Last Updated: 13th Apr 2023

Beginner

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Key Summit Nature Trail Loop

Te Anau, Southland

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 13th Apr 2023

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 16 ?

Gnarl Factor: 40 ?

8.7km

475m

480m

958m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Run Makeup

25%
75%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.0%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:15

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:45

Fast

This is a short taster of the Routeburn Track area to give an opportunity to bag a trail directory run in the Fiordland Mountains that's not a full on day long adventure or an ultra distance mission.

Starting from the Divide you climb steadily up the side of the valley. Listen for Kaka and other wildlife as you head up here.

After a few km's you'll reach a signposted junction- take the right fork up the hill here a short series of zigzags will take you up to the nature loop on Key Summit. This is a spectacular place, with plenty of interesting nature to take in (including carnivorous plants!) and some great vantage points will give widespread views of the imposing Darran Mountains and the Hollyford Valley.

Enjoy, this is one of the most spectacular views that less than 10km can get anywhere in NZ.

To finish complete the loop and retrace your steps on a nice fast downhill back to the car park.

Routeburn Track taster with spectacular views of the Darran Mountains and Hollyford Valley.

Parking and a shelter at the trail head.

0 km

0 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Easy nav, all signposted.

Non-existent.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

BYO.

Mind out for the trampers as they start/finish their great walk. Winter conditions would require appropriate warm gear.

Trail Legend

CK

Claudia Kelly

has completed Key Summit Nature Trail Loop twice in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.

The Routeburn

The Routeburn

Length: 32.0km

Level: Intermediate

Caples Track - The Divide Version

Caples Track - The Divide Version

Length: 31.0km

Level: Intermediate

Routeburn: Divide to Conical Hill

Routeburn: Divide to Conical Hill

Length: 40.0km

Level: Intermediate

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Kepler Track

Kepler Track

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Hollyford Road - Routeburn Loop via Deadmans and Pass Creek

Hollyford Road - Routeburn Loop via Deadmans and Pass Creek

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