Key Summit Track
Key Summit Track
4.8
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Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.8
52 reviews
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Travellingkavs
Hastings, New Zealand130 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Highly recommend getting stuck in to this walk on a clear day, not sure I would have loved getting to the top and finding out clouded in! Was a consistent up hill walk for 1.5hrs to the top where we took loads of photos of the stunning views and had some late lunch. Including our muck around at the top and plenty of photos on the way down we took a total of 3hrs with a 13yr old and a 10yr old.
If you're really unfit though I wouldn't really recommend it.
If you're really unfit though I wouldn't really recommend it.
Written 11 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mcmoscato
Annandale, VA47 contributions
Jan 2020
Key Summit is an outstanding easy excursion from the Milford Road or a quick side-trip from the Routeburn Track. 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 track is well graded and passes through pleasant forest with limited views. After a gradual climb a signed intersection points the way to the Key Summit Track, which veers above the Routeburn. The smooth track heads uphill via a series of moderate switchbacks.
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. Near the top of the climb the trail forks as part of a worthwhile nature loop. The route meanders on the high summit ridge, past beautiful tarns and with many outstanding viewpoints. 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. After completing the summit nature loop, head back down the way you came. It's about 4-5 miles in total ~ 2 hours and while steep in some places not a hard hike and rewarding with magnificent views
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. Near the top of the climb the trail forks as part of a worthwhile nature loop. The route meanders on the high summit ridge, past beautiful tarns and with many outstanding viewpoints. 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. After completing the summit nature loop, head back down the way you came. It's about 4-5 miles in total ~ 2 hours and while steep in some places not a hard hike and rewarding with magnificent views
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen & Sue
Canberra, Australia2,753 contributions
Jan 2023
This is the perfect way to experience one of NZ’s greatest walks in a day.
It’s an out and back hike of under 2 hours each way – and, if you’re fortunate, or have had time to pick the right day, the views are sensational.
The walk starts at the Divide car park about an hour from Te Anau, then pretty quickly starts heading up. About an hour in is the diversion to Key Summit, and then it just keeps heading up and up.
There’s actually the world’s most scenic toilet up here should you need it, but everywhere you look the views are superb once you break the tree line.
Keep heading up another 15 minutes to the lookout spot, then follow the loop back down the way you came.
You won’t mind doing it all again as it’s a lovely walk and you’ll see plenty of different sights heading the same way.
It’s an out and back hike of under 2 hours each way – and, if you’re fortunate, or have had time to pick the right day, the views are sensational.
The walk starts at the Divide car park about an hour from Te Anau, then pretty quickly starts heading up. About an hour in is the diversion to Key Summit, and then it just keeps heading up and up.
There’s actually the world’s most scenic toilet up here should you need it, but everywhere you look the views are superb once you break the tree line.
Keep heading up another 15 minutes to the lookout spot, then follow the loop back down the way you came.
You won’t mind doing it all again as it’s a lovely walk and you’ll see plenty of different sights heading the same way.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlobeTrotters4001
Brisbane, Australia865 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We decided to do this track as it was a beautifully fine sunny day when, over the past week, it had been overcast, rainy, windy, and cold. All reviews were accurate. It's a comfortable, easy, gentle gradient for much of the just over 3 kms to the summit - total of about 7km. The track is very well maintained even after their landslides. Views at the top of the Fiordland National Park are spectacular. The walk traverses native vegetation of beech trees, sub-alpine shrublands, tarns, and bogs. There was some bird life here in May, perhaps not as much in the summer months. But we managed to catch sight of a Kaka in a tree on the climb up, ripping away the bark of the tree. I loathe uphill climbs, but this was respectable.
Written 7 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ferrellius
Albany, Western Australia75 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
A switchbacked trail through beautiful forest to some great views of mountains, Marion Lake & valley. We had been told by a local that there is an extension to the track that goes off to the left of the lookout, the track starts off a bit vague & soon has you going through a muddy forest & then up along a ridge to a point with the most amazing 360 degree views of mountains, valleys & several lakes. The view is so so much more impressive than the Key Summit lookout, will blow you away, a must do if you have the extra time. Another bonus is the crowds really thin out on this extended section of the track.
Written 8 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura
Cary, NC328 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
Park at the Divide Car Park. Moderate 2.5-mile roundtrip hike along the Routeburn Track (one of NZ’s “Great Walks”) - splits near the summit to take the side trail 20 minutes up to Key Summit (sign post at trail fork). Starts with steady elevation gained walking under lush tree canopy and includes a nice waterfall on the side of the trail. Once you get above the tree line, you get some sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. At the summit, you can do the 20 minute nature walk (combo of trail and boardwalk) to get the full experience - definitely worth it. There are bathrooms at the trailhead and at the summit (bring TP). No potable water on the track.
