Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Rated one of the world’s best classic hikes, the Routeburn Track combines personal achievement with awe-inspiring scenery. With this half-day tour, enjoy a more relaxed pace through the forest and into a world of peace and tranquility surrounded by the sounds of rivers, waterfalls and native birds.
Gentle incline/decline up to 1.5 hours — better for families or those seeking an easier option.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
A moderate level of fitness is required
Please bring water bottle, rain jacket, extra layers, insect repellant, camera, sunscreen, hat and medications
You must have appropriate hiking footwear, such as sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip and ankle support.
Please Note: Pickup from central Queenstown accommodations is included. Please contact to reconfirm pick up arrangement and time.
Do you have any current or past health issues, injuries (eg knee, joint or back pain / asthma, heart conditions or diabetes), or medications that could affect your hiking?
What To Expect
Lake Wakatipu
Rated one of the world’s “Top Ten Classic Hikes”, the Routeburn Track combines personal achievement with awe-inspiring scenery. Enjoy a relaxed pace on the half-day walk through the forest. Surrounded by the sounds of rivers, waterfalls and native birds, you will be transported to a world of peace and tranquility.
Mount Aspiring National Park
Rated one of the world’s “Top Ten Classic Hikes”, the Routeburn Track combines personal achievement with awe-inspiring scenery. Enjoy a relaxed pace on the half-day walk through the forest. Surrounded by the sounds of rivers, waterfalls and native birds, you will be transported to a world of peace and tranquility.
Options
Half-Day
What‘s Included
Small-group tour, afternoon departure from 1.30pm
Light snacks and water
Professional guide
Pickup from central Queenstown accommodations is included. Surround suburbs (Kelvin Heights, Frankton, Arthur's Point, Fernhill and others) by arrangement. Please contact to reconfirm pick up arrangement and time.
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Disappointing
lindafaes,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We had booked this hike in the hope of doing a bit of the Rounteburn Track. Nothing could be further from the truth. Strolled for less than an hour at the beginning of the trail , the nature walk , but 3 hours on the way for out and back . Too bad.
Wonderful walk, fabulous guide!
msdonnadonna,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the half-day Routeburn Trail nature walk today. The scenery was breathtaking and Angelo Georgalli was amazing, sharing his extensive knowledge of the flora, birds, history and topography (and everything else!) with us. And he was a nice guy with a lovely personality! I would definitely recommend it and, if you go, enjoy!
Great day on the Rothburn Trail
S9261IUnancym,Apr 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00April 25th we had a half day Rothburn Trail tour with Dan, then picked up Adrian. We had such a wonderful time we had. Dan was an excellent guide on the trail and kept at our pace, but helped us get to the Bridal Veil falls and a view point farther along. Amazing views! He knew the area, had intetesting stories to tell us along the way. On the way back we picked up Adrian. The two of them were so funny that the time flew by. Such a delightful afternoon. We are so grateful to them for giving us an experience to remember. Next time we'll do the whole trail!
NZ Long walks
diwanji,Dec 5, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00The guide was excellent and helpful, the route and location was very nice, however this is an activity that visitors who do rent a vehicle, like we did, should be able to make it on their own, in our opinion.
Not what we expected
Debbie,Oct 7, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend this tour and the company Nomad Tours we had a great trip.We were picked up in a Tesla not what we expected by Rachel our tour guide. This was because we were the only guests on the tour today. I was impressed that the company honoured our booking even though there was only the two of us going. Rachel was extremely knowledgeable and friendly guide more like a friend than a guide which made the afternoon very enjoyable. The scenery was amazing and the track was not difficult. On the way back Rachel received a call from the company to assist another tour group as one of their guests was ill and needed extra help transporting the remaining guests back. This meant we returned in the company bus not the Tesla but it was fine. I was impressed with the professionalism and care the company provided. Well done
Great family outdoor activity
simonbolch,Sep 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Terrific half day walk and introduction to the Routeburn track, making it as far as Bridal Veil Falls. Thank you to our very friendly guide Joshua who shared his knowledge about local flora and and Māori traditions. The drive to the track’s start is simply stunning. Highly recommend. 5 stars
Not worth the money - hike on your own!
JenDB,May 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00This was a disappointing tour for our family - my husband, myself and our 21-year-old daughter. Our guide arrived on time, but when we went to collect the next group of 4, realized that the van was too small for 7 people (how does this happen?), and we had to go to Nomad to get a larger, vey dirty van. Our guide spoke broken English, and in fact, there were times when we could not understand him at all. He was very kind, and told us to let him know if we couldn't understand him, but seriously, we would have had to keep interrupting him. He was not that knowledgeable about the area, and this turned into a really expensive taxi ride. The trail was beautiful, but you do not need a guide for this, even if you are a rookie (I think there are buses, or rental cars - you'll save a ton!). The trail is very well marked, and I think it would have been more enjoyable without a group. The guide offered very little knowledge about the surroundings; they need better training. The ride back to Queenstown was absolutely horrible. He tailgated the cautious driver in front of us, and sped the rest of the way. I honestly felt unsafe, and I'm generally a passive passenger. I reached out to Nomad with feedback, and they passed it on to someone named Ed to "investigate the case", whom I've never heard from. I don't understand why tour companies hire tour guides who speak English that cannot be understood. It makes no sense, is unfair to the guide, and honestly, puts the customers in very awkward and uncomfortable positions. We had so many wonderful tours on this trip, but this was horrible, and a waste of a lot of money ($400-500). I regretted booking it, and as mentioned, reached out to Nomad with no response. If I had to do it over, I would rent a car or check for public transportation because the hike was beautiful.
Intetesting and enjoyable afternoon
David O,Apr 27, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Spent a most enjoyable afternoon with our guide Roger, his knowledge and compaby were first rate. The walk was easily manageable through a very beautiful setting.
Great trip
Joanne Y,Mar 27, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Scenic drive to the track head. It’s so wonderful to hike in the beautiful national park. Appreciate the small group offered Nomad Safari. We only wish we booked the whole day one to get more exercise.
Excellent hike, beautiful scenery with knowledgeable guide.
Lawrence C,Mar 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely hike on a track through trees up the mountain with the sight and sound of waterfalls along the way. We had a small group of 4, luckily, and walked just over 16 km in around 5.5 hrs total trip. The walk was a steady rise with a few minor steep bits but nothing major. It was a there and back trek with a picnic halfway. The weather was kind and the scenery beautiful with some lovely waterfalls containing crystal clear water, stunning. Our guide, Jono, was extremely knowledgeable, not just about the route but also Māori cultural in general. He was good at checking in on how we were feeling, conscious of the return walk, giving options for us to choose on distance and highlighting time between toilets. Jono was a definite bonus. This is not a walk for young children however there is the longer possibilities for those wanting to trek further. Routeburn Track provides different levels of challenge, you choose what you want. A great day out.
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Operated by Nomad Safaris