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The final section of the Routeburn Track.


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Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.3

KM

Point to Point

2,614' 797 m

High

1,737' 529 m

Low

355' 108 m

Up

887' 270 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Permit required - New Zealand has a unique system of simple (mostly) backcountry huts that typically have wood/coal heating stoves, plastic-covered mattresses, clean water and bunkhouse communal living. Space can be limited and permits are required. Check in the LDOC offices of major towns for permits. Good information can be found here- doc.govt.nz/

Description

Leaving the Lake Howden Hut, head up the trail on a steady rise for half a mile. Here you have the opportunity to drop your bag and jump on the Key Summit Track for one last spectacular view of the valley.

After you are back down, grab your bag and continue on for another half mile where you go down through some steep switchbacks. Cruise for a while as you cut across the face of the hill until you have one last drop in the last section. The elevation changes, while steep, are generally short-lived.

Flora & Fauna

Southern Beech forests, Kea and Kaka parrots, Bellbird, Grey warbler, South Island Robin, Fantail and Brown creeper, Lancewood plants, Kiwi (you'll hear them but probably not see them), invasive Australian possoms.

Contacts

Shared By:

Russell Hobart

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 4 votes

#7190

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  4.8 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#73

in New Zealand

#7,190

Overall
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319 Since Jan 31, 2017
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Photos

NZ Mountain Safety Council has created this video guide for the Routeburn Track. The alpine section of this 'Great Walk' will take the entirety of your second day. This video takes you through this alpine section in detail.
Feb 25, 2020 near Queenstown, NZ
Ascending on the Key Summit Track, you have a magnificent view of the mountains across the Hollyford Valley
Feb 7, 2018 near Queenstown, NZ
East Peak and Mount Christina from Routeburn Track
Feb 7, 2018 near Queenstown, NZ
Lake Howden
Feb 8, 2018 near Queenstown, NZ
Mount Christina from the Routeburn Track
Feb 5, 2018 near Queenstown, NZ
Mount Christina through the trees on the Routeburn Track
Feb 5, 2018 near Queenstown, NZ

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