Routeburn Flats via Nature Walk Loop

This section of the Routeburn is awesome because it can be done almost any time of year, and in almost any weather.

This route is outside any avalanche pathways, and the forest cover will keep you protected from light rain or from hot sun. It's a great option for beginners or for those just looking for an easy trail run, since the route is extremely well-maintained and has only a small gradual elevation change.

Starting from the Routeburn Shelter carpark, cross the bridge and follow the main track towards Routeburn Flats hut. The track roughly follows the Route Burn the 7.5 km up to the hut. There is one toilet along the way, about halfway through.

There are a few exceptional viewpoints, such as the canyons below Bridal Veil falls. All river crossings are bridged, and on a fine day you can come out with dry feet! Routeburn Flats Hut is the spot for a toilet/water/snack break. In the summertime it is a fully-serviced Great Walk hut with flush toilets and running water, while in winter it functions as a backcountry hut with a long-drop toilet and a water tank. Water here is normally fine to drink. On a sunny day there are plenty of picnic spots, or on a rainy day you can take refuge inside the hut.

The run back is mostly the way you came, except for a small detour towards the very end just after the bridge over Sugar Loaf Stream where you'll see a sign to take the other side of the Routeburn Nature Walk Loop. This adds a bit of variety to an otherwise out-and-back run!