Routeburn Guided Hike Experience - Full Day

Roger and Cass were our guides today. Great walk although my legs are jelly-like on our return, fortunately remedied by an hour in the Onsen. Roger was very knowledgeable about the area and especially interested in the bird life. My partner Julie really enjoyed his engagement with the environment and respect for the indigenous peoples and their customs. He was also chatty on all sorts of topics and interested in us and our journeys in NZ. I will definitely recommend this trip to friends and colleagues who are contemplating holiday time in Queenstown. Thank you so much for a memorable experience. Chris

My wife and I booked this full-day hike as part of our honeymoon. We were joined by a few other travellers in a small group for the hike. We highly recommend it! What made this day special was our guide, Angelo Georgalli. He is friendly, energetic, and caring. He knows so much about the nature and history of the lands. You could see his eyes sparkle when we spotted a few rare bird species. Also, he knew all the park rangers and staff and is a big part of the nature community there. Lastly, he frequently checked in with us to make sure we were moving at a good comfortable pace, while keeping us all on time. The views were amazing and the hike was a good challenge that pushed us.

I booked the full-day Routeburn hike through Nomads Queenstown and it was a highlight of my trip. My guide, Angelo Georgalli, was fantastic—super knowledgeable about the nature, birds, and surroundings, which made the experience so much more interesting. Everything was really well organised, and the scenery was incredible—waterfalls, forest, and amazing views up towards the saddle. We even had a bit of rain which made it more fun and adventurous. Highly recommend!

Luke was an amazing tour guide! No one else showed up from the group so he did the tour for me solo and was very accommodating about going whatever pace I wanted / stopping when I wanted to. Snacks provided were good and views were incredible all day even in the rain - saw rainbow on the drive in and back too!

What a phenomenal experience. Not only was the drive to the hike filled with epic scenery that literally did not feel real, but the hike itself was also breathtakingly beautiful. Our guide Angelo was so informative, kind, funny, and just a genuinely compassionate human being. I could not have asked any more from the tour, the group of people on the tour, and the guide. I highly suggest that you book this adventure during your trip to New Zealand. I can’t wait to do it again.

Sure you could drive yourself there…. And do the walk on your own. And bring your own lunch …But going with group and guide was much more fun. The walk itself is easy. We are a group of 4 mid to late fifties friends. Not exactly in the prime of our lives - and it felt like a vigorous stroll. Aidan our guide was good for a chat - answered all our daft questions and drive us there and back in comfort. I think some of the info on here and on the direct website is a bit misleading. We were out and about from qtown for 8 hours including about 5 of walking - i dont recall the steep incline or decline mentioned in the brochure ?

I really had a great time. The 2 lady guides were fantastic! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Such a beautiful scenery and track. I highly recommend the tour.

What a wonderful days walking on the Routeburn Track. Pick up from the hotel was by our guide Angelo. Once everyone had been picked up Angelo gave us an overview of the route and pointed out things of interest on the drive to the start point. The route itself was a gentle uphill walk for the first five miles and then quite a bit steeper for one and a half miles to the Falls Hut. The scenery was stunning and the forest enchanting. Along the way Angelo stopped to explain how the forest had evolved and what the plants were. He also had an extensive knowledge of the bird life in the forest. He was a very good guide constantly checking that everyone was ok and encouraging us. A Fantastic experience, one I’ll never forget, thank you Angelo.

This was an amazing day! Our guide, Angelo, was incredibly knowledgeable about all the plants, mosses and birds in this incredible beech tree forest that you hike through to get to the 2nd part of the hike where you go up to near the origin of the Routeburn River. This was a reasonable long hike at about 13 miles with elevation gain around 3,000 feet. It was slow and steady so no real killer elevation gains - just a fairly steady uphill hike. It is an up and back, and there are amazing vistas along the way.

Angelo G was the best guide, patient, encouraging and so knowledgeable. He took the time to explain bird sounds and all the fauna. So many beautiful plants!! Loved Angelo and the hike is stunning!!

