Early statistics from the Department of Conservation's commercial business unit, in Wellington, revealed there were 21,730 bed nights recorded for adults and children in the 2011-12 season, with a peak of 4925 in January.
There were 11,052 trampers on the Routeburn last season.
The majority of the trampers, 3640, were New Zealanders, followed by 1738 Australians, 1408 Americans, 870 Germans, 703 Israelis and 598 Britons.
The latest season was consistent with those in the recent past, with 21,764 bed nights for the 2011-12 season, 21,287 bed nights for 2010-11, 23,092 for 2009-10 and 22,315 for 2008-09.
About 33% of bed nights for each of the seasons were taken by New Zealanders.
The majority group of trampers to stay overnight on the Routeburn Track last season were overseas visitors aged between 18 and 35, numbering 8746.
The department described the Routeburn as a 32km, two- to four-day track which took in "beech-forested valleys, alongside clear green rivers, glistening alpine lakes and breathtaking views from a mountain pass".
