The best time to hike the Routeburn Track is December to February, the heart of the Great Walks season that runs late October to late April. Summer brings the warmest, most settled weather, fully serviced huts and the safest alpine conditions. Daytime temperatures reach 18-22 C in the valleys, while the 1,255 m Harris Saddle can stay cold and windy year-round.
The 33 km Routeburn Track crosses high alpine terrain in one of the wettest regions on Earth, so timing is everything. Here is exactly when to walk it, and what each season delivers for 2026.
When is the best time to hike the Routeburn?
December to February is the prime window. These summer months bring the longest daylight, the warmest temperatures and the most stable weather, plus fully staffed huts with wardens and gas cookers. It is also the busiest period, so huts booked through the New Zealand Department of Conservation sell out within hours of release. November and March are quieter shoulder months with cooler nights but still-serviced huts.
What is the Great Walks season?
The official Great Walks season for the Routeburn runs from late October to late April. During this window the huts are fully serviced, the track is maintained, and the booking system applies. Outside the season the huts lose their wardens, gas and bookable status, bridges may be removed, and the alpine section becomes a serious mountaineering undertaking. Carry your hut kit in a 40-50 litre pack such as the Osprey Atmos AG 50.
How does the weather vary by month?
| Period | Valley temps | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Oct-Nov | 8-16 C | Snow on saddle, quiet |
| Dec-Feb | 18-22 C | Warmest, busiest |
| Mar-Apr | 10-18 C | Stable, thinning crowds |
| May-Sep | 0-10 C | Winter, avalanche risk |
How much does it rain on the Routeburn?
Fiordland receives rain on more than 200 days a year, and the Routeburn can deliver heavy downpours in any season. A reliable waterproof shell and pack liner are non-negotiable even in summer. Rain also makes the Earland Falls dramatic but the track sections slippery, so check the forecast through MetService New Zealand before you set off. Our layering system guide explains how to stay warm when wet.
Should you hike the Routeburn in winter?
Winter (May-September) transforms the Routeburn into an alpine mountaineering route. Snow and avalanche risk on the Harris Saddle mean ice axes, crampons and avalanche skills are required, and the huts are unserviced. Winter is only for experienced alpinists, not standard trampers. If you attempt it, carry a self-sufficient load in a roomy pack like the Osprey Aether 65 and a four-season sleeping bag.
How to plan around hut availability
Because summer huts sell out instantly, flexibility on dates helps. If the Routeburn is full, the nearby Kepler and the Abel Tasman Coast Track sometimes have later availability, and the quieter Rakiura Track on Stewart Island rarely fills. A lighter pack such as the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L makes the alpine days easier whenever you go. For the full booking strategy see our New Zealand Great Walks guide.
How do Fiordland weather windows actually work?
Fiordland weather moves in fast bands off the Tasman Sea, so even peak summer delivers rain on more than 200 days a year. The practical approach is to watch for a 2-3 day clear window and stay flexible, since a sunny forecast can flip within hours. Mornings are usually the most stable, so cross the exposed Harris Saddle early. River levels rise quickly in heavy rain, so a wet forecast may mean delaying a day rather than pushing through. Carry full waterproofs regardless of the forecast.
How can you extend or combine the Routeburn?
The Routeburn links naturally with the Greenstone or Caples Tracks to form a 4-6 day loop back toward Glenorchy, avoiding the need for a one-way shuttle. This combination spreads the alpine crossing across more days and adds quiet valley walking. For these longer itineraries you carry more food, so a 50-65 litre pack such as the Osprey Aether 65 or the lighter Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L works better than a compact daypack. Transport also shifts by season: summer shuttles between Queenstown, the Routeburn Shelter and The Divide run daily, but reduce sharply in the shoulder months, so book ahead. Hikers wanting a gentler companion walk often pair the Routeburn with the coastal Abel Tasman Coast Track.
What are your options if the huts are full?
Because summer Routeburn huts sell out within hours, have a plan B. Check for cancellations daily on the Department of Conservation site, as spots reopen close to the date, and consider the designated campsites if hut bunks are gone. If the Routeburn is fully booked, the nearby Kepler and the coastal Abel Tasman Coast Track sometimes have later availability, and the quieter Rakiura Track rarely fills. Shoulder months of November and March also have more space. Whatever you secure, carry full waterproofs and a 3-season sleeping bag in a 40-50 litre pack like the Osprey Atmos AG 50, since Fiordland weather is unpredictable regardless of when you walk.
What is the best overall time to hike the Routeburn?
For the best combination of weather, daylight and serviced huts in 2026, aim for January or February, the heart of the Great Walks season. These months give the warmest valley temperatures and the most stable conditions for the exposed Harris Saddle, though you must book huts the moment reservations open. If those weeks are full, November and March are quieter alternatives with still-serviced huts and cooler nights. Whenever you go, carry full waterproofs and a 3-season sleeping bag in a 40-50 litre pack such as the Osprey Atmos AG 50, because Fiordland weather can turn in any season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to hike the Routeburn Track?
January and February are the best months, offering the warmest valley temperatures of 18 to 22 C, the longest daylight and the most settled weather. They fall in the heart of the Great Walks season, so huts are fully serviced, though they sell out within hours of bookings opening.
Can you hike the Routeburn Track in winter?
Yes, but only as an experienced alpinist. From May to September the Harris Saddle carries snow and avalanche risk, requiring an ice axe, crampons and avalanche training. The huts are unserviced in winter, with no gas or wardens, so winter hikers must be fully self-sufficient and skilled in alpine travel.
How wet is the Routeburn Track?
Very wet. The Fiordland and Mount Aspiring region receives rain on more than 200 days per year, and heavy downpours can occur in any season, including summer. A waterproof jacket and a pack liner are essential year-round, and rivers can rise quickly, so always check the forecast before setting out.
When does the Routeburn Great Walks season run?
The Great Walks season for the Routeburn runs from late October to late April. During this period the huts are fully serviced with wardens, gas and a booking system. Outside the season the track becomes an unserviced alpine route with removed bridges and significant winter hazards.
How far ahead should I book the Routeburn Track?
Book as soon as reservations open, typically several months before the season starts, because the Routeburn sells out within hours. Bookings are made through the Department of Conservation. If summer dates are full, consider shoulder months like November or March, which are quieter but still have serviced huts.