Lucas from Nomad Safaris guided our small group along parts of the Routeburn Track. We walked to Routeburn Falls hut and had a great time. Lucas was knowledgeable about the area, flora and fauna. We learned to identify some bird species and trees. The day included pick-up and return to Queenstown in a minibus. Thanks Lucas! Could highly recommend this tour and guide.

our guide Ryan was great. Very friendly and informative . the trip was well organised and easy. we had a lovely day and hiked about 6 hours . the reason for me not giving a higher review score is because it was a very expensive day trip , and I don't feel it should be priced at almost £200 pp. The walk is all sign posted and very well trodden. suitable for all levels up to the short hike up to one of the huts ( which is optional ) I think a fairer price would have been around £50 pp. the drive there is about an hour and i understand this was included in price , but it was a group tour so again i dont feel fairly priced For the price we paid i would expect a unique hike or one which is not so easy for general public to find and access. i feel a bit ripped off tbh . As i said, nothing to do with the guide , he was great but i dont really understand how we can be charged so so much for a public footpath walk .

AWESOME day spent with Nick on the Routeburn Track hike. We were picked up on time in a sporty Landrover and Nick navigated the roads expertly. We had a quick stop in the charming town of Glenorchy and then off to the trail head. The hike along the river and through the native forest was beautiful and Nick set a comfortable pace. My husband and I really enjoyed our day with Nick and highly recommend Nomad Safari tours.

This hike is absolutely remarkable! Pictures and words can't capture the natural beauty of the trail and waterfalls, which don't disappoint from start to finish. Our guide, Lucas, was informative, fun, and energetic. Even when a giant tree fell from high winds, blocking the road, he got us help and -- with good humor -- got us all home safely. Thank you, Lucas! Also -- as the description tells you, DON'T do this hike unless you are in excellent hiking condition. It is strenuous in spots (especially the last hour assent to the final waterfall), and we even had to take off our boots and wade through moving water in one place (again, Lucas was a great guide and helped us across). So, if you are hesitant, trust your instincts and do an easier hike. All in all, I give it a 10 out of 10. It will be the highlight of my time in Queenstown -- made all the better being able to do it with my bestie from LA!

We did the full day Routeburn Hike and the whole experience was fantastic. On time pick up at our hotel was super convenient. Our guide, Lukas, was engaging, friendly, and knowledgeable. He provided lots of insights during the drive and throughout the walk. The provided lunch and snacks hit the spot, too. Great weather and we made it to the Falls hut and back pretty much on time. Definitely recommend doing this if in NZ.

Angelo was an amazing guide! He taught us so much about the different plants and birds in the area. The track itself was great, not too difficult but very scenic throughout the entire thing. Angelo had all the best stopping points along the trail, which was great for taking in the scenery. I would recommend this guided hike to anyone!

Angelo was an amazing guide! He taught us so much about the different plants and birds in the area. The track itself was great, not too easy and not too difficult, but really great views.

Our guide Angelo gave detailed and beautiful stories about the plants, animals and wilderness. Got to enjoy nature from the smallest plants to the rushing waterfalls. What a great experience!

My heartfelt gratitude to Nick from Nomad Safaris, who guided our family through breathtaking landscapes. Though we encountered few birds, we were fortunate to behold many renowned filming sites from *The Lord of the Rings*. A journey I wholeheartedly recommend to all who delight in hiking.

David was wonderful! A bit shy or slow to get started on the van trip to Routeburn but what a great and fun personality once we got him talking. David is knowledgable and fun! Five Stars from Doug and Leanna:) Best Wishes Young Man

Amazing, beautiful hike with waterfalls, rapids, mountains and wonderful guide, Josh who was patient and extremely helpful guiding two old soles over 10 miles and 5 hrs. A wonderful experience and best hike we have ever been on.

Jake did a great job showing us the Routeburn. Track. He showed us all the trees and plants answered all of our questions about the track. He was very easy to be with. We were very pleased with how the tour went.

