I want to hike the Routeburn but it is just too expensive: Four tips on how to beat rising Great Walks prices

SO it’s a fact; hut prices for four of the nine New Zealand Great Walks are going up in October...


From 23 October, trampers from overseas will be paying almost double to stay on the track - and that includes the beloved Routeburn route too.

Non-Kiwis will have to pay $130 a night on the Fiordland National Park track from the Spring.

But don't fret, because here at Kinloch Lodge - the closest accommodation to the start of the Routeburn - we have some top tips on how to beat the rising prices and save some cash.
It'll be $130 per person per night to stay in DOC huts on the Routeburn Track from October 23. Picture: DOC

Tramp by day, hot tub by night: 

Kinloch Lodge is just 18 km from the start of the track and in summer we run regular, affordable transfers there and back. 
It’s possible to see the beautiful Routeburn Flats, Falls and Harris Saddle all in a day and then stay with us at night. 

 We have accommodation starting from $39 per person. 

So you can get that backcountry fix and then ease your aching muscles in the evening in our complimentary hot-tub. 


Rest your weary legs in our 38c hot tub

Summer's so mainstream, tramp in autumn instead:

Okay, so your heart is set on sleeping out in the bush but you can’t afford $130 per night? No dramas. 

If you head for the Routeburn before October 23 you’ll only pay the off-peak rate of $15 a night. It’s the same case after April next year. 

September and October are good months to go, though it is recommended to avoid the track in the depths of winter as it can be dangerous. 

Added bonus; fewer sandflies and mosquitoes. 

You can still use Kinloch Lodge as a base (we offer free parking and affordable transfers or even mountain bikes if you fancy getting to the start that way) and with the cash you save you can treat yourself to lake-view meal at our restaurant upon your return. 

Affordable route transfers

Lake-view, cosy backpacker accommodation






















Do it in a day:

Not for the faint-hearted, but it is possible to complete the 32km stretch in a day. 

Although, that is not recommended in the winter. What is recommended is stocking up with a delicious and hearty Full English breakfast from the Kinloch Lodge restaurant before you go. 

And, considering the calories you’ll burn, why not treat yourself to a slice of our world-famous carrot cake too. We also provide delicious packed-lunches. 
Stock up with a hearty breakfast or...
... grab a sweet treat for before, during or after the your hike

There's plenty more tracks in the bush:

Don’t want to pay $130? Simple, avoid the Routeburn altogether. 

Here at Kinloch we are surrounded by dozens of world-class routes from multi-day tramps, to full and half-day hikes and walks for all ages and abilities. 

Our friendly staff have expert, first-hand experience they are only too keen to share. 

How about a beautiful four-day, three-night hike along the Greenstone/ Caples tracks? Serviced huts on these spectacular routes are only $15 a night and the start is just 12 km from Kinloch. Again, we offer affordable transfers to and from the start. 

And for those desperate for some Routeburn action, the track links with the Greenstone/Caples inbetween the McKellar and Howden huts. So you can walk part of the Routeburn and stay overnight in Greenstone/Caples huts. Crafty. 

Routeburn or no Routeburn, you'll never be short of options for walking/hiking/tramping during your stay at Kinloch

So don't fret.  Click here to book and get on the trail.
See you soon!

Location: 862 Kinloch Rd, Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand

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