Routeburn Flats Track

Overview

An easy, rewarding slice of the famous Routeburn Track, this section runs from Routeburn Shelter to the open meadows of Routeburn Flats. It follows the crystal‑clear Route Burn through beech forest, with short climbs past Bridal Veil Waterfall and a traverse above a narrow gorge before a swing bridge delivers you onto the valley floor. It’s 7.5 km one way (about 4.7 miles); allow roughly 1.5–2.5 hours each direction. Most day walkers turn it into a straightforward out‑and‑back (15 km total).

What You’ll See

Expect cool, mossy beech forest, river views, and the satisfying transition from enclosed bush to big grassy flats. The waterfall-and-gorge middle stretch keeps things interesting, and the swing bridge is a photogenic milestone. From the flats you’ll get broad valley views and easy access to the Routeburn Flats Hut and Campsite.

Track Feel and Difficulty

This is a well‑formed Great Walk track with gentle grades and a few short climbs. It’s suitable for most fit walkers, but there are sections with steep drop‑offs above the gorge—stay focused, especially if it’s wet.

Optional Extension

If you’re feeling fresh at the flats, continue 2.3 km farther up through beech forest to Routeburn Falls Hut near the bushline (about 1–1.5 hours one way from the flats), then return the same way.

Best Time to Hike

For the easiest logistics and the safest experience, go during the Great Walks season (November 1 to April 30). Outside that window, facilities are reduced and higher parts of the track can enter avalanche terrain; weather is more volatile year‑round here, with frequent heavy rain and fast changes. There’s no cellphone coverage—plan and start early to finish in daylight.

Huts, Camping, and Logistics

Day walkers don’t need bookings if you’re not staying overnight. If you do plan to stay at Routeburn Flats, bookings are required during the Great Walks season for both the hut and campsite. The hut has bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar lighting, and cold running water; food and cookware are not provided. The campsite has toilets, sinks, a water supply, picnic tables, and cooking shelters, and campers cannot use hut facilities. Access is from Routeburn Shelter (about 25 km from Glenorchy on a partly unsealed road). If you’re doing the full through‑hike another time, know the two ends are 325 km apart by road, so shuttles are essential.

Tips

Carry a waterproof jacket and warm layers even on bluebird days. Expect wet track underfoot after rain. Use the provided toilets and pack out all rubbish. Check, Clean, Dry your gear to help prevent the spread of didymo. Pets are not permitted.