Day Walk Transport
Routeburn Track Day Walks
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Departing Te Anau
Day Walk The Divide to Key Summit or Earland Falls
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Departing Queenstown
Day Walk Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats Hut
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Availability
1st Nov 23 - 1st May 24
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Transport
Self drive or Return Bus
BUS TRANSPORT
Routeburn Track Day Walks
The Routeburn Track runs between The Divide (accessed from Te Anau) and the Routeburn Shelter (accessed from Queenstown). Self drive to your chosen starting point for a scenic return day walk or book return bus transport from Te Anau or Queenstown.
The Divide to Key Summit, return
Key Summit provides an incredible lunch stop with stunning 360-degree mountain views into the Hollyford Valley and beyond. Allow around 3 hours for this moderate return walk, 7kms.
If you are fit and up for a challenge, extend your walk to Earland Falls. Allow 6 hours return for this walk, but get ready to be blown away with scenic views at every turn. Noted as one of the most impressive waterfalls in Fiordland, it's worth the adventure to get here but make sure you book the early 7.15am bus departure from Te Anau and 5.45pm return bus to allow enough time.
Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats Hut, return
From Routeburn Shelter (Queenstown end) follow the Routeburn Track as far as the first hut - Routeburn Flats Hut. A relaxed walk through lush beech forest, dramatic river gorges, and alpine meadows with panoramic views. 3.5 hours return walk, 13 kms and easy walking.
Routeburn Track Day Walk Transport Options
- Bus Transport to the Routeburn Track Return
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Departing from Te Anau or Queenstown to each end of Routeburn Track daily during the Great Walks season.
- Option 1: Walk The Divide to Key Summit, return Te Anau to The Divide return bus transport
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Choose the 7.15am or 9.45am bus from Te Anau to The Divide (1.5 hours travel) then enjoy a 3 hour (7km) return walk to Key Summit and back to the Divide to meet the 3.15pm or 5.45pm return bus back to Te Anau. Great day walk and opportuntiy for lunch on the summit.
- Option 1: Walk The Divide to Earland Falls, return Te Anau to The Divide return bus transport
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Choose the 7.15am bus from Te Anau to The Divide, arriving at 8.45am then enjoy a 6 hour (15kms) return walk to Key Summit and back to the Divide to meet the 5.45pm return bus back to Te Anau.
- Option 2: Walk Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats, return Queenstown to Routeburn Shelter return bus transport
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Take the 8am bus from Queenstown to Routeburn Shelter then enjoy a 3-5 hour (13km) return walk to Routeburn Flats Hut and back to Routeburn Shelter to meet the 2.15pm return bus back to Queenstown.
Need to know more?
Head over to our Plan & Prepare section for more info on day hiking on the Routeburn Track.