Owing to the environmental and safety considerations, the field is limited to 350 competitors. Good Times Events reserves the right of acceptance, places will be allocated from eligible entries in the order received online. If requested on the entry, unsuccessful entrants will be placed on a waiting list - also in the order received. Unsuccessful entries will be refunded after entries close. Withdrawal costs apply to all withdrawals prior to event after entering as per terms and conditions.
The date for 2012 Classic is Saturday 28th of APRIL.
Entries open on JANUARY Monday 30th 2012 at 7am.
Limited field of 350 participants. First in first served basis.
Entries are taken by logging into this website.
Entry cost is NZ$179.
| Location | Distance From Start | Metres Above Sea Level |
|---|---|---|
| Start Line: Milford Road |
0 km | 550 m |
| Key Summit | 2.8 km | 827 m |
| Howden Hut | 3.5 km | 950 m |
| Earland Falls | 7.2 km | 1000 m |
| McKenzie Hut | 12 km | 925 m |
| Oceans Peak | 15 km | 1215 m |
| Harris Saddle Shelter | 19.5 km | 1292 m |
| Falls Hut | 23 km | 992 m |
| Flats Hut | 25.5 km | 725 m |
| Finish Line: Routeburn Shelter |
32.2 km | 515 m |
The start is 500m before the Divide, this has the effect of spreading the field before you reach the single track of the Divide. From here you climb a well-graded track to the turn off to Howden Hut. You then descend to Lake Howden Hut for a chance to replenish your water supplies, before gradually climbing through lush silver beech forest to the base of Earland Falls. You will look over the Hollyford Valley to the ice capped Darran Mountains before descending to the lodge at Lake Mackenzie where another drink station is positioned and compulsory gear check is carried out. YOU MUST REACH Mackenzie Hut (12km mostly up hill) BEFORE THE 10.30PM CUT OFF TIME. (2 and a half hours from the start) Those that do not meet this cut of time will return to the start either with the marshals or in their own time. The marshalls will assist with rides back to Queenstown.
You leave the ancient forest draped in moss and lichen, and enter the alpine world of daisies, buttercups, gentians and edelweiss. Here you have a full vista of the Darran Mountains across the Hollyford Valley, which slices through Fiordland to the distant Tasman Sea at Martins Bay. At the Harris Saddle (1277m), After running around Lake Harris you come into more intimate terms with the mountains towering above the upper basins of the Routeburn River as you descend to the Routeburn Falls hut.
Enjoy the dramatic landscape around the Falls, before descending to the alpine pastures of the Routeburn Flats. The track shadows the river as it roars through a magnificent gorge before plunging beneath the unyielding rocks at the Sump. From here it is a gentle run through columns of red beech trees to a large swing bridge. It is then just 200meters to the Routeburn Shelter at the road end where the finish line is.
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Click here for the course map of the Routeburn Classic. (PDF)
Maps were made by Geographx.


ABLE Rentals will look after athletes and support crew from their fleet of motor vehicles. Best rates in Queenstown.
The Price Giving Dinner is a special event in itself. The venue for the function is Skyline Restaurant at 7.00pm on Saturday 28th after the event. We will indulge in a delicious buffet dinner and a few Speight's Summits only enhanced by the unrivaled views from Skyline above Queenstown. You and your comrades will share tales of glory from on the Routeburn Classic. This will be the cherry on top so to speak of an unforgettable adventure.
There will be photographers from Magic Memories on the track and photos will be available for sale at the Prize Giving Dinner at Skyline. Bookings for the Price Giving Dinner are taken when you enter. This includes salad bar & cheeses, Soup and rolls. Japanese rice and pickles. A great selection of hot and cold seafood, a hot buffet meal including two types of roast meats. If you still feel the need to consume there is a delicious desert buffet. You and your support crew will receive a complimentary gondola ride to this special event! (Normally $30.00).
Dinner is NZ$57.00
Click here for a sample of the Dinner Menu.
Back to TopIMPORANT: When booking accommodation mention that you are a part of the Routeburn Classic event to receive special rates at the Sponsor Hotels below. It is highly recommended that you book for dinner (held at the conclusion of the compulsory briefing on Friday 27th) and breakfast the following day prior to the bus departing the Distinction Luxmore Hotel. You are going to need that fuel to burn three hours later. There will not be any where else open for breakfast at that time of the morning in Te Anau. All prices quoted below include GST.
Phone 03 249 7526 (Remember to say you are part of the Routeburn Classic) or reservations@distinctionluxmore.co.nz (www.distinctionluxmore.co.nz)
Phone 03 450 1507 or freecall on 0800 424 988 (Remember to say you are part of the Routeburn Classic) or reszqn@heritagehotels.co.nz (www.heritagehotels.co.nz)
The Ultimate Hikes team of athletes use the Routeburn Classic as their last hooray of the Great Walks season.
Their runners are fund raising for a greater good that of the 'Fiordland Conservation Trust'. If you can please help the team raise the money they require by following the link below. Your contribution will help improve and maintain the brilliant natural environment that we all enjoy over the Classic weekend.