That Awesome Key Summit Track

We had time for another walk on our way to Milford Sound, and the Key Summit Track, which is part of the famous Routeburn Track, sounded like an attractive choice.

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We set out on the gorgeous road from Te Anau in the morning, once again stopping all the time to take in the magnificent scenery – and of course, to let sheep pass. The road winds its way through a pass in the Southern Alps, along lakes and between towering, rugged mountain walls.

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Not everyone was equally interested all the time.

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We stopped at The Divide parking lot, briefly after Lake Gunn to where the Key Summit Track starts. It is the beginning of the famous Routeburn Track, which is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

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It was very windy, but a fine sunny day. We walked through moss clad native forest for a while, then over open ground past alpine lakes and shrub land, and finally to the top, where we had spectacular views of the Hollyford, Eglinton, and Greenstone valleys – not to mention the mountains around them.

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It was soooooo stunning. Now that I have had a taste of it, if I ever have the chance to go on some of New Zealand’s Great Walks, I will. The amazing views of the mountains and valleys between them are just really worth the effort you put into getting there. The girls have not been complaining about walking at all, I think they have enjoyed it as much as Mads and I have.

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This day in particular, I lack the words to tell you how gorgeous it was up there. We actually met a guy that we came across several times at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing as well – that was kind of funny. Walking all over New Zealand. This country is so beautiful, and the walking tracks are to die for, so I will just share the pictures.

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When you gotta go, you gotta go. The toilets in the alpine landscape are just slightly more cool.

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When we came back down to Børge BumleBus, we headed for our camp for the night. We had read fun stuff about Jackson’s Retreat and booked a site there, and it sure was a quirky place with a lot of atmosphere – unfortunately it was totally ruined by those wicked sandflies. We had to keep the door of the motorhome closed to not be eaten up. Oh well – we had a nice game of 500 (card game) inside in the evening rain.

What a day. 🙂

2 comments

  1. Jolanda says:

    Beautiful!
    I am looking forward to the blog post when you will sail around Doubtful Sound (just the four of you) and do this hike afterwards 🙂 The Routeburn track is great!
    And it’s really funny about meeting travellers again, we did too.
    Oh and the sandflies, I remember those very good 🙁
    Hilsen,
    Jolanda

    • Astrid says:

      LOL – I am totally looking forward to thatblog post as well! I do wish we had more time, even though I know we have had more time than many do. I loooove it here. We’re at the airport right now, leaving for Fiji – my blog posts are a bit behind. Hugs!

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