Brilliant walk, long enough with incline to be catalogued moderate. Worthwhile trek to reach the end of day 1, waterfall and hut. Our guide Dan was very helpful and supportive. Lovely forest walk, well marked trail, many walking bridge crossings, very impressive.

We signed on for this day on the storied Routeburn Track at the urging of our much younger friends who had done the entire route - our own one-day portion involved nearly 12 miles, out and back, which for us was a full measure. The experience was manageable and within our limits, although testing - and the time in the stunning natural setting was absolutely worth it. Lucas our guide was first-rate - knowledgeable and helpful throughout, and careful to see that all in our small group were looked after. We had a perfect day, so clothing choices were not a concern. Good hiking footwear was key - also we are dedicated users of hiking poles and were very glad to have brought them. (A gallant fellow hiker gave up a stick to a woman on the group who would have struggled otherwise - good for him.) Too rigorous a day to be suitable for everyone - but a superb experience for those able.

We had the rainiest day of our vacation during this hike and it was amazing - even the adventure with the Tesla fob which didn't work at the end of the day. (we were thankfully rescued by another Nomad guide). The hike is well worth the effort, and it provided for some great sites, waterfalls, rushing rivers, and the flats area was interesting as well. Guide was attentive and had lots of information to share about the flora/fauna, and local area.

We had an amazing day hiking with Benjamin!!!! My husband and I are avid hikers and he kept us moving at an excellent pace. He was entertaining and kind and we could not have had a better day!!!!

We had an amazing hike led by Benjamin! He informed and entertained us on the drive to the trailhead from Queenstown. It was clear that Benjamin was experienced and focused on making this hike a great experience for us….he checked in periodically on the pace and our wishes for photos, and need for breaks. We preferred a faster pace and due to the smaller group, we were able to make it to the Landslide lookout where we had a tasty lunch and just enjoyed the view. The scenery was spectacular- clear water, forest, views of glaciers and some wonderful waterfalls. Thanks, Benjamin, for a very personalized and enjoyable hike of 11.5 miles! You have a gift for guiding!

The one day hike along the Routeburn track operated by Nomad Safaris was fabulous. Jono was a great guide, so knowledgeable, easy going, Charlotte in the office was excellent with communications. Highly recommend this company. thank you Nomad Tours for a memorable day. The best lunch spot

We had an amazing day! Fiona was a great tour guide, she was very knowledgeable and made the day spectacular. We had perfect weather, no clouds and no rain. Jumping in the water was definitely a highlight! Would recommend to anyone who likes a hike (intermediate) but stunning views

We recently had a full-day hike on the Routeburn Trek with expert guide Brent. It was challenging but manageable with Brent’s encouragement and informative narrative that made the time go by quickly. He introduced us to the magnificent flora, fauna, and beautiful scenery of the South Island. We would highly recommend this tour.

Esther was an excellent guide. Highly knowledgeable about the flora and fauna we met as well as being willing to talk about all things NZ for the benefit of the group. Her enthusiasm was catching. My great thanks to her. Mike Reynolds

Thoroughly enjoyed this walk. Amazing scenery, wonderful guide and friendly tour group. This was my first hike in over 20 yrs; the pace and length was perfect for a newbie and hope to do many more hikes in the future. Thanks for a great day!

Well experienced guide, friendly group of people, breathtaking view, amazing experience for beginner

It was such an amazing and happy trip. Sunlight, wind, and fresh air were perfect gifts of nature for us.

Great trip. Friendly and helpful guide led us through beautiful landscape up to Routeburn Falls. Great views and even a nice and chilly spot to cool your feet (Forge Flat).

We got picked up from our hotel and we headed to the trail head while learning about the region's history and other info in a cool off road vehicle. Graham was a fun and very experienced guide who was extremely knowledgeable about the region. We had a great hike up to the falls and enjoyed the full day despite the rain we had. Highly recommend and ask for Graham!!