Half-Day Nature Trail Walk

Routeburn Guided Nature Trail - Half Day

18 reviews

from $161.71 per person

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Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Shotover Street, Queenstown
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
On board: Light snacks and water included
Run by: Nomad Safaris

Overview

This half day outing pairs a guided drive from Queenstown to the Routeburn Track with roughly two hours of walking, all wrapped up in about four and a half hours. The base is Info & Track at 37 Shotover Street, and pickup from selected central Queenstown accommodations is listed, with the operator to be contacted to arrange it.

The shape of the day is simple. You travel out along Lake Wakatipu, a stretch the itinerary allows about an hour and a half for, passing the lake again en route to the track itself. Then comes the Routeburn Track section, around two hours on foot with no admission fee, before the return trip ends back at the meeting point in Queenstown.

Reviewers often single out the guides for their knowledge and friendly manner. The walk draws repeated comments for being manageable, and one family described it as friendly for children. Light snacks and water are included. It suits travellers who want a short section of the Routeburn Track without committing to a full day, though one reviewer who had rented a car felt independent visitors could reach it themselves. A maximum of 12 travellers applies, and at least 2 passengers are needed for the departure 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 (this tour)$161.71
Full-Day Canyoning, Meal Included$245.96
Full-Day Routeburn Hike, Meal$252.86

What's Included

Included

Small-group tour, afternoon departure
Professional guide
Light snacks and water

Itinerary

Meet or pickup in QueenstownCheck in at Info & Track, 37 Shotover Street, or arrange pickup from selected central Queenstown accommodations by contacting the operator.
Lake Wakatipu driveThe itinerary allows 1.5 hours for the Lake Wakatipu stretch on the way to the track head.
Routeburn Track walkAround 2 hours of guided walking on the Routeburn Track.
Return to QueenstownThe tour ends back at the meeting point, 37 Shotover Street.

GuideIncluded

PickupIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points, plus what travellers report, will help you prepare for this trip.

What to bring. Bring suitable footwear, water, a camera or phone, a daypack, sun protection and a waterproof jacket. A hat and gloves are suggested in cooler weather. Light snacks and water are provided, but carrying your own supply does no harm.
Pace and fitness. Reviews repeatedly describe the track as easy and manageable, with one family calling the walk very family friendly. The operator notes that most travellers can participate, and asks that any current or past health issues, injuries or medications that could affect hiking be flagged in advance.
Group feel. The group is capped at 12 travellers, and one reviewer appreciated the small-group setup. One pair reported running as the only guests that day, with the company still honouring the booking. Reviewers consistently describe the guides as knowledgeable and friendly.
Weather. The tour operates in most weather conditions and may be altered or cancelled if conditions are unsafe. If poor weather cancels your departure, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Pack the waterproof jacket regardless.
Photos. Reviewers call the scenery stunning, from the drive along the lake to the forest on the track itself. Bring a camera or phone. One traveller noted there is not much variety to see during the forest walk itself.

Ready To GoCheck availability →

Common issues. A minimum of 2 passengers is required for the departure to run, rising to 4 on NZ statutory holidays, and if minimums are not met you will be offered an alternative departure or a full refund. One reviewer felt the walk had little to see beyond forest, and another thought travellers with a rental car could do it independently. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The tour is a small-group trip with a professional guide, light snacks and water, and pickup from selected central Queenstown accommodations, which must be arranged with the operator. Park admission on the itinerary carries no ticket fee.

Do I Need To Pay Park Entry Fees Separately?

No. The itinerary lists both Lake Wakatipu and the Routeburn Track with free admission, so there is no entry fee to budget for on this walk.

Where Does The Tour Meet, And Is Pickup Included?

The meeting point is Info & Track at 37 Shotover Street in Queenstown. Pickup from selected central Queenstown accommodations is included and should be arranged by contacting the operator on 034426699 to confirm the arrangement and time. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is The Walk Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

Reviewers describe the walk as manageable and one family found it very family friendly. The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is pushchair accessible, and infant seats are available. Anyone with heart problems or other serious medical conditions is advised against joining, and health issues or injuries should be reported to the operator beforehand.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund applies if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, based on local time. Within 24 hours, no refund is given and changes are not accepted. If the tour is cancelled for poor weather or because minimum numbers are not met, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Wear And Bring?

Suitable footwear, water, a camera or phone, a daypack, sun protection and a waterproof jacket are recommended, plus a hat and gloves in cooler weather. Light snacks and water are supplied on the tour. The trip runs in most weather conditions, so prepare for changeable conditions.