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After being picked up from your hotel in Queenstown, you will take one of the most beautiful road journeys in New Zealand to the Western end of Lake Wakatipu, led by a knowledgeable local guide.The world-renowned Routeburn Track provides stunning variation in vegetation, bird species, and topography as it climbs 6.5 kilometers one way, on a moderate fitness trail through gorges and valleys. This is small group tour with a maximum of 10 people that you will be spending the 7 hour day with. Your lunch sandwich, wrap or bread roll is an additional cost, afternoon tea / coffee fruit and cookies are included.
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Minimum age is 15 years
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, bring rain jacket, additional layers of clothing, casual & practical, sturdy walking shoes or boots
This trail is 4.4 miles one way, or nearly 8 kilometres in length. Total distance 14 kms or 10 miles.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Bottled water
National Park fees
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Fresh fruit & nut bars
A stop is made at a local cafe for you to purchase a picnic lunch
Select a pickup point
Lake Wakatipu
A scenic view over lake Wakatipu
Routeburn Track
Hike through a temperate Rainforest area with diverse vegetation.
Pickup included
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
SteenT,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Sarah took very good care of us. The Routeburn Valley Walk was very well organised - from pick up to drop off. Sarah shared freely a lot of information about what we saw and was very considerate to the group. She even stopped at a very nice cafe, where we could buy a delicious lunch to bring along.
David R,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Sarah brought my wife and I on a customized private walk on the Routburn track followed by some local birdwatching and touring customized to our interests and abilities. She did a great job planning and executing our day with a keen attention to detail. This wasn't just a scenic walk, it was a chance to talk and get to know New Zealand from an insiders perspective. Having spent the previous day on a bus filled with non English speaking tourists with one of the areas top touring companies, we now realize that spending more for a unique private tour with Sarah was well worth the investment. We only wish that we could turn the clock back and go to Milford Sound with her.
fhdash,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
had the privilege of doing Routeburn Valley hike tour with Lucy. It was raining but Lucy kept us upbeat and smiling We saw several waterfalls/rivers/swollen creeks. Lucy was very knowledgeable about the trail, the flora and fauna . We often stopped so she could point out trees and birds. Lucy turned a potentially bad day into a great day and an awesome finish to our visit in New Zealand.
Jane L,
Feb 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
Great hike with Charles! Beautiful views, very knowledgeable about plant and bird identification. Had our own private vehicle and guided time for 4.
Marianna D,
Feb 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a terrific day hiking to the first hut. Our guide asked repeatedly about our pace, and from the beginning stressed that this was our hike and we could go as fast or slow as we wanted. She knew so much about the birds and plants, and she seemed to love what she does, which set the tone for a great day. Definitely recommend!
Catherine K,
Jan 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Lucy picked us up at our hotel. She was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and fun! The Routeburn track was beautiful and we had a delightful and scenic lunch. Can’t say enough about what a great day we had with Lucy!
Sunshine14410397701,
Jan 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We spent a day with Charles and would do it again in a heartbeat. He's so knowledgeable about the area, wildlife and history, and kindly answered our incessant questions. Highly recommend!
Snarth,
Jun 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Wonderful day guided by Belinda, who picked us up at our hotel and drove us through stunning scenery to a lovely hike on Routeburn Track. Walked through delightful forest where we had lunch by the emerald green river with mountains in the background. Belinda was very knowledgeable and a fine conversationalist as well. Terrific day, highly recommended!
Dogpound46,
Jan 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Good guide, good day. Charles was helpful, offered a good experience. Tried to help us with bird identification. Good scenery
SMB1267,
Dec 23, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
I booked a private tour with Charles and it was the best experience! Charles is extremely professional, fun and knowledgeable. He picked me up from my hotel and we drove to the start of the Routeburn trail, making a few stops for photos along the way. Throughout the hike he shared information about the various flora and fauna we saw and made sure that we had the best hike possible. At the end of the hike he even had hot tea and cookies for us. We stopped at a general store on the way home which had the most wonderful food and clothes items for purchase. I can’t recommend this tour enough! You will not only have fun but also learn so much. It was the best way to hike and I would 100% book another trip on my next visit.
Operated by Private Discovery Tours