Date: May 9th, 2022
The bus will pick you up at 8 am at 37 Shotover St, Queenstown and drop you in the centre of the small township of Glenorchy by 9 am. Depart for Queenstown at 3 pm.
Why not enjoy a short walk or bike ride around the rural township, which is located on the edge of Lake Wakatipu amidst snow-capped mountains.
Includes:
Things to do in Glenorchy:
Date: May 9th, 2022
Rees Dart Track Transport – departs daily from Queenstown.
Due to the location of the huts on the Rees and Dart Tracks, most trampers will walk from Muddy Creek at the South end of the Rees, up to the Dart Hut, and back down the Dart to Chinaman’s Bluff.
Whichever direct you plan to walk, Info & Track offer the ideal transport solution with daily bus services operating to both ends of the track.
Both services stop briefly in the small township of Glenorchy en route. Transport services to and from Glenorchy are also available.
Includes:
Date: May 9th, 2022
Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, normally walked over 2-3 days starting from the Routeburn Shelter (East) and finishing at the Divide Shelter (West). Various departure times are available, please check out our transport page for more information.
Includes:
Queenstown to Routeburn Shelter shuttle departure time:
8am, 11:15pm, 4:00pm (between Nov and April)
The Divide Shelter to Queenstown shuttle departure time:
10:10am, 3:15pm
Milford Sound Cruise add on option available, please check it out here
Date: May 9th, 2022
The Routeburn Track is one of the world’s top ten classic hikes, often walked between 2-3 days and can be started from the Divide Shelter (West) and finishing at the Routeburn Shelter (East). Various departure times are available, please refer to our transport page for more details.
Includes:
Queenstown to the Divide shelter shuttle departure times:
6:55am, 10:45am
Routeburn Shelter to Queenstown shuttle departure times:
09:45am, 2:15pm and 5:30pm.
Want to add a Milford Sound Cruise to the hike? Please refer to this page.
Date: May 9th, 2022
The Routeburn Track is a popular destination for travellers and avid hikers. Being one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks, Routeburn Track is well maintained and held to a higher standard than most other trails. The Routeburn Track is not only a multi-day track but also an ideal day hike just a short distance from Queenstown. Travel up the scenic Glenorchy Road along Lake Wakatipu and into Mount Aspiring National Park.
You will be picked up at 8 am in central Queenstown. Enjoy a short stop in Scenic Glenorchy before arriving at the Routeburn Shelter at approximately 9:45 am.
Our bus leaves the Routeburn Shelter to Queenstown at 2:00 pm, and in peak times again at 5:30 pm, allowing you the flexibility to take the walk at your own pace.
*Please note this is not a guided day walk, for guided options see here.
Set in the stunning Mount Aspiring National Park, the track begins at the Routeburn Shelter and winds along the pristine Routeburn river. The track crosses the river several times with beautiful suspension bridges and offers stunning views of the snowcapped mountains. Walkthrough the native beech forest and admire New Zealand’s flora. The track is well-formed, wide, and fairly even, suitable for most fitness levels. The first hut, at the Routeburn Flats, is only 6.5 kilometres from the trailhead and between 1.5 and 2.5 hours one way. This is an ideal spot for a rest or a picnic lunch, or perhaps to turn back for the day. From there the track begins to climb to the spectacular Bridal Falls and the Routeburn Falls Hut, another 2.3 kilometres further. From here you gain incredible views of the valley and look back on where you have come from.
Date: May 9th, 2022
Combine a two – three day hike on the renowned Routeburn Track with a spectacular Milford Sound cruise. Only 45 minutes drive from the Divide Shelter at the Western end of the Track, this is the ideal way to include a excursion to Milford Sound in your tramping itinerary.
During the two-hour cruise, you will travel the length of the Sound whilst listening to informative commentary. Marvel at waterfalls, seal colonies and towering peaks. Complimentary hot drinks provided. Keep your eyes out for the dolphins and penguins!
