Full-Day Routeburn Hike, Meal

Routeburn Guided Hike Experience - Full Day

★ 4.9 37 reviews

from $252.86 per person

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Duration: 10 hours
Meeting point: Shotover Street, Queenstown
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Nomad Safaris

Overview

This full day guided hike run by Nomad Safaris takes a group of no more than 12 travellers along the Routeburn Track with a professional guide leading the way. The day runs about 10 hours door to door. The group is capped at 12 travellers.

On the track, the guide handles navigation and interpretation, pointing out plants, birds and the area's walking options, as several reviewers describe. Lunch, snacks and bottled water are provided, so there is no need to carry a picnic. One reviewer felt the track was more of a vigorous stroll than a hard trek, while another warned it is strenuous in spots, so a moderate fitness level is the honest benchmark.

It suits walkers with moderate fitness who want the Routeburn without organising transport, food or route finding themselves. It does not suit wheelchair users, and anyone with heart problems or other serious medical conditions is advised against booking. Minimum numbers apply, so solo travellers should note the departure needs at least two passengers to run.

Where this tour sits among 3 tours in Walks, Hikes And Canyoning listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Half-Day Nature Trail Walk$161.71
Full-Day Canyoning, Meal Included$245.96
Full-Day Routeburn Hike, Meal (this tour)$252.86

What's Included

Included

Lunch
Snacks
Professional guide
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Pickup from central Queenstown accommodations is included. Surround...
Bottled water

Itinerary

Hotel pickupPickup from selected central Queenstown accommodations is included. Contact the operator to reconfirm the pickup arrangement and time.
Meet at 37 Shotover StreetTravellers not using pickup join here.
Drive to the Routeburn TrackTransport is by air conditioned minivan with the guide, who shares information about the area along the way, as one reviewer described.
Guided walk on the Routeburn TrackBring sturdy hiking shoes.
Lunch and snacks on the trackLunch, snacks and bottled water are provided. Dietary requirements should be advised at the time of booking.
Return drive to QueenstownThe tour travels back to Queenstown and ends at the original meeting point. Total duration is about 10 hours.

GuideIncluded

PickupIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to know before booking, drawn from the tour details and from what travellers have said afterwards.

Fitness and pace. A moderate level of fitness is required, and travellers with heart problems or serious medical conditions should not join. Reviews differ on effort: some called it an easy to moderate walk, while one found the final climb to the last waterfall strenuous. Read both signals and judge honestly against your own condition.
What to bring. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, medication, water, a camera or phone, a daypack, sun protection and a waterproof jacket, plus a hat and gloves in cooler weather. Reviewers also suggest walking poles if you have them, and a swimsuit or small towel for the water crossing and swim spot.
Footwear matters. One reviewer reported having to take off boots and wade through water on the track. Quick drying socks or shoes you do not mind getting wet are a sensible choice.
Food and drink. Lunch, snacks and bottled water are all included. Tell the operator any dietary requirements when you book so the guide can cater for them.
Group feel. The group is capped at 12 travellers.
Weather and seasons. The tour runs in most weather conditions but can be altered or cancelled if conditions are unsafe. If it is cancelled for weather you are offered a different date or a full refund. Pack a waterproof jacket regardless of the forecast.

Ready To GoCheck availability →

Common issues. The departure needs a minimum of two passengers to run, and four on New Zealand statutory holidays; if numbers are not met you are offered an alternative departure or a full refund, which can disrupt tight schedules. One reviewer felt the difficulty description was misleading, finding the walk easier than advertised, while another found it genuinely strenuous, so expect mixed signals on effort. Reviews also mention a wet crossing and high winds that once blocked the road with a fallen tree, delaying the return. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and cancellations inside 24 hours receive no refund.

Common Questions

Is Pickup From My Hotel Included?

Pickup from selected central Queenstown accommodations is included, and you should contact the operator to reconfirm the arrangement and time. The day ends back at that same meeting point.

What Is Included In The Price?

Lunch, snacks and bottled water are included, along with a professional guide and transport by air conditioned minivan. Pickup from selected central accommodations is also covered. Check the booking page for any extra fees payable on the day.

How Hard Is The Hike?

A moderate level of fitness is required. Reviews vary: several walkers in their fifties described it as a vigorous stroll rather than a tough trek, while one warned the last climb to the final waterfall is strenuous and advised being in good hiking condition. One reviewer also described taking off boots to wade through a water crossing.

Can Children Or People With Limited Mobility Join?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible. A moderate level of fitness is required, and travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions should not join. There is no minimum age stated, so check with the operator before booking for children.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Inside 24 hours no refund is given and changes are not accepted. If the operator cancels for weather or low numbers, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Wear And Bring?

Sturdy hiking shoes, a daypack, water, sun protection and a waterproof jacket, plus a hat and gloves in cooler weather. Reviewers also recommend walking poles if you have them and a swimsuit or towel if you want to get in the water. Bring any medication you normally carry and tell the operator about injuries or conditions that could affect your hiking.