Key Summit and View of Lake Marian via Routeburn Track

Key Summit and View of Lake Marian via Routeburn Track is a moderately challenging track located in Fiordland National Park near Te Anau, Southland. This trail travels to a vantage point of Lake Marion. This out and back hike is 4.7 miles long and gains 1,385 feet of elevation. 

This hike starts from The Divide parking area. There are bathrooms available at the trailhead. Begin hiking north on the Routeburn Track. You will be hiking in a dense forest. The trail begins going uphill almost immediately. You will be trekking gradually uphill for almost the entire hike. Along the way, you will be treated to periodic mountain views. 

1.4 miles of hiking and around 1,200 feet of elevation gain will bring you to a junction. Turn right here to continue toward Key Summit. You will be hiking uphill along multiple switchbacks. After 0.4 miles you will pass a bathroom. After another 0.1 miles, you will come to a junction and go left. You will reach Key Summit after another 0.1 miles. You will see mountains in every direction. There is a plaque here which points out the various peaks. 

Continue on the trail for 0.1 miles and head left at the junction. Another 0.4 miles will bring you to a view of Marian Lake. This beautiful lake is nestled in a cirque of mountains. From here, head back to the last junction and go left. Another 0.2 miles will bring you to a junction. Go left here and retrace your steps from earlier to return to the parking area. 

Fiordland National Park is open for hiking year round. There are no associated fees to hike here. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. The hike to Key Summit and View of Lake Marian is a scenic adventure for ambitious hikers.