Hike to Key Summit

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Save

View all 4 photos

All 4 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

5 miles

Elevation Gain

1640.4 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Tiffany Young

Climb above the bush line for panoramic views of the Southern mountains and alpine lakes!

In the Fiordland National Park, the Key Summit sits at the beginning of one of New Zealand's Great Walks, The Routeburn Track.

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. A toilet is available here before your adventure (the important things!)

The track will begin at the left side of the parking lot where you will be following the Routeburn Track for an hour. Be aware, you will cross paths of plenty of backpackers along the way! Be courteous of their journey. An hour in, the track with split with a sign that directs up to the Key Summit, a 20-30 minutes switchback climb that will well be worth it!

Once at the top, the track continues in a loop with a well made boardwalk over some marshy areas. The views will blow you away at every angle!

The Fiordland is filled so much natural beauty, this is just one worth the side trip.

Enjoy and tell me about your walk!

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Fitness

Chillin

Photography

Running

Hiking

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Lake

Scenic

Hike to Key Summit Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Lake Marian

The track starts soon after the turnoff onto Hollyford Rd off the Milford Highway. The track begins with a bridge crossing over a river and then soon reached Marian Falls. From the falls the trail climbs steeply through forest until the lake. The lake is a beautiful place to spend several hours and then return via the same track. The track is covered in roots and rocks and requires care as ...

Camp at Cascade Creek

This campsite is just off the Milford Highway. There will be a sign for the Cascade Creek Campground exit. Follow the dirt road for several minutes before reaching the campground. You may find a spot immediately, but the campground is fairly large and can get busy, so drive until you find a spot that works for you.

Hike to Gertrude Saddle

The trail begins at the signposted car park along Milford Road just before the Homer Tunnel, about 98km from Te Anau. Follow the marked track through the valley and left, steeply uphill. About halfway up you will cross the Gertrude Stream below a large, steep waterfall.Upon reaching Black Lake, continue up to your right. There are steel cabins to assist with the climb, as the rock can be slippe...

Valley of the Trolls

The Valley of The Trolls can be accessed from the head of Lake Harris, off the Routeburn track. The trail in the valley is a lot tougher going than the well maintained Routeburn track. The valley floor will quickly become a swampy bog after a rain. Getting to the trail is easily done about 300 meters before reaching the Harris Shelter. A small trail will branch off northwards from the Routebu...

Climb to Homer Saddle, Fjordland NP

This route is not marked, riddled with loose rock, and requires climbing on narrow exposed ledges. There are often snow patches on the saddle and an unchecked fall will almost certainly result in a fatality. However, for experienced and well prepared parties this can be one of the most rewarding and exciting adventures in New Zealand.From the car park you can see your destination, Homer Saddle,...

Day Hike the Routeburn Track

New Zealand's incredible Routeburn Track is popular for a reason, and to this day it is still one of the most beautiful hikes I've done. Usually backpacked in 3-4 days, this 20 mile hike is possible to do in one! During Great Walks season (October through April), huts and campsites along the track are booked through the local DOC site. These book up very quickly and if you're planning a last-m...