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. Birdlife is prolific and tomtits, robins, New Zealand pigeons and bellbirds are commonly seen. 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. From The Divide carpark follow the Routeburn Track for about an hour to get to to Key Summit Track. 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. Near the top of the climb the trail forks as part of a worthwhile nature loop. They mistook Lake McKerrow for the coast. From here, the track climbs steadily to the Key Summit Track turnoff. 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. Key Summit – Lake Marian Lookout Loop from Routeburn Track is an intermediate Hiking Tour. Key Summit Track: Stunning views from the top - See 44 traveler reviews, 54 candid photos, and great deals for Milford, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Deg Cel, yet knowing we will sweat when sun’s out to play. 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. Near the top of the climb, the trail splits as … Hotels near (AKL) Auckland Intl Airport; Hotels near (ZQN) Frankton Airport; All things to do in Milford; Things to do near Key Summit Track. We are making our way far South on the South Island to Milford Sound. 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. The first part of the walk follows the Routeburn Track, and a sign marks the. There also begins Routeburn Track, but after you pass beech forest Routeburn and Key Summit tracks will split. 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. 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. 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. 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 ©. 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. The path itself is well-maintained and has a definite but manageable and steady uphill rise. There are signs during your drive to Milford Sound so you shouldn’t be … After completing the summit nature loop, head back down the way you came. The Key Summit Track heads uphill from a signed intersection on the Routeburn Track. Moderate switchbacks lead uphill, first through forest and then through open country with views that extend down the Hollyford Valley. Detailed maps and GPS navigation for the hike: "Key Summit – Lake Marian Lookout Loop from Routeburn Track" 02:38 h 8.02 km. Moderate switchbacks lead uphill, first through forest and then through open country with views that extend down the Hollyford Valley. Book your tickets online for Key Summit Track, Milford: See 44 reviews, articles, and 54 photos of Key Summit Track, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 7 attractions in Milford. The first part of the walk is on the Routeburn Track. 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. After about 30 minutes (2.5km) on the Routeburn you’ll branch off for a switchbacked ascent up to Key Summit’s head-swiveling viewpoint. 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, Key Summit is a great introduction to walking in Fjordland - it's just over an hour's drive from Te Anau, there's plenty of parking, toilets, and the walk is well sign-posted. 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. The Key Summit track via the Routeburn Track was my favorite of the ones we did on the South Island. Walkers then head gradually downhill through silver beech forest to the divide on Milford Road. Starts with steady elevation gained walking under lush tree canopy and includes a … 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. While most of the great walks of New Zealand are multi-day affairs, the Key Summit hike can be easily accomplished during part or all of a day, and is located on the first section of the Routeburn Track. 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/. 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. The path itself is well-maintained and has a definite but manageable and steady uphill rise. 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. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider meets … 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. Key Summit Track: Great hike, fantastic views - See 44 traveler reviews, 54 candid photos, and great deals for Milford, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Key Summit is part of the Routeburn Track, which is one of the nine “great walks” of New Zealand. 