Nelson Lakes National Park
Top Spots
Backpack to Lake Angelus Alpine Hut
Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
7.6 mi
/ 3987 ft gain
From the Mt. Robert car park, take the Pinchgut Track up to the Bushline shelter (approx. 1 hr 30 mins). This beginning portion of the track is steep, with numerous switchbacks that will have you questioning whether you really need everything in your pack. The panoramic views of Lake Rotoiti are well worth it, however.From the shelter (and after any last minute stashing of unnecessary items), f...
Winter Overnight in Lake Angelus Hut
Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
7.5 mi
/ 4000 ft gain
This is a popular and crowded route in summer months, but in winter you could have this 28 bunk hut with a stove all to yourself!Begin by climbing switchbacks to the summit of Mt Roberts and then following the crest of Robert Ridge. The route is exposed in a few places and an un-checked fall on snow could have serious consequences, but if you are competent with an ice axe and crampons passage a...
Hike the Mount Robert Circuit
Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
5.6 mi
/ 1902.9 ft gain
Nelson Lakes National Park is famous for the overnight trip to Lake Angelus Hut, but without the right experience it is a dangerous track. So a simpler alternative is the Mount Robert Circuit which can be done as a day tramp or turn it into an awesome backpacking trip by staying at Bushline Hut. And honestly, if you have an extra day to spare I would highly recommend because ya know... when is ...
Backpack and Kayak to Blue Lake
Rotoroa, New Zealand
5.0
31.1 mi
/ 1430.4 ft gain
This lake has the clearest visibility fresh water found anywhere in the world with visibility between the 70-80 meter range. And the Colours are beautiful! (We just ask that you do not swim in this lake or do your dish washing in it as it is a super fragile ecosystem, oh and the duck in the picture is a native duck called a Whio there is only 3000 of them left and this is a place these ducks ar...
Hike the St Arnaud Track in Nelson Lakes NP
Saint Arnaud, New Zealand
3.4 mi
/ 3668 ft gain
Park in the Kerr Bay Car Park and take a moment to enjoy views from the iconic Kerr Bay Dock.The well signed track starts just to your left.The lower section of the walk crosses moraine terraces deposited by past glaciers while gaining very little elevation. The track cuts through a lovely beech forest for for a while before it begins to climb steadily up the slopes of the St Arnaud Range.Once ...
Hike to Whiskey Falls
Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
4.5
5 mi
Whiskey Falls provides a great way to stretch the legs during a car trip. Or it provides a great day hike option if you are looking to explore the Nelson Lakes area. I had a day to explore and decided to cruise down Nelson Lakes and do a day hike.Whiskey Falls is located along the shore of Lake Rotoiti in St. Arnaud. St. Arnaud is located right on Highway 63, one route connecting the north of t...
Hike the Lewis Pass Tops Route
Maruia, New Zealand
5.6 mi
/ 2624.7 ft gain
Park at the well marked Saint James Walkway Car Park. You will find the Lewis Pass Tops Trail Head across the street. The trail begins by climbing steeply through beech forest and then breaks through the tree line before arriving at the ridge crest. The maintained trail ends here but the route is fairly easy to follow. Continue following the ridge crest past several ponds for a few kilometers.O...
Mountain Bike the Old Ghost Road
Inangahua, New Zealand
52.2 mi
/ 5577.4 ft gain
The Old Ghost Road is an intermediate-advanced backcountry single-track mountain bike trail in New Zealand. It takes 1-4 days to complete, with most people doing the ride in two days. It's in the West Coast region (the upper South Island) and runs from the historic mining settlement of Lyell in the south to Seddonville in the north. It was publicly opened in December 2015 and is quickly becomin...
Hike the Waterfall Track
Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
4.0
2.5 mi
/ 1500 ft gain
Relatively short day hike that involves a few stairs and bridge crossing brings you to a cool spot called Dog Stream Waterfall at the end of the Waterfall Track. While the waterfall itself is cool, the hike itself is pretty great. Steady climb up to the 41 meter waterfall, offering some great views towards the tops. Along the way you are treated to great little streams and waterfalls along the ...
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- The best hiking trails in Nelson Lakes National Park
- The best backpacking in Nelson Lakes National Park
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- Top adventures in Nelson Lakes National Park