The Key Summit Track, nestled within Fiordland National Park, is a 3.4km one-way walking and tramping track which takes you through some of New Zealand's most breathtaking alpine scenery. This moderate hike offers an immersive experience, combining diverse landscapes, native flora, and panoramic vistas.

As the trail winds through lush beech forests and sub-alpine terrain, it unveils a tapestry of moss-covered trees, tranquil streams, and vibrant alpine wildflowers during the warmer months. The highlight of the trek is reaching Key Summit, where you are rewarded with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and the sparkling waters of alpine lakes below. There is an alpine tarn at the top which creates beautiful reflections of the surrounding mountains.

From The Divide carpark follow the Routeburn Track for about an hour to get to to Key Summit Track. From here it is a 20 minute climb to Key Summit, with panoramic views over the Humboldt and Darran Mountains.

Photography info: We did this hike at sunrise during the winter time leaving at around 4am to get to the top for sunrise. It was VERY cold and unfortunately the tarn was frozen (we didnt realise how cold it would be up there). I would suggest attempting this on the fringe seasons of either Autumn or Spring to have the tarn unfrozen.

Take your wide angle and zoom lens with you to cover all bases.

The views from up here are truly incredible and it is absolutely worth the side trip (if you are doing the Routeburn Track) or the hike up on its own.