The Key – Nature, Tracks and the Southern Scenic Route
Accommodation in The Key
The Key combines distinctive natural features with specific points of reference for walking and driving routes. The Southern Scenic Route runs from Kingston through The Key and onwards; the junction of SH94 and Princhester Road is also where two tracks end. Which of these aspects of the area you want to shape your stay can help guide your search for a holiday home in The Key.
Nature in the Wilderness Scientific Reserve
The Wilderness Scientific Reserve near The Key covers 105 hectares of gravel flats formed from fluvioglacial deposits. Its character is shaped by a forest of Halocarpus bidwillii and a carpet of the moss Racomitrium lanuginosum. This moss carpet is in an almost pristine state.
Track endpoints and walking links
The Tākitimu Track begins to the north at the junction of SH94 and Princhester Road. The southern end of the Mararoa River Track is at the same junction. The directions differ: for the Tākitimu Track, the junction is the northern starting point; for the Mararoa River Track, it is the southern end. If you are considering walking routes as part of your trip, you can keep these two endpoints distinct rather than treating the track names as interchangeable routes.
From the road, the Tākitimu Track follows Princhester Road to the DOC's Lower Princhester Hut. The hut has six bunks. This is a specific point of reference in the track description; the route to the hut and its stated capacity are part of this walking option. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the Tākitimu Track as a separate option from the Mararoa River Track, which ends at the same junction.
Road connections and access points
The Te Araroa route also has a precise distance marker here: along this section, it follows State Highway 94 for a further 2.5 kilometres before joining Princhester Road. Tracknet provides a public transport service to and from Te Anau and Princhester Road. Both the road section and the connection between Te Anau and Princhester Road are practical points of reference around The Key.
The Blackmount-Redcliff Road also branches off at The Key. It is another named road reference for travellers in the area. The Southern Scenic Route runs from Kingston through The Key and onwards; if you want to combine a drive on this route with an interest in tracks and nature, it offers different points of connection for your trip. A route, a track endpoint and a public transport connection are each separate points of reference and should be considered according to your travel plans.
The Mararoa River and local discoveries
In the section of the Mararoa River near The Key, access is possible where State Highway 94 crosses the river. Permission from the landowners is required to cross private land. Brown trout make up the majority of the fish in this river section.
Local places to visit also give The Key its own character. Sprig & Thistle is right on State Highway 94 and is a stopping point for travellers. Davaar is a farm shop at the farm, 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 held at 690 Blackmount-Redcliff Road in The Key. The road branches off in the area; the event is another clearly identified occasion in the annual calendar. When matching your holiday home search to your travel plans, you can first consider whether tracks, nature, road routes or local places to visit will be the main focus of your stay.
More places to explore: Tokanui, Papatotara, Tuatapere, Te Anau Downs, Niagara, Mossburn, Wyndham and Garston.
For the wider travel overview: Southland District.
