Travers Sabine Wilderness Circuit

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Nelson Lakes National Park - 5½ days Nelson to Nelson

Our 5 ½ day guided hike on the Travers Sabine Circuit Wilderness Hike in Nelson Lakes National Park is an all inclusive package - starting and returning to Nelson.  After departing Nelson we start the walk after a brief water taxi ride up lake Rotoiti and finish  5 ½ days later at the head of lake Rotoroa. 

We stay each night in Department of Conservation huts where your guides prepare a fantastic gourmet meal. These huts cannot be booked as this is a backcountry circuit so we travel with tent fly's and sleeping mats just in case the huts are full.

On our way back to Nelson we spend a night in The Alpine Lodge at St Arnaud for a taste of well-deserved luxury; twin share ensuite accommodation and the option of a spa before we sit down to a restaurant meal. The following day we transfer back to Nelson, arriving around 11am, just in time for any connecting flights, or an opportunity to explore Nelson further.

We have become known as the gourmet guided walk company, not only because of the high standard of food that is presented, (we cater for all dietary requirements) but also the personal, relaxed and friendly style of trips we orchestrate, with an emphasis on your comfort and enjoyment of the experience. Whether it is information on the flora and fauna, conservation gems along the way or just the great company of your group and guides.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Lakehead to John Tait Hut
 (5 hours)

Pick up at accommodation in Nelson and transfer to St Arnaud and Nelson Lakes National Park. Briefing and final gear check is done the night before departure at 6pm in the Rutherford Hotel A water taxi will transfer us to the southern end of Lake Rotoiti and we begin walking on the river flats of the lower Travers Valley.

We follow the track through forest and clearings until reaching the Travers Swing Bridge. The valley soon narrows with glimpses of Mt Travers as the track nears Hopeless Creek. The track gradually climbs through beech forest until John Tait Hut (30 bunks) is reached on a grassy clearing.

Day 2 - John Tait Hut to Travers Hut
 (4 hours)

The track continues to climb for a km until we pass a sidetrack to the Travers Falls. The 20 metre falls drop into a sparkling clear pool and are well worth the visit. From the falls, we continue onward towards our destination - the 16-bunk Upper Travers Hut.

The track climbs steeply to Cupola Creek chasm, leaving the river in its gorge below. Finally the track emerges from the trees on to an extensive, tussock-covered flat where Upper