Routeburn Falls Hut
Great Walk hutMount Aspiring National Park, OtagoOpen
Current advisories
Routeburn Track bridges removed for winter
29 September 2026
Side-stream bridges have been removed between Harris Saddle and Lake Mackenzie Hut for winter. This will affect anyone planning to complete the full Routeburn Track. Stream levels can rise quickly. Crossings are not recommended in winter. First published on 16 June 2026. Last reviewed on 30 September 2026.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai alerts.
- Sleeps
- 48 bunks
- Booking
- Can book
- Heating
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Boil first
- Toilet
- Yes
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nz- Topo map
- Topo50 sheet CB09
- Grid reference
- E1219841, N5036327
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map and tracks
Track lines: DOC Te Papa Atawhai. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 44.72597° S, 168.19935° E
About this place
This is a 48 bunk, Great Walk hut on the Routeburn Track, Mt Aspiring National Park. Bookings required in the Great Walks season.
On the way here
Routeburn Track · 2-4 days
Routeburn Flats Hut to Routeburn Falls Hut
Time: 1 – 1 hr 30 min
2.3 km The track climbs steadily through stunning beech forest, providing views of the Humboldt Mountains. End the day at Routeburn Falls Hut, on the edge of the bushline and close to the impressive Routeburn Falls cascade.
Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hut
Time: 4 hr 30 min – 6 hr
11.3 km Climb steadily up the valley, through wetlands and tussock-covered flats, before sidling along the bluffs above Lake Harris to reach the highest point on the track at Harris Saddle/Tarahaka Whakatipu (1,255 m). Shortly after the Harris Saddle, the track brings you to Harris Saddle Shelter (day use only). Here you can take a break from the elements and use the toilet facilities provided. The track then descends and traverses along the exposed Hollyford Face, with expansive views over the Darran Mountains. This section of the track is well-known for its impressive array of alpine plants. A steady descent leads to Lake Mackenzie Hut, set beside the enchanting Lake Mackenzie. Darren Mountains on Google Street View
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Trip options
Walking times come from DOC track descriptions, added up leg by leg from car-accessible trailheads. Nights and return times are ParkUp estimates, allowing about 8 hours of walking a day.
2 options · 1 to 2 nights
Routeburn Shelter
Walking in
4 hr (via Routeburn Flats Hut)
Walking out
4 hr to Routeburn Shelter (via Routeburn Flats Hut)
Walking in
4 hr (via Routeburn Flats Hut)
Walking out
12 hr to The Divide (via Lake Mackenzie Hut)
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai track descriptions.
Fees and bookings
Backcountry Hut Passes can be used in this hut from 1 May to 31 October. Passes cannot be used from 1 November to 30 April.
Bookings are required in the Great Walks season. Book Routeburn Falls Hut online.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Routeburn Flats Campsite
Great Walk • Otago • 0.9 km
Routeburn Flats is a walk-in Great Walk campsite located in the Route Burn valley on the Routeburn Track in Mt Aspiring National Park. Bookings are required…
Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Routeburn Flats Hut
Great Walk • 20 bunks • Otago • 1.3 km
Routeburn Flats Hut is a 20 bunk Great Walk hut located on the Routeburn Track in Mt Aspiring National Park, Otago. Bookings are required during the Great…
Cooking • Heating • Mattresses
Lake Mackenzie Campsite
Great Walk • Southland • 4.6 km
Lake Mackenzie Campsite is a walk-in Great Walk campsite located on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park. Bookings are required during the Great…
Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Lake Mackenzie Hut
Great Walk • 50 bunks • Southland • 5.1 km
Lake Mackenzie Hut is a 50-bunk Great Walk hut on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland. Bookings are required during the Great Walks season.
Cooking • Heating • Mattresses
Walks nearby
Deadmans Track
Expert • 5 hr one way • 3 km • 4.2 km away
Routeburn Nature Walk
Easiest • 40 min - 1 hr • 5.89 km away
Humboldt Falls Track
Easy • 30 min • 1.2 km • 6.73 km away
Moraine Creek Route
Expert • 7-9 hr to lake, 9-11 hr to bivvy rock • 5.5 km • 8.02 km away
Scott Creek Track
Advanced • 5-7 hr return • 8.77 km away
Contact
Whakatipu-wai-Māori/Queenstown Visitor Centre
Regional DOC service centre.
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Huts (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- OpenStreetMap Huts · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.
- DOC Huts · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.