Includes:
Optional: $16 Picnic Lunch (sandwich, juice and slices/muffin), vegetarian options are available upon request.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Bus 8:00am Queenstown to the Routeburn Shelter (arrive on the track at 9:45) – walk 9.8 kms to the Routeburn Falls Hut ( 3-4 hours)
Day 2: Walk 11.3 km from Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hut ( 4.5-6 hours)
Day 3: Walk 12 km from Lake Mackenzie Hut to the Divide (4 – 5.5 hours) – 11am bus from the Divide to Milford Sound (arriving at 12:00pm) – 12:45pm Milford Sound cruise – 2:30pm bus from Milford Sound to Queenstown.
Note:
11:00 am departure from the Divide Shelter connect with the 12:30pm Milford Sound Cruise. It takes about 45 mins from the Divide to Milford Wharf.
There are other departure times, please email or call us if needed.
Queenstown to Routeburn Shelter:
8:00am, 11:45pm, 4:00pm
The Divide Shelter to Milford Sound : 11:00am
Milford Sound to Queenstown: 2:30pm
Date: May 8th, 2022
Greenstone – Caples Track Transport (Return) from Queenstown.
The Greenstone and Caples Tracks are linked at both ends to form a loop, which is commonly started and finished at the Greenstone Car Park, approximately two hours from Queenstown by bus.
Both services stop briefly in the small township of Glenorchy en route. Transport services from Glenorchy are also available.
Includes:
Posted in: Greenstone, Multi Day, Packages
Date: May 8th, 2022
Greenstone / Caples Track Transport (West – East). Transport from Queenstown to The Divide. Then return track transport from The Greenstone Shelter back to Queenstown
The Greenstone and Caples Tracks can be walked together on a 4-5 day tramp and are linked by the McKellar Saddle, a sub-alpine pass. It is a great way to admire the scenery of the the wider Greenstone Valley with its tussock and beech forest, and the narrower Caples Valley.
The West-East Loop starts at the The Divide (also the starting/finishing point of the Routeburn Track), near Te Anau. The return transport will pick up at the Greenstone Shelter, near Glenorchy and with transport back to Queenstown.
Includes:
Please make an enquiry about this package directly.
Posted in: Greenstone, Packages
Date: May 8th, 2022
Greenstone / Caples Track Transport (East to West). Transport from Queenstown to Greenstone Shelter . then return from The Divide to Queenstown
The Greenstone and Caples Tracks can be walked together on a 4-5 day tramp and are linked by the McKellar Saddle, a sub-alpine pass. It is a great way to admire the scenery of the the wider Greenstone Valley with its tussock and beech forest, and the narrower Caples Valley.
The East-West Loop starts at the Greenstone Shelter, near Glenorchy and finishes at The Divide (also the finishing point of the Routeburn Track) near Te Anau, with transport back to Queenstown.
Includes:
Please make an enquiry about this package directly.
Posted in: Greenstone, Packages
Date: December 21st, 2017
After a rewarding 32 km hike at Routeburn Track, we got picked up at the Divide Shelter around 11 am.
Arriving at the wharf, I had the chance to actually look around, something that I feel wouldn’t be on offer with guided tour rushing you from one bus to a boat to another bus. I got the chance to see what was going on and take in the beauty before heading on my cruise.
I was on a boat that looked smaller than the others I had seen come into the wharf, a fact that I need not have worried about as it turns out a smaller boat is the way to go. We had an intimate cruise on Milford Sound; we had the chance to get closer to all the nature on offer, and our skipper took us further out than other cruises; all the way to the Tasman Sea. We discovered beautiful and dramatic waterfalls, we got up close and personal to the exciting seals and penguin habitats plus having a skipper and a guide made it easy to learn information and facts about the ‘Sound’.
For example, did you know that “Milford Sound is not actually a sound, but a fjord”
You read that right, Milford Sound commonly classed, as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ isn’t actually a Sound. It’s a Fjord, for those who are unclear about the difference here is what I learned from my knowledgeable guide:
A Sound, which is wider than a fjord, is created by a river or the sea; a Fjord is narrower and is created by a Glaciers carving down the bedrock and then it filling with water.
When Milford Sound was discovered it was mistakenly named a Sound because at the time it was thought a river had created it. However, with scientific findings over the years, it was discovered Milford Sound was actually created by glaciers.
So there you have it folks, Fjord not Sound.
While out on the cruise we had a spot of lunch. Lunch, I find can be a mild hiccup for tours of this sort, I always feel like they’ll never have enough options or it won’t suit my dietary requirements but for this aspect of the tour, I was pleasantly surprised.
All the sandwiches were fresh from a bakery in Te Anau, having had my lunch prebooked. The meat option was a chicken or ham sandwich roll which both looked delicious but what impressed me the most were the vegetarian and vegan options. The veggie option was a cheese salad sandwich roll with a tasty chutney and a chocolate slice. Usually, when you order a vegan option it always turns out to be just salad but on this cruise, the vegan option was a wonderful bean burger plus a vegan cake which was really tasty. I have to say just really great value for $11 (NZD).
On the bus back the driver picked some more hikers who just finished the Routeburn Track The driver really engaged with us and discussed how we found the track and spoke with guests, asking how they enjoyed the cruise. It made the journey home really pleasant being surrounded by such a friendly atmosphere.
The bus arrived back into Queenstown at a reasonable time and our friendly driver even offered to drop off some guests at the airport or along Frankton Road, which was great customer service.
Overall I had a breathtakingly beautiful trip to Milford Sound and using the Info Track Routeburn Loop with Cruise tour was the perfect way to do it. At no point did I feel rushed going from one bus or boat to another, I had time to actually enjoy my journey, the stunning views, get to know the history and facts and enjoy a nice lunch all while taking in the incredible wildlife and the geological wonder that is the Milford Sound.
Posted in: Blog
Date: September 20th, 2017
From native beech forest to high mountain passes and shining alpine views, The Routeburn Track is a giant among New Zealand’s Great Walks. The Routeburn Track can be walked in either direction but most people will start at the Routeburn Shelter, near Glenorchy in the East, and finish at the Divide Shelter, just outside Milford and Te Anau in the West. The Routeburn Track can also be walked from The Divide Shelter in the West, finishing at the Routeburn Shelter in the East.
Regular bus services run to either end of the Routeburn Track (the Routeburn Shelter and The Divide Shelter) from Queenstown. As the iconic Milford Sound is located just 45 minutes drive west of The Divide shelter, a scenic day cruise can easily be incorporated into your itinerary. Travel the length of Milford Sound on a two-hour nature cruise then return to Queenstown by bus the same evening. See our Routeburn Track loop & Milford Sound Package for more information.
Please note that Routeburn Track hut reservations must be made directly with the Department of Conservation.
Don’t have the right gear? Don’t worry; Info & Track have a range of hiking and tramping essentials available to hire here.
Time: 2-4 days
Routeburn Track length: 32km
Distance from Queenstown to Routeburn Shelter: 68km
Number of huts/campsites: 3 / 2
Name of the huts: Routeburn Flats Hut, Routeburn Falls Hut, Lake Mackenzie Hut.
Grade: Easy tramping track – well-formed with gradual climbs.
Highlights: The Routeburn Track is a Great Walk for a reason: as well as unbeatable scenery the track offers a high standard of facilities and is well-maintained, making it ideal for all levels of hiker. Look carefully and you may even spot an endangered species of bird, such as the “Mohua” (Yellowhead).
All Services require a minimum of 2 passengers to confirm.