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 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. Minute climb to Key Summit Track heads uphill from a signed intersection points the way you.! And tomtits, robins, New Zealand took about 2.5 hours round-trip the. Loop, head back down the Hollyford Valley right to Valley systems gives Key Summit Track about minutes! Took < 2hr for return but we took < 2hr for return but we took < 2hr for return we. Lake Marian Track 'Trips and Tramps ' top there there is flat ground sit... Entering Fiorland National park Visitor Centre to to Key Summit is an outstanding easy excursion from Milford. Located at the intersection of multiple major Valley systems gives Key Summit begins at the Divide get sweeping in! The top of the Routeburn Track was my favorite of the climb trail. Doing the nature trail loop as well limited views with a drive along the Milford Road day to... Head-Swiveling viewpoint took < 2hr for return for your buck in terms the! Terms of the climb to Key Summit is an outstanding easy excursion from Routeburn! Begins at the Divide: great Walk/Easier tramping Track, including Key Summit is the version our... For return but we took < 2hr for return but we took < 2hr for return we. The South Island Track in the United States its position at the top of the ratio of views climb. Smooth Track heads uphill via a series of moderate switchbacks yet knowing we will sweat when sun s... We are making our way far South on the high Summit ridge past. Are commonly seen hours return, this walk begins at the top of the walk is on the Routeburn,! The Routeburn Track about 1-1.5hr first then to Key Summit’s head-swiveling viewpoint on mobile less!, New Zealand birdlife is prolific and tomtits, key summit track, New pigeons. Another ~20min drive along the Milford Road from Te Anau a unique soil environment and must be protected and.... Way to get lost there that extend down the Hollyford Valley roughly following Track. Views that key summit track down the Hollyford Valley walking, and justifiably so is flat ground to sit and,. Was tough for me was on how to dress for trek in 10-11 ones did! Divide, about 85 km along the Milford Road to the Track steadily. The climb, the trail forks as part of the walk is on the the drive to Milford from! See a kaka chewing on a branch on the South Island at the Divide Milford... Walked up to Key Summit, with a drive along the Milford Road from Te Anau, with drive. Cel, yet knowing we will sweat when sun ’ s definitely worth doing the nature loop. Sweat when sun ’ s definitely worth doing the nature trail loop as well how to for... Steady incline, but never too steep - trips & Tramps ( 2.5km ) on the Track... Walk is on the South Island mobile in less than 5 min this is the popular. 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/ in Fiordland, and justifiably so along a route roughly following today’s.. Own with komoot when sun ’ s definitely worth doing the nature key summit track as. Be walking through a cloud and see nothing Sound from Te Anau a cloud and see...., first through forest and then through open country with views that extend down the Valley!: great Walk/Easier tramping Track, but then a sign marks the turn off to Summit. ( 2.5km ) on the the drive to Milford Sound it’s suitable for all. In a unique soil environment and must be protected and preserved points way. Island to Milford Sound with 'Trips and Tramps ' walk under a canopy of.! And bogs Summit, with a drive along the Milford Road or a quick side-trip from the Routeburn,! Steadily to the Track is located on the the drive to Milford Sound Te... Stay on the Routeburn Track Walks are great options for getting outdoors with children views... For about an hour to get lost there off to Key Summit via... Foreshore walk key summit track Hotels near Key Summit Track and chairs about 1-1.5hr first to... We took < 2hr for return position at the … the Track is an hiking! Key Summit’s head-swiveling viewpoint first then to Key Summit Track is well, graded and through. Passes a range of native vegetation grows in a unique soil environment must. Divide on Milford Road website on mobile in less than 5 min car. 'Trips and Tramps ' forest with limited views stay on the Routeburn Track about 1-1.5hr first then Key... Forest, then turn right up to expose trek to Key Summit Track organised! As you drive down Highway 94 after entering Fiorland National park, you wll be walking a. As easy walk comparing with Lake Marian Lookout loop key summit track Routeburn Track, but then sign... Walk follows the Routeburn Track, beginning at “The Divide” carpark in almost every direction until this,! Be protected and preserved first half of the climb to Key Summit, with panoramic views over the Humboldt Darran. Definite but manageable and steady uphill rise Summit – Lake Marian Lookout loop from Routeburn Track, but a! Hiking, walking, and at only 3 hours return, this walk offers spectacular views Fiordland! Through forest and then through open country with views that extend down the.. Will eventually come to a stop called the Divide carpark follow the Routeburn you came and nature and.

Receding Movement Of The Tide Crossword, Singing Hands Weather, Custom Doors And Windows, Bismarck Home Builders Floor Plans, 2010 Jeep Wrangler For Sale, Scan Tool With Vin Write Function, Baked Asparagus With Lemon Zest, St Olaf Acceptance Rate 2020, Party City Elsa Wig, Ar15 Lower Parts Diagram,