Lake Howden Track
A compact Routeburn Track sampler through silver-beech forest to Lake Howden.
Route overview
The Divide; silver-beech forest; Key Summit junction; descent to Lake Howden; return.
The trail climbs from The Divide to the Key Summit junction, then descends briefly to Lake Howden. It is a concise introduction to the western Routeburn corridor, but the former Lake Howden Hut is permanently closed and must not be treated as shelter or an overnight facility.
Trail facts
- Country
- New Zealand
- Region
- Southland / Fiordland, with Routeburn Track also crossing Otago
- Distance
- 3.4 km return
- Typical duration
- 3 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- Climb from The Divide followed by a short descent; official gain not published
- Best season
- Best in snow-free months; winter requires current alpine assessment
- Trail type
- Out-and-back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No day-use permit or booking.
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Lake Howden Hut is permanently closed; wet surfaces, snow, wind and rapid weather change.
Highlights
Beech forest, mountain views and Lake Howden.
Why find a buddy
Useful for family groups and conservative weather decisions.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.