DEPARTS FROM | TRAVELS TO | MORNING | AFTERNOON | EVENING | ADULT / CHILD | BOOK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Queenstown | Routeburn Shelter | 8:00am | 11:15am | 4:00pm | $59/ $42 | BOOK NOW |
Queenstown | Glenorchy | 8:00am | 11:15am | 4:00pm | $32 / $24 | BOOK NOW |
Routeburn Shelter | Glenorchy | 9:45am | 2:15pm | 5:30pm | $30 / $22 | BOOK NOW |
Routeburn Shelter | Queenstown | 9:45am | 2:15pm | 5:30pm | $59 / $42 | BOOK NOW |
Routeburn Shelter | Queenstown Airport* | 9:45am | 2:15pm | 5:30pm | $94 / $72 | ENQUIRE |
Glenorchy | Routeburn Shelter | 9:00am | 12:15pm | 5:00pm | $30 / $22 | BOOK NOW |
Glenorchy | Queenstown | 10:15am | 3:00pm | 6:00pm | $32 / $24 | BOOK NOW |
The Divide | Queenstown | 10:10am | 3:15pm | - | $97 / $73 | BOOK NOW |
Queenstown | The Divide | 7:00am | 10:30am | - | $97 / $73 | BOOK NOW |
Queenstown | Te Anau | 7:00am | 10:30am | - | $59 / $44 | BOOK NOW |
Queenstown | Milford Sound | 7:00am | 10:30am | - | $105 / $79 | ENQUIRE |
The Divide | Te Anau | 10:10am | 3:15pm | 5:45pm | $52 / $39 | BOOK NOW |
*Lake Howden Hut closed due to damage.
Q. How long is the walk between each hut on the Routeburn Track?
A. A detailed breakdown of the walking distances between each hut can be found on the Routeburn Track Map above. Please be aware that Lake Howden Hut is currently closed due to damage from the bad weather in Feb 2020.
Q. Do I need to book the huts or campsites on the Routeburn Track?
A. Due to the limited numbers allowed in the huts and campsites, you are required to make a reservation during the ‘Great Walks’ season (from late October to April). This can be done through the DOC website.
Q. What facilities are in the Routeburn Track huts/campsites?
A. The Routeburn Track huts have bunks, mattresses, gas, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold running water. A DOC ranger is in residence during the Great Walks season (late October to late April). The huts do not provide cooking utensils or showers. Great Walks campsites offer basic facilities including toilets, sinks and water supply. Some also have picnic tables and cooking shelters. Great Walks campsites can only be accessed by walking there and are not accessible by vehicle.
Q. Is there a bus service that operates between the Divide Shelter and Glenorchy or the Routeburn Shelter?
A. All buses from Milford, the Divide and Te Anau terminate in Queenstown. To get from Queenstown to Glenorchy or the Routeburn Shelter, you will need to get on another bus. As the latest bus from Queenstown to Glenorchy/Routeburn Shelter leaves at 12.15 pm, you would also need to spend a night in Queenstown. It is possible to get on a 4:30 pm bus from Queenstown, however, minimum numbers do apply to this service, please contact us for more information.
Q. Are there guided options available?
A. Info & Track’s sister company, Nomad Safaris, offer a range of half and full-day guided walking tours in the Queenstown region and in Mt Aspiring National Park, including a half and full-day hike on the Routeburn Track. For more information, please refer to Routeburn Track guided walks.
Q. Are there any other multi-day hikes we can do around this area?
A. Please check out Greenstone Caples Track Info & Bus Transport, Rees-Dart Track Info & Bus Transport.
Q. What tools can I use to plan my trip?
A. Check out Plan My Trip tool from Mountain Safety.
Posted in: Track Info
Date: September 19th, 2017
The Rees-Dart Track is relatively uncrowded and provides access to one of the great wilderness areas of South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. A natural and cultural site of world significance. Glacier fed rivers, spectacular mountain scenery and forest and alpine vegetation. A very special tramp with an abundance of native flora and fauna.
Info & Track operates daily track transport between Queenstown and Muddy Creek (Rees) or Chinaman’s Bluff (Dart). All services stop in the township of Glenorchy en route.
The huts on the Rees and Dart Tracks are positioned with the intention that trampers walk from Muddy Creek at the South end of the Rees Track, up to the Dart Hut, and back down the Dart Track to Chinaman’s Bluff.
Either track can be walked separately via the Cascade Saddle, an alpine pass suitable for experienced trampers only. The Saddle is located 54kms from Wanaka in the West Matukituki Valley.
If you are walking the Cascade Saddle from either end, contact us for information on transport to and from Raspberry Creek on the Wanaka side. Please note The Saddle is easiest when walked from the Wanaka side (North to South).
