Routeburn Flats Track

Routeburn Flats Track is a 15 km out-and-back from Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats Hut, following the lower Routeburn Track through beech forest and along the Route Burn to open grassed flats. The one-way stage is 7.5 km and usually takes 1½ to 2½ hours, so allow about 3 to 5 hours on foot for the return, plus time at the hut. It’s a good choice if you want a substantial lower-valley walk without continuing up toward Routeburn Falls.

From the shelter, the well-formed track crosses a swing bridge and winds through beech forest beside the clear Route Burn to Sugarloaf Stream. Past the stream, it follows an old bridle path built in the 1870s, climbs to the small Bridal Veil Waterfall and sidles above the gorge. Another swing bridge crosses back over the river, then the track follows the forest edge to a marked junction. Keep to the Routeburn Flats branch; the turn toward Routeburn Falls is a longer walk, 9.8 km one way from the shelter.

The last stretch reaches open grassed flats, Routeburn Flats Hut and its campsite, set beside the Route Burn valley floor. The hut is an overnight stop with 20 bunks and cooking facilities, but it has no food or cooking utensils. The walk-in campsite has 15 tent sites and a cooking shelter. Overnight stays have seasonal booking and fee rules, so check those before planning to stay.

Begin at the Routeburn Shelter car park, 25 km from Glenorchy; part of the access road is unsealed. Dogs aren’t allowed on the Routeburn Track. Weather can change quickly here, and heavy rain can cause flooding on track sections, so check current Department of Conservation conditions before you go.