Earnslaw Burn Track - Best Day Hike in New Zealand

Mar 23

One of my favorite backpacking trips in New Zealand without a doubt has been the Earnslaw Burn Track. It’s always my top recommendation for anyone I know who is capable and has the time to either squeeze it in as a day hike or for an overnight camping trip. Please note that this trail is very challenging with rough, uneven terrain and 15.7 miles is a long day hike.This guide will give you all the details you need to know about the Earnslaw Burn Track near Queenstown, New Zealand.

Overview

BACKPACKING ETIQUETTE

Leave No Trace: always "pack it in, pack it out." Be sure you bring all trash out with you, there are no services to discard trash and we want to keep these sacred places BEAUTIFUL.
STAY on the designated trail to avoid trail erosion
Respect wildlife: DO NOT feed, securely store your food and observe from a distance
Yield to others: uphill hikers have the right away

Trail Logistics

The night prior we stayed at a campground in Glenorchy equipped with showers and a small camps store; so we didn’t have to drive as far from Queenstown which is 1 hour 15 min away. There is little to no cell service so be sure to either download offline maps or plug into Google Maps your destination before leaving Glenorchy so you can find the car park! The parking lot will be very small and you will eventually see a DOC sign with information.

No permits are required for overnight camping. Here is a link for up-to-date trail conditions and you should always check before planning your trek. We encountered 1 major landslide that required us to scramble around on loose dirt but other than the trail felt safe. I personally wish I had brought my hiking poles for extra stability as the trail was quite uneven. The hike through the forest felt quite long before reaching the valley, but once the trail opens up there are gorgeous views all around you.

Camping is allowed on the public conservation land at the forest edge or Rock bivvy. Camping is not allowed on the private land in the upper valley. There are some spectacular flat spots the closer you get to the glacier but be aware they are colder and wetter.

DAY HIKE TIPS: It is possible to do this trek in a day but I would start as early as possible (7:00am) and bring plenty of water (unless you have a filter and want to drink the glacier water!) as well as snacks to enjoy the valley. The landscape in the valley is out of this world and you’ll want some extra time to enjoy it :)