10 October 2026
Cloud about the tops, and light showers developing this evening.
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1 / 5Mount Aspiring National Park
Sugarloaf/Rockburn Track
This marked track traverses moraine through beech forest from Lake Sylvan.
Distance
16.9 km
Walking time
8-11 hr (Routeburn carpark - Lake Sylvan Campsite)
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Outdoor alert
Outdoor alert
Weather outlook
Mount Aspiring National Park forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 7:33 am
11 October 2026
Showers clearing to partly cloudy in the afternoon. Snow to 1900 metres at first.
12 October 2026
Fine, but becoming overcast at night.
13 October 2026
Showers turning to heavy rain. Snow lowering to 2500 metres.
14 October 2026
Heavy rain easing. Snow to 1700 metres.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Sugarloaf/Rockburn Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Sugarloaf/Rockburn Track
Start on the Routeburn Track and 15 minutes in you'll see the sign for the Sugarloaf Track to the left. The track climbs steadily through beech forest over plenty of tree roots. There are many little streams to cross. From the bushline the track climbs over a grassy saddle, which can be boggy. The Rockburn Track starts with a tricky descent and crosses many more small streams. It flattens out as it sidles the river, and has a sign to turn off to Rockburn Shelter. From here you can follow the signs to the Sylvan Trail and head towards Sylvan Lake. Continue past on the Lake Sylvan Track to the Sylvan Campsite . This is not a loop track - it's 3.8km/50 minutes road walking between the trailheads.
Getting there for Sugarloaf/Rockburn Track
Use these locations on Google Maps to find your way to the trailheads - Routeburn Shelter car park , and Lake Sylvan Campsite.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel
Dog access for Sugarloaf/Rockburn Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Sugarloaf/Rockburn Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.