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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -44.67805, 168.29591. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 8-11 hr (Routeburn carpark - Lake Sylvan)
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Mount Aspiring National Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This marked track traverses moraine through beech forest from Lake Sylvan.
This DOC directory entry covers Sugarloaf/Rockburn Track in Otago, within Mount Aspiring National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 8-11 hr (Routeburn carpark - Lake Sylvan)
- DOC grade: Advanced
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Time:
2–3 hr to Lake Sylvan-Rockburn shelter
6–8 hr Rockburn shelter to Routeburn car park
The marked track traverses moraine through beech forest from Lake Sylvan. The Rockburn shelter is nestled in the forest, with a chasm, river beaches and pools closeby. Climb through forest to the fragile Sugarloaf Saddle where there are great views of the Rockburn and Routeburn Valleys. The descent to the Routeburn Track is steep.
Getting there
You can start this walk at either end by starting at the Routeburn car park or from the Lake Sylvan track which connects to this track.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
