The Key: Hiking, Nature and Scenic Routes

In The Key, the northern start of the Tākitimu Track and the southern end of the Mararoa River Track are at the same intersection of SH94 and Princhester Road. The Southern Scenic Route also runs from Kingston through The Key and onwards.

Walking Tracks and Navigation

The intersection is a shared navigation point for two tracks that run in different directions: the Tākitimu Track starts there heading north, while the Mararoa River Track ends there at its southern terminus. Along this section, Te Araroa follows State Highway 94 for another 2.5 kilometres before continuing onto Princhester Road.

From the road, the Tākitimu Track follows Princhester Road to the DOC’s Lower Princhester Hut. The hut has six bunks. When planning, it is helpful to consider the track route and its connection to the road separately. Check road and track conditions before your trip.

Tracknet provides a public transport connection from Te Anau to Princhester Road and back. Check the timetable before departure. This allows you to coordinate your travel with your planned walks without assuming a current timetable for either the outward or return journey.

Mararoa River and Natural Environment

Near The Key, access to the Mararoa River is possible where State Highway 94 crosses the river. You need permission from the landowners to cross private land; you should also take current river conditions into account. Brown trout make up most of the fish population in the nearby stretch of river. Local rules and conditions apply to fishing.

The Wilderness Scientific Reserve near The Key covers 105 hectares of gravel plains formed from fluvioglacial deposits. Its character is shaped by a forest of Halocarpus bidwillii and a carpet of the moss Racomitrium lanuginosum, which remains almost untouched. Alongside the tracks and river, this distinctive natural environment is another feature that helps define The Key.

Roads, Stops and Local Offerings

The Blackmount-Redcliff Road branches off at The Key; road conditions can vary. Together with the Southern Scenic Route from Kingston through The Key, this provides a point of reference for travellers planning their journey by road. Check conditions before departure.

Sprig & Thistle is right on SH94 and makes a convenient stop for travellers. Opening hours are seasonal; check them before planning a stop. Davaar is the farm’s shop, selling New Zealand wool knitwear. The garments are made from strong wool sourced from sheep at Davaar Station and hand-selected there.

The Te Anau Basin Trail Ride is an annual community fundraising ride at 690 Blackmount-Redcliff Road in The Key. The 2026 event has already taken place. If you’d like to plan a future visit around the event, check whether any more dates have been announced.

Wider Context: Southland District

The Southland District also has routes with different landscape profiles. The Hump Ridge Track is a three-day loop over subalpine elevations and along a rugged coastline in southern Fiordland. It opened as New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk on 25 October 2024. The track includes a short interpretive loop around the historic Port Craig sawmill site. The Rakiura Track follows an open coastline, passes through the island’s forested interior and runs along the sheltered shores of Paterson Inlet. These routes are part of the wider Southland District destination and are distinct from the tracks and natural features around The Key.

Discover more destinations: Papatotara, Tuatapere, Dipton, Tokanui, Athol, Te Anau, Lumsden, Nightcaps.

For the wider travel overview: Southland District.