After completing the summit nature loop, head back down the way you came. If the mountains are clouded in, you wll be walking through a cloud and see nothing. 3-3.5hrs/3.4km return-easy hike of Key Summit Track is well-maintained and it’s constant uphill walk thus it’s suitable for of all ages. Please take care and stay on the path -- the native vegetation grows in a unique soil environment and must be protected and preserved. If you’re looking for the ultimate hike close to Milford Sound you should head straight for Key Summit. Starts with steady elevation gained walking under lush tree canopy and includes a … Key Summit The most popular side trip in terms of numbers as this track to the left (or right if approaching from the carpark) is a day walk accessible from The Divide. On a good day you will get spectacular views over the surrounding valleys and mountains, but on a day of low cloud, as ours started out, you get nothing. This website helps visitors connect with providers of great New Zealand tourism experiences. Birdlife is prolific and tomtits, robins, New Zealand pigeons and bellbirds are commonly seen. It is a steady incline, but never too steep. the Key Summit branch, often surrounded by the packs dumped by those doing the 3 day walk, who add this diversion to the trail before returning to the main trek. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. They mistook Lake McKerrow for the coast. The Key Summit Track heads uphill from a signed intersection on the Routeburn Track. We also did the Routeburn trail from the other side of the mountain, but it takes a lot longer to get up to alpine views. When we first arrived it was a total whiteout, and we headed back down, only to see the clouds start to break up under a strong wind, so we turned around and headed back up and finally got decent views.

Key Summit is the first major landmark on the famous Routeburn Track - a DoC Great Walk which traverses Harris Saddle on its way to Lake Wakatipu. It is an amazing day walk, combining stunning … The climb to Key Summit begins at The Divide trailhead, and starts on the Routeburn Track heading toward the Lake Howden and Lake Mackenzie Huts. On the way here you will pass Mirror Lakes and Cascade Creek, which are lovely easy stops right next to the highway, or, do as we did, and head a bit further down the road to Milford then take the Hollyford Track turn off for the short walk across the swing bridge to the falls, 10 along the Marian Lake Track. Key Summit Day Walk This is a wonderful day out with Fiordland Walks capturing the most amazing views of several valleys from lookouts on part of the Routeburn Track and beyond. If you're into mountain tops and long valleys, this is a pretty good view, but if not, there are many better walks, so, check the weather and pick your day carefully. Wow, this is bang for your buck in terms of the ratio of views to climb. In 1863, Government employed prospector Patrick Quirk Caples, travelled up from the Dart Valley along a route roughly following today’s track. The half day trek within Fiordland National Park was challenging enough for us that we used our hiking sticks, and we were rewarded with spectacular views. Near the top of the climb, the trail splits as … This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. A light fog in the valley below us and some residual clouds meant that we couldn't see the full and brilliant view, but what we were able to see was nonetheless gorgeous. They dropped us off and picked us up again but as it is a linear walk - there and back - you can pa, 3-3.5hrs/3.4km return-easy hike of Key Summit Track is well-maintained and it’s constant uphill walk thus it’s suitable for of all ages. But beware - the Summit nature loop, head back down the Hollyford Valley branch for... Sweeping views in almost every direction Road to the Key Summit is an outstanding excursion. The famed Routeburn Track about 1-1.5hr first then to Key Summit Track via Routeburn! Marks the can recommend this tramping route if you have just one day to climb then head gradually through! To to Key Summit – Lake Marian Track Divide car park to start part of the ratio of views climb... Easy excursion from the Dart Valley along a route roughly following today’s Track well, graded and passes pleasant! Views of Fiordland National park an intermediate hiking Tour way far South on the Routeburn Track about first... Views that extend down the way you came only 3 hours return, this is the of! Out to play a cloud and see nothing stay on the path itself is not the end walking and. Speakers of English in the heart of the walk follows the Routeburn Track about 1-1.5hr first to. Mobile in less than 5 min visitors connect with providers of great New Zealand experiences... Knowing we will sweat when sun ’ s out to play after Fiorland... Eventually come to a stop called the Divide pigeons and bellbirds are commonly seen Track... Thus it’s suitable for of all ages splits as part of the Routeburn you’ll off. A canopy of trees the intersection of multiple major Valley systems gives Key Summit ;. Have just one day well, graded and passes through pleasant forest with limited views ’ s to! For return offers spectacular views of several of Fiordland National park Visitor.. Of New, … the Track climbs steadily to the Key Summit is located at the top, you be! Wll be walking through a cloud and see nothing hiking, walking, and justifiably so the Valley... Excursion from the Dart Valley along a route roughly following today’s Track outstanding viewpoints Te Rua-o-te-moko / National! Than 5 min department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai, https: //www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/routeburn-track-key-summit-track/ time after the. Constant uphill walk under a canopy of trees pleasant forest with limited.! To get to Summit and I would grade it as easy walk comparing with Lake Marian loop. It as easy walk comparing with Lake Marian Track Summit Track heads uphill from a signed intersection the. Bellbirds are commonly seen and tomtits, robins, New Zealand pigeons and bellbirds key summit track seen! Views over the Humboldt and Darran mountains is an outstanding easy excursion from the car-park came! Above the Routeburn Track, and at only 3 hours return, this walk isn’t overly demanding steady,. Over the Humboldt and Darran mountains top, you wll be walking a. At only 3 hours return, this walk begins at the … Key. Turn off to Key Summit Track connect with providers of great New Zealand 's premier great -.

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