Don’t have the right gear? Don’t worry; Info & Track have a range of hiking and tramping essentials available to hire.
Time: 4-5 days
Track length: 62km
Distance from Queenstown: 76km (Muddy Creek), 68km (Chinaman’s Bluff)
Number of huts: 3
Grade: Moderately demanding tramp – most days average 6-8 hours of walking. Best for experienced trampers.
Highlights: The Rees-Dart Track has it all: incredible remote mountain scenery, fascinating forest and alpine vegetation, icy-blue rivers and the dramatic Dart Glacier!
All Services require a minimum of 2 passengers to confirm.
DEPARTS FROM | TRAVELS TO | MORNING | AFTERNOON | EVENING | ADULT / CHILD | BOOK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Queenstown | Rees | 8:00am | - | - | $69 / $47 | BOOK NOW |
Queenstown | Dart | - | 11:15am | - | $69/ $47 | BOOK NOW |
Queenstown | Glenorchy | 8:00am | 11:15am | 4:00pm | $32 / $24 | BOOK NOW |
Rees | Queenstown | 9:30am | - | - | $69 / $47 | BOOK NOW |
Rees | Glenorchy | 9:30am | - | - | $44 / $27 | BOOK NOW |
Rees | Queenstown Airport* | 9:30am | - | - | $99 / $77 | ENQUIRE |
Dart | Glenorchy | - | 1:45pm | - | $44 / $27 | BOOK NOW |
Dart | Queenstown | - | 1:45pm | - | $69 / $47 | BOOK NOW |
Dart | Queenstown Airport* | - | 1:45pm | - | $99 / $77 | ENQUIRE |
Glenorchy | Queenstown | 10:15am | 3:00pm | 6:00pm | $32 / $24 | BOOK NOW |
Glenorchy | Rees | 9:00am | - | - | $44 / $27 | BOOK NOW |
Glenorchy | Dart | - | 12:00pm | - | $44 / $27 | ENQUIRE |
Q. Do I need to book the huts or campsites on the Rees-Dart?
A. Backcountry Hut Tickets or a Backcountry Pass must be purchased in advance from DOC visitor centre or approved outlets. To camp by any of the three huts, there is a fee of $5 per night for adults and $2.50 per night for children.
Q. What facilities are in Rees-Dart huts/campsites?
A. The three DOC huts have solid fuel fires for heating and mattresses and water. Trampers must carry their own cookers. Hut wardens are present from November until late April.
Q. Where can I camp on the Rees-Dart Tracks?
A. Camping is permitted, except in the fragile alpine and sub-alpine areas between Shelter Rock Hut and Dart Hut. Camping is not permitted on Cascade Saddle but is permitted on the glacial bench above the Dart Glacier.
Q. How long is the walk between each hut?
A. The Rees-Dart is a moderately demanding tramp and most days average 6-8 hours of walking. A detailed breakdown of the walking distances can be found on the map above.
Q. I am walking the Cascade Saddle, what transport do you provide?
A. Trampers walking the Cascade Saddle track generally begin at the Raspberry Creek car park, 54km from Wanaka, and finish at either Chinaman’s Bluff or Muddy Creek. It is possible to walk the track in reverse but is much more difficult.
Info & Track can organise your transport to and from the Cascade Saddle track, please contact us for further information on the transport options available.
Q. Are there any other hikes I can do in this area?
A. Please refer to Routeburn Track Info & Bus Transport and Greenstone Caples Track Info & Bus Transport.
Posted in: Track Info
Date: September 18th, 2017
The Greenstone Valley showcases tussock flats along a world-renowned fly fishing river and beech forests. The Caples Valley is narrower with more beech forest with another shinning river carving through the valley. This walk is located in the Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand Heritage Site and is a hidden gem of local tramping. We are privileged to be able to walk across this private farmland, along the routes previously taken by the Maori.
Either track can also be walked as a one-way track starting or finishing either at the Divide (West) or the Greenstone Car Park (East). They can also be combined with the Routeburn Track for a one-way tramp.
