Full-Day Small-Group Routeburn Valley Walk

The Routeburn Valley Walk is a renowned hiking experience that allows adventurers to enjoy New Zealand’s stunning natural landscapes. This full-day, small-group tour takes participants along a 14-kilometer trail, showcasing the region’s lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking alpine vistas. With personalized attention from a professional guide and hassle-free transportation from Queenstown, the Routeburn Valley Walk promises an unforgettable journey for travelers seeking a moderate outdoor challenge. But what we love about this tour from the rest, and why might it be the perfect fit for your next New Zealand adventure?

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview

2 Trail Description

3 Difficulty and Fitness Level

4 Group Size and Inclusions

5 Meeting and Pickup

6 Requirements and Information

7 Cancellation and Reviews

8 Booking and Availability

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

A full-day small-group tour of the Routeburn Track, a moderately difficult 14-kilometer round-trip hike showcasing diverse landscapes in New Zealand.
Includes transportation from Queenstown, professional guide, picnic lunch, afternoon tea, fresh fruit, and bottled water.
Maximum group size of 10 travelers for personalized attention, with a minimum age of 15 required.
The trail features lush forests, crystal-clear streams, panoramic viewpoints, and alpine lakes, suitable for travelers with reasonable fitness.
The tour operates in all weather conditions, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start and high customer ratings.

Tour Overview

The Routeburn Valley Walk is a full-day small-group tour that explores the scenic Routeburn Track, renowned for its mountain lakes, river valleys, waterfalls, and forests.

Located in Queenstown, New Zealand, the 14-kilometer (8.7-mile) round-trip hike is moderately difficult, suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level.

The tour includes hassle-free transportation from Queenstown, a professional guide, a picnic lunch, afternoon tea, fresh fruit, and bottled water.

With a maximum group size of 10 travelers, the experience ensures personalized attention.

Participants must be at least 15 years old and wear appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

The tour operates in all weather conditions and can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Queenstown

Trail Description

Departing from the Routeburn Valley, the trail winds through diverse landscapes, offering hikers a captivating journey through the region’s natural beauty.

Trekkers will traverse lush forests, cross crystal-clear streams, and ascend to panoramic viewpoints that showcase the grandeur of the Southern Alps.

As they make their way along the trail, they’ll encounter cascading waterfalls, serene alpine lakes, and towering peaks that seem to reach for the sky.

The route’s moderate difficulty level ensures that it’s accessible to travelers with reasonable fitness, allowing them to enjoy the stunning scenery without feeling overly challenged.

Throughout the trek, the guide’s expertise ensures that hikers stay on track and make the most of this unforgettable adventure.

Difficulty and Fitness Level

According to the tour overview, the Routeburn Valley Walk is moderately difficult, suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level.

Despite the moderate challenge, the trail’s scenic beauty and diverse landscapes make it an accessible option for hikers seeking an immersive outdoor experience in the Southern Alps.

While not recommended for those with serious medical conditions, the Routeburn Valley Walk can be enjoyed by most travelers with a moderate level of physical fitness.

The 14-kilometer (8.7-mile) route includes some steep sections and uneven terrain, but with the guidance of a professional guide and the support of the tour, hikers of varying abilities can successfully complete this scenic journey through the Routeburn National Park.

Group Size and Inclusions

A maximum of 10 travelers can join this Routeburn Valley Walk tour, ensuring a small-group experience.

The tour includes hassle-free round-trip transportation from Queenstown, as well as a professional guide to lead the way and prevent getting lost on the trails.

Travelers will enjoy a picnic lunch, afternoon tea, fresh fruit, and bottled water throughout the day, with all National Park fees and taxes covered by the tour price.

Whether you’re after a scenic hike or a relaxing day in nature, this tour has you covered.

With a minimum of 2 people required per booking, it’s the perfect way to experience the stunning Routeburn Track with like-minded adventurers.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour starts at 8:00 am, with pickup points available for guests to select during booking. A minimum of 2 people is required per booking, and the tour won’t operate without at least 2 participants. Here’s a table that outlines the pickup details:

Pickup Point	Time
Queenstown CBD	8:00 am
Fernhill	8:10 am
Arthurs Point	8:20 am
Frankton	8:30 am

Guests will receive confirmation of their booking within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants should come prepared with appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

If you're enjoying exploring Queenstown on foot, you'll love these other walking tours we recommend

Requirements and Information

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available.

Travelers must be at least 15 years old, with a child rate applying only when sharing with 2 paying adults. Guests should disclose any dietary requirements when booking.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are required. Participants can’t have any serious medical conditions, such as heart problems.

The Routeburn Valley Walk is a moderately difficult hike, suitable for travelers with moderate fitness levels. Traversing the scenic Routeburn Track, the tour offers stunning views of mountain lakes, river valleys, waterfalls, and forests.

With a maximum group size of 10, this small-group experience ensures personalized attention from the professional guide.

Cancellation and Reviews

Travelers can cancel their reservation for the Routeburn Valley Walk free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Confirmation of the booking is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour has an impressive 5.0 rating based on 7 reviews, with no negative feedback reported.

Rated 5-stars by adventurous hikers
Breathtaking scenery along the Routeburn Track
Hassle-free transportation and knowledgeable guides
Delightful picnic lunch and refreshments included

With flexible cancellation policies, convenient transportation, and exceptional reviews, the Routeburn Valley Walk is an ideal choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable hiking excursion in the stunning New Zealand wilderness.

Booking and Availability

To book the Routeburn Valley Walk, a minimum of 2 people is required per reservation.

Travelers can select their preferred pickup point during the booking process, with the tour departing promptly at 8:00 am from Queenstown. The full-day small-group experience is subject to availability, and confirmations are provided within 48 hours.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants should wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Travelers with no serious medical conditions are welcome to join the moderately difficult 14-kilometer hike, which showcases the scenic beauty of the Routeburn Track.

With a maximum group size of 10, the guided tour ensures travelers won’t get lost on the trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do We Need a Permit to Hike the Routeburn Track?

Yes, hikers need a permit to access the Routeburn Track. The track lies within New Zealand’s national parks, and permits are required to ensure the protection and sustainable use of these natural areas.

What Equipment and Gear Should We Bring for the Hike?

For the Routeburn Track hike, hikers should bring sturdy hiking boots, rain/cold weather gear, plenty of water and snacks, sun protection, and any necessary medications. Trekking poles may also be helpful for the moderately difficult terrain.

Are There Any Precautions for Spotting Wildlife on the Trail?

While hiking the trail, travelers should stay alert for wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Avoid approaching or feeding any animals encountered, as this can be dangerous. Following the guide’s instructions is crucial for safely spotting wildlife during the hike.

Can We Extend the Hike to Include More Viewpoints?

The tour can’t be extended to include more viewpoints, as it’s a set itinerary. However, the hike covers the Routeburn Track’s scenic highlights, including mountain lakes, valleys, and forests. Travelers should discuss any specific requests with the tour operator.

What Is the Refund Policy if the Tour Is Canceled Due to Weather?

If the tour is canceled due to weather, travelers can get a full refund. The tour provider has a flexible cancellation policy allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts.