Emily Peak forms a striking backdrop to the much-photographed Lake Mackenzie on the Routeburn Track. It can be reached via a steep tussock climb from the Routeburn Flats side of Emily Pass, but there’s a more civilised approach from the Hollyford side.

The attractive and well-marked Pass Creek Track offers a gentle ascent from Lower Hollyford Road through open beech forest, and joins the Routeburn Track near Lake Howden. From here you can see what’s to come, as Emily Peak dominates the skyline far to the north at the head of the Ailsa Mountains. From Lake Howdon, continue north on the Routeburn Track. This section of the Great Walk skirts the flanks of the Ailsa Mountains and is quickly traversed.

You will need to have booked a night at Lake Mackenzie Hut or campsite in order to climb Emily Peak the next day. 

Take Split Rock Track from the hut to the head of Lake Mackenzie. (Split Rock is a fun diversion and worth stopping for a look and a walk through.) From the head of the lake, follow the stream that drains the basin below Emily Peak to above the scrubline. In summer the stream can run dry, so be prepared to carry water from the hut.

Once through the scrub, the terrain is a mix of tussock and rock slabs and there are various lines to a flat shelf at around 1400m. These lower slabs are an opportunity to get used to the feel of the rock and practise scrambling in low-consequence terrain.

Just below 1500m the route becomes a proper scramble up the flank of Emily. A gently sloping shelf trending south-east gives access to the base of the peak’s south-west face. It looks steep and intimidating, but the rock is well-featured and the ledges and grooves allow easy but engaging scrambling. This section is fairly exposed and would be treacherous in wet conditions. A rope may provide some comfort, although there are few options for placing protection. 

Once through the slabs, the climbing eases off and it is a straightforward hike to the summit.The view is phenomenal – over Lake Mackenzie, with the Darran Mountains behind and the Ailsa Mountains snaking away to the left. In the other direction is the glaciated south face of Mt Earnslaw.

This trip can make a pleasant overnight outing from Te Anau, returning via the same route.