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50 min
Fly by helicopter from Queenstown over Skippers Canyon to a glacier landing near Earnslaw Burn.
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45 min
45-minute helicopter flight over Mt Earnslaw with a glacier flyover and an exclusive valley landing.
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1 hr 15 min
75-minute scenic flight from Queenstown with an exclusive landing beside glacier-fed waterfalls.
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The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on this tour remember — all visible on a single visit.
Spectacular icefalls tumble from the sheer rock faces of the mountain. This feature is the main draw for an Earnslaw Burn track tour.
A deep, U-shaped valley carved by glacial activity. It offers dramatic views of cascading waterfalls.
The initial section of the Earnslaw Burn track tour features dense beech forest. It contains many root-lined paths and moss-covered trees.
The transition from the forest reveals a vast alpine basin. This is where the Earnslaw Burn track tour leads to the foot of the mountains.
The Earnslaw Burn track provides a rugged wilderness hiking experience, while the TSS Earnslaw offers a relaxed, historic steamship voyage across Lake Wakatipu. Most visitors find that these earnslaw burn track tour tours serve entirely different travel goals.
| Feature | Top pick Earnslaw Burn Hike | TSS Earnslaw Cruise |
|---|---|---|
Experience Type |
Backcountry hiking trail | Historic steamship cruise |
Physical Exertion |
High energy required | Low, seated comfort |
Primary Focus |
Glacial scenery and flora | Heritage and lake views |
Location |
Mount Aspiring National Park | Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown |
Booking Necessity |
High for guided groups | Essential in summer |
Accessibility |
Challenging, uneven terrain | Wheelchair accessible options |
| See tickets → |
Verdict: Choose the earnslaw burn track tour if you seek an active mountain challenge, or select the steamship for a classic, leisure-focused excursion that requires fewer earnslaw burn track tour tickets.
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Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.
Practical details for your visit straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
Lovers Leap Road, Glenorchy
Park in the designated area near the farm gate.
Follow the Glenorchy-Paradise Road to Lovers Leap Road for a 15-minute drive from Glenorchy. Parking is limited at the start of the Earnslaw Burn track tour.
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are mandatory due to deep mud and root-filled forest floors. Wear moisture-wicking layers and carry high-quality waterproof jackets for unpredictable alpine weather.
Carry all necessary supplies in a comfortable, fitted backpack. There are no security checkpoints for the Earnslaw Burn track tour, but hikers should carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) as there is no mobile coverage.
The Earnslaw Burn track tour offers dramatic hanging glacier views, though light contrasts in the deep valley can be difficult. Use wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of Mt Earnslaw's towering rock faces.
The trail is not wheelchair accessible and is physically demanding for those without advanced tramping experience. Frequent obstacles including fallen trees and steep, root-covered sections make this unsuitable for young children.
The Earnslaw Burn track tour is not recommended for families with young children. The technical nature of the hike requires high fitness and navigation skills beyond general hiking levels.
Carry all food and hydration supplies as there are no facilities on the Earnslaw Burn track. Fresh water can be collected from mountain streams, though treating or filtering is advised for safety.
Lovers Leap Road, Glenorchy
Park in the designated area near the farm gate.
Get directionsBest time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
December to February offers the longest daylight hours for an Earnslaw Burn track tour. Temperatures are mildest, though high-altitude weather remains unpredictable.
March to May provides stable weather conditions for experienced hikers. The foliage changes add unique visual depth to your Earnslaw Burn track tour photos.
September to November can be wet and muddy, with higher water levels in streams. Navigation on the Earnslaw Burn track tour requires extreme caution during this period.
June to August is not recommended for an Earnslaw Burn track tour unless you are an expert mountaineer. Expect frost, ice, and potential avalanche risk.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
The trail is often unformed and faint, especially in the upper valley; carry a topographical map and know how to use it.
Be aware that stream levels rise rapidly after rain; if in doubt about a crossing, wait for the water to drop or turn back.
Begin your Earnslaw Burn track tour early to ensure you have maximum daylight, as the forest section is dark and slow-moving.
Expect significant windfall and root sections; hiking poles are essential for knee support and balance.
There are no toilets on the track; manage human waste responsibly by packing out all trash and waste.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
A scenic walk through beech forest ending at a tranquil alpine lake.
Flexible, no hidden fees.
The Earnslaw Burn track tour is located on public conservation land and does not require an entrance fee of 0 NZD. Please check specific booking terms for guided services regarding cancellation windows.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
Comfortable lodging located near the base of the national park.
The track is open 00:00–23:59 daily, though we recommend an early start for the Earnslaw Burn track tour.
The Earnslaw Burn track tour is considered challenging and requires advanced navigation skills, so it is not recommended for beginners.
There are no toilet facilities on the Earnslaw Burn track tour, so please plan accordingly.
No, there is no mobile phone coverage on the Earnslaw Burn track tour, so carry a personal locator beacon.
Entry to the track is 0 NZD as it is located on public conservation land.
Depending on your pace, an Earnslaw Burn track tour can take a full day or multiple days.
Dogs are strictly prohibited on the Earnslaw Burn track tour.
For safety, start the Earnslaw Burn track tour between 06:00–10:00 to ensure enough daylight.
Yes, guided hiking tours are available for the Earnslaw Burn track tour to help with navigation and safety.
Pack high-energy food, water, sturdy boots, a map, and a personal locator beacon for your Earnslaw Burn track tour.