New Zealand: Routeburn or Milford Track?
With the Great Walks season fast approaching, I thought I would do a comparison between the Routeburn Track and Milford Track. Both are located in the South Island of New Zealand, with the closest towns being Queenstown or Te Anau. Both can be done guided or self-guided.
It largely depends on what you’re after and how much time you have. The tracks vary in landscape, duration and distance.
Milford Track
Landscape
The Milford Track is located in Fiordland National Park. You walk through dramatic glacial valleys and past many waterfalls, with one being the fifth highest in the world. While you cross over one pass, which is a steady climb, we still found the overall walk much easier than the Routeburn.
The Routeburn Track traverses both Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. It is much more of an alpine experience. The descents and ascents on the Routeburn can be tough but you gain some amazing views of the Hollyford valley and Darren Mountains. On a clear day, you can see out to the Tasman Sea.
Routeburn Track
Duration
The Milford Track takes 4 days versus the Routeburn, which takes 3 days. Note that once you book the huts you are committed to hike to the next one. First in, best dressed!
Note: Camping is not permitted on the Milford Track.
Distance
The Milford Track is 53.5km / 33.2mi. Routeburn is 32km / 19.8mi. Though it’s a shorter trek, the Routeburn is slightly harder with moderate-steep ascents and descents.
Getting there
Transport options are available from both Queenstown or Te Anau for both tracks, but make sure you book well in advance.
Lakes near the Harris Saddle – Routeburn Track
So which is our favourite? For me, it’s definitely the Routeburn for the views and variety. Plus, an added bonus is that you can also hike the Routeburn Track in both directions, giving you options. Whereas, the Milford Track can only be hiked one way only, albeit through the heart of Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound.
But you be the judge!
Onwards and upwards!
Trevor
Insights
The Great Walks season starts late October and ends around 30 April each year. Bookings are essential and fill up fast – see links.
You can read more in our posts on the Routeburn Track and Milford Track
We did the guided option via Ultimate Hikes. They also have an option for combining both hikes.
Or for detailed information on each track visit the NZ Department of Conservation website for the Routeburn or Milford Track.
