Routeburn Flats Campsite

Routeburn Flats Campsite is a Department of Conservation Great Walk campsite with 15 non-powered tent sites on open grassy flats in the Route Burn valley. It is the walk-in tent option near Routeburn Flats Hut, not a road-access campground. From Routeburn Shelter, allow about 7.5 km and roughly 1½–2½ hours on the track to the Routeburn Flats area, then a short walk to the tent sites. Bring your own tent, sleeping bag and cooking gear. During the Great Walk season, book ahead; outside it, the site is first come, first served and facilities are reduced.

There is a cooking shelter, picnic tables and toilets. Water from the campsite tap is untreated and must be boiled before drinking. Campers cannot use the hut facilities, and no food is sold along the Routeburn Track, so carry all meals and snacks. Dogs and open fires are not allowed.

The approach follows the Route Burn and passes Sugarloaf Stream and Bridal Veil Waterfall before a swing bridge opens onto the grassy flats. The tent area has an open mountain and valley outlook, a welcome change after the forested walk. Routeburn Shelter is 25 km from Glenorchy on a partly unsealed road, and there is no cellphone coverage on the track.