great Walk between Routeburn Shelter and The Divide, crossing Harris Saddle/Tarahaka Whakatipu and the exposed Hollyford Face in Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks.

Quick facts

Distance31.5 km
Total ascent1591 m
Typical duration2–4 days
Difficulty (computed)Moderate
Steepness51 m gain per km
High point1310 m
CountryNew Zealand
RegionNew Zealand

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Moderate" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Official planning information

Elevation profile

Low point 481 m · high point 1310 m · 1591 m total ascent over 31.5 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 475 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan19°10°193 mm
Feb19°10°214 mm
Mar17°172 mm
Apr13°205 mm
May10°251 mm
Jun186 mm
Jul236 mm
Aug206 mm
Sep296 mm
Oct12°248 mm
Nov15°231 mm
Dec18°235 mm

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Routeburn Track?

The Routeburn Track is 31.5 km, and most hikers complete it in 2–4 days. Total elevation gain is 1591 m.

How difficult is the Routeburn Track?

It rates Moderate on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 51 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 1310 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

What season and condition information is available for the Routeburn Track?

Great Walk season: 1 November 2026–30 April 2027. DOC publishes 1 November 2026–30 April 2027 as the Great Walk season. May–October is outside that category, with greatly reduced facilities and alpine and avalanche hazards. This note was reviewed 30 Jul 2026 and is not live status; re-check the linked authorities before booking and departure.

Where is the Routeburn Track?

In New Zealand. The route starts near -44.719, 168.279 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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