Key Summit Trail

I went up to Key Summit on 2/1/23. The trail was dry in hot weather, so no dangers from slips. It was very enjoyable seeing a waterfall on the way. Also seeing small pooly past most of the treeline. At the lookout from the Summit we could not see lake Marian. It could have been obscured from view by bushes. Even though we started from the carpark in high 20's temperature, at the summit the temperature was somewhere in mid teens, so some people starting of in light clothing might need to carry a jacket with them.

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.

Not sure why Google Maps indicate The Divide's carpark as being closed because it was certainly still there when I visited in November 2022.This was a nice if not somewhat tiring trial to go on bit the view at the top was amazing!

Good three hours return walk through the bush to the alpine lakes. Steady and fairly easy climb, suitable for all ages. This is also mark the beginning/end part of the multi days Routeburn track.

Steady incline in trees to a beautiful plateau with multiple tarns that looked like a Japanese zen garden and 270 degree views. We went on a nice day in the evening and there was barely anyone else on the trial. Took us about 2 hours round trip (we’re relatively fit). There is also parking and bathrooms at the bottom.

In my opinion, one of the most beautiful tracks in NZ.

Been hiking to this summit with my husband, but unfortunately the weather is horrible.. Once we reach the summit, it's all foggy and rain.. Could not see the view.But it will be nice for sure when the weather is bright and sunny..The track is not so long, only 1,5hr one way.A bit hike, and you need a proper hiking shoes as its slippery when wet..

Got to be one of the most stunning short day walks on the planet. If the cloud is high enough the views are stunning. Not worth the slog in low cloud. It's all about those views

Beautiful. Definitely worth the effort.The hike is various grades of hills all the way. I recommend taking the extra nature trail and look out trails at the top.

Beautiful views throughout the walk! It does start with a relatively steep incline for approximately 1 hour before levelling off, however the views are definitely worth the walk!