Moderate switchbacks lead uphill, first through forest and then through open country with views that extend down the Hollyford Valley. Until this diversion, and for a short time after, the trail is a gently sloping uphill walk under a canopy of trees. Some more photos from Fiordland in New Zealand The hike itself is not that interesting (though we did see a kaka chewing on a branch on the way. I chose Routeburn x Key Summit Track as it seems to fit our needs in time for a relaxing day trek that is not too easy nor tough. Enjoy panoramic views over mountains and alpine lakes on this half-day walk off Milford Road on the Routeburn Track - it's suitable families with children. Lake Howden Track; Hollyford Track Key Summit – Lake Marian Lookout Loop from Routeburn Track is an intermediate Hiking Tour. The path itself is well-maintained and has a definite but manageable and steady uphill rise. This half-day walk to easily accessible off of the Milford Road from the Divide Carpark, one of the access points to the popular backpacking trip. The turnaround point is the Lake Marian Viewpoint, where you can just see Lake Marian perched in a high hanging valley in the Darran Mountains across the Hollyford Valley. Help us improve the DOC website on mobile in less than 5 min. Near the top of the climb the trail forks as part of a worthwhile nature loop. Its position at the intersection of multiple major valley systems gives Key Summit commanding views of several of Fiordland's spectacular mountain ranges. Park your car at Divide car park to start part of the Routeburn Track about 1-1.5hr first then to Key Summit Track. Perfect day trek. We walked up to Key Summit as part of an organised day out to Milford Sound with 'Trips and Tramps'. 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. The path itself is well-maintained and has a definite but manageable and steady uphill rise. Park your car at Divide car park to start part of the Routeburn Track about 1-1.5hr first then to Key Summit Track. From here it is a 20 minute climb to Key Summit, with panoramic views over the Humboldt and Darran Mountains. Ascend through lush forest and into a unique alpine herb field offering panoramic views, this walk offers an incredible day out in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The popularity of … 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. Also, as in most places in NZ, dress in layers, as the amount of exposure and wind changes considerably over the course of the trek. A self guided alpine nature walk passes a range of native vegetation: beech forest, sub-alpine shrublands, alpine tarns and bogs. Wow, this is bang for your buck in terms of the ratio of views to climb. The Key Summit track via the Routeburn Track was my favorite of the ones we did on the South Island. It is an amazing day walk, combining stunning … The track up to Key Summit is the most popular substantial day-walk in Fiordland, and justifiably so. 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. 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. Located in Fiordland National Park and Milford Road/Milford Sound area in the Fiordland region 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. From here there's another 15 minutes to the lookout, for the classic instagram views though at least this section is mostly a circuit with some interesting pools. 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. There are signs during your drive to Milford Sound so you shouldn’t be … The Key Summit Track heads uphill from a signed intersection on the Routeburn Track. 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. If you only have time for one walk on your drive to Milford Sound, and the weather is fine, this track is well worth the effort. Most of the way up is wooded, which we appreciated because it was raining, and we passed a stunning waterfall, but overall I wasn't too impressed until we got near the top and then LET ME TELL YOU was it amazing. 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 Key Summit Track heads uphill from a signed intersection on the Routeburn Track. But beware - the summit is not the end. Detailed maps and GPS navigation for the hike: "Key Summit – Lake Marian Lookout Loop from Routeburn Track" 02:38 h 8.02 km. It said 3hr for return but we took <2hr for return.

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. Fairly easy walk with stunning views from the top, We did this hike on the way out to Milford Sound and it took about 2.5 hours round-trip from the car-park. Key Summit Track: 5/5 really - See 44 traveller reviews, 54 candid photos, and great deals for Milford, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Key Summit Track on the Routeburn Track By Leonie Freeman in collaboration with Department of Conservation Enjoy panoramic views over Fiordland mountains and alpine lakes as well as native vegetation and birdlife on this fantastic, easy half-day walk on … This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Near the top of the climb, the trail splits as … Key Summit is located at the southern end of the Routeburn Track in the heart of the Fiordland mountains. These interesting short and overnight walks are great options for getting outdoors with children. It’s definitely worth doing the nature trail loop as well. They mistook Lake McKerrow for the coast. Find key summit track stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. From here, the track climbs steadily to the Key Summit Track turnoff. This walk begins at The Divide, about 85 km along the Milford Road from Te Anau. 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. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We are making our way far South on the South Island to Milford Sound. It is a steady incline, but never too steep. 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. Not that tough. The first part of the walk follows the Routeburn Track, and a sign marks the. Park your car at Divide car park to start part of the Routeburn Track about 1-1.5hr first then to Key Summit Track. The Key Summit Track, part of the 2-4 day Routeburn Track (a New Zealand “Great Walk”), will get you off the main road and right into the heart of this natural paradise. Thousands of new, … As the trail emerges from the forest, there are outstanding views down the Hollyford Valley as a taste of the more expansive views to come. Most of the trail is relatively smooth and wide enough to pass people (which is good, since it’s a popular one). The track then continues on a gradual descent to the Lake Howden Hut, the perfect place to stop for lunch. Near the top of the climb, the trail splits as part of a worthwhile nature loop. This hiking trail, part of which is on the Routeburn Track, has it all, including panoramic mountain views, alpine ponds, pristine forest and small waterfalls. If the mountains are clouded in, you wll be walking through a cloud and see nothing. Key Summit Track Description The first part of the walk was in the bush, under a beautiful canopy of trees, ferns, and with the small waterfalls tumbling along the sides of banks you’re walking alongside. Located in Fiordland National Park and Milford Road/Milford Sound area in the Fiordland region, Mountain tarn at Key Summit Image: Shellie Evans ©, Boardwalk, Key Summit Track Image: Shellie Evans ©. In 1863, Government employed prospector Patrick Quirk Caples, travelled up from the Dart Valley along a route roughly following today’s track. Tour departs from Te Anau, with a drive along the Milford Road to the track. 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