Written 14 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laf2travel
New York City, NY31 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
We did this hike on the way out to Milford Sound and it took about 2.5 hours round-trip from the car-park. The path itself is well-maintained and has a definite but manageable and steady uphill rise. The first part of the walk follows the Routeburn Track, and a sign marks the turn off to Key Summit. 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 rain had mostly stopped and the storm clouds were lifting, and we watched the shadows of the cloud clusters fall on the trees and mountains as they were blown away by the brisk wind. 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. It was an excellent stop to break up our car trip and stretch our legs, and would probably be suitable for kids over the age of five or six if you were willing to take it slowly and could bring plenty of snacks. 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.
Note: Near the summit, the park services have laid down a wooden walkway and path, but we could see spaces where visitors had walked off the path for pictures and left shoeprints in the mud or trodden on the local flora. Please take care and stay on the path -- the native vegetation grows in a unique soil environment and must be protected and preserved.
Note: Near the summit, the park services have laid down a wooden walkway and path, but we could see spaces where visitors had walked off the path for pictures and left shoeprints in the mud or trodden on the local flora. Please take care and stay on the path -- the native vegetation grows in a unique soil environment and must be protected and preserved.
Written 24 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cas Emilie
London, UK39 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Now I'm not going to lie, this walk was difficult. The walk is constantly uphill and will knacker you out if you're unfit like me. But what's more promising is the fact that you can do it if you're unfit! If the sky is clear take sunscreen and plenty of water (a travel tap is best as there is fresh alpine water at the top). We did the extended walk which was right to the very top. We were greeted by a few Kia who are naturally curious and came up really close. The views however were absolutely spectacular. Every single picture looked like a postcard. Plus the steep decline on the way down felt so rewarding. Since this walk is slightly more difficult there is hardly anyone at the top! A must do walk in NZ
Written 6 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry P
Fargo, ND677 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
It is not an easy walk to get to the top of the Key Summit, but it is well worth it. When you get to the Summit, be sure to follow the Alpine Nature Trail that is interesting in and of itself, but also leads to another set of beautiful views of Lake Marian in the distance.
Written 7 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kuma
42 contributions
Dec 2017
It was a strenuous 2 plus hours walk uphill to the Summit. Along the way there are many people and I get to see quite a few seniors like myself.
The top is beautiful with a garden and pond. The changing vegetation along the way was interesting too.
Coming down was less than an hour.
In all it’s a worthwhile effort!
The top is beautiful with a garden and pond. The changing vegetation along the way was interesting too.
Coming down was less than an hour.
In all it’s a worthwhile effort!
Written 13 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you still get to this hike now that a portion of the road to Milford Sound is closed?
Written 23 February 2020
No. Sadly the road is shut at Cascade Creek, still some distance from the Divide car park at the start of the Routeburn and Key Summit Tracks.
There is no way, currently, to get to the start of this track, or any others in this area.
Other options you should consider are the other end of Routeburn, from Glenorchy, or taking a water taxi from Te Anau and doing sections of the Kepler track.
We did day walks on all of these and the Glenorchy end of Routeburn and the Kepler day walk were the best.
The NZTA traffic map will give you the best advice on which roads are open, and when.
Written 24 February 2020
Vincent S
Cairns, Australia
We are visiting in August and would love to know if the track will be accessible whilst there? We will have a 4 year old and 2 year old with us.
Written 27 January 2019
Hi, just a correction: I meant "Department of CONSERVATION," not Commerce. Sorry for any confusion.
Written 27 January 2019
Can you give some more details about how to spot it? Thanks!
Written 14 December 2018
Is it necessary to do the Routeburn Track with a guided group, or is it easy enough to do alone? My husband and I will be there next month with our son (20)- would like to spend a day with some time on the water and some time hiking. Are we best to join one of the (many) organized groups or go it alone? We will have a car. All advice welcome! Thanks!
Written 9 October 2018
If driving through are there signs for the Divide Carpark?
Written 20 March 2017
There will be a some signs but you might miss it if you're not looking. It will be best to use a GPS like google maps so you can tell when you're arriving.
If you're driving from Te Anau it will be roughly an hour drive (84km), the carpark will be located on the right.
Written 20 March 2017
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