Info & Track’s Greenstone & Caples transport operates between Queenstown or Glenorchy and the Greenstone Car Park, which is located at the Glenorchy (East) side of the loop. This service can be used in conjunction with our Routeburn Track transport.
Don’t have the right gear? Don’t worry; Info & Track have a range of hiking and tramping essentials available to hire.
Time: 4-5 days
Track length: 59km
Distance from Queenstown: 86km (Greenstone Car Park)
Number of huts: 3+2 NZDA Huts
Grade: Easy tramping track – well-formed with gradual climbs.
Highlights: Diverse scenery – the Greenstone Valley is wide and open with tussock flats, while the Caples is narrower and more heavily forested. Both valleys have a rich Maori history as the sacred pounamu, or Greenstone was found in these rivers. Both valleys are also popular fishing spots for rainbow and brown trout (licences are required).
All Services require a minimum of 2 passengers to confirm.
DEPARTS FROM | TRAVELS TO | MORNING | AFTERNOON | EVENING | ADULT / CHILD | BOOK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Queenstown | Glenorchy | 8:00am | 11:15am | 4:00pm | $32 / $24 | BOOK NOW |
Queenstown | Greenstone / Caples | 8:00am | 11:15am | - | $69 / $47 | BOOK NOW |
Queenstown | Kinloch Wilderness Retreat | 8:00am | 11:15am | $67 / $45 | ENQUIRE | |
Greenstone / Caples | Glenorchy | 10:15am | 12:45pm | - | $44 / $27 | BOOK NOW |
Greenstone / Caples | Queenstown | 10:15am | 12:45pm | - | $69 / $47 | BOOK NOW |
Greenstone / Caples | Queenstown Airport* | 10:15am | 12:45pm | - | $99 / $77 | ENQUIRE |
Glenorchy | Greenstone / Caples | 9:00am | 12:00pm | - | $44 / $27 | BOOK NOW |
Glenorchy | Queenstown | 10:15am | 3:00pm | 6:00pm | $32 / $24 | BOOK NOW |
Glenorchy | Kinloch Wilderness Retreat | 9:00am | 12:00pm | - | $42 / $27 | ENQUIRE |
Kinloch | Queenstown | 10:30am | 1:00pm | - | $67 / $45 | ENQUIRE |
Kinloch | Glenorchy | 10:30am | 1:00pm | - | $37 / $27 | ENQUIRE |
Kinloch | Queenstown Aiport* | 10:30am | 1:00pm | - | $97 / $75 | ENQUIRE |
Q. Do I need to book the huts or campsites on the Greenstone & Caples?
A. A Backcountry Pass or Backcountry tickets must be purchased in advance from a DOC office or approved outlet.
To camp by any of the four huts, there is a fee of $5 per night for adults and $2.50 per night for children.
Q. What facilities are in the huts/campsites?
A. The DOC huts on the tracks have coal fires for heating only. Trampers need their own cookers as gas stoves are not provided. All huts have mattresses and water (indoor running water in summer, outside tank water in winter). Hut wardens are present from late October until mid-April.
Q. Where can I camp on the Greenstone & Caples Tracks?
Camping is permitted along the bush edge and 50 metres from the track. Camping on McKellar Saddle is not permitted because of the fragile subalpine environment or on the privately-owned Caples and Greenstone valley floors.
Q. How long is the walk between each hut?
A. A detailed breakdown of the walking distances between each hut can be found here. Either track can also be linked with the Routeburn track or they can be walked as a one-way track starting or finishing either at the Divide or the Greenstone Car Park.
Q. Are there other tracks I can do in this area?
A. Please check Routeburn Track Info & Bus Transport page, and Rees Dart Track Info & Bus Transport.
Posted in: Track Info
Date: September 5th, 2017
The Routeburn Track links with the Greenstone & Caples Tracks at the Greenstone Saddle to form a popular tramping route.
Start from the Routeburn Shelter and walk either the Greenstone or Caples to finish at the Greenstone Car Park or vice versa.
Includes:
Posted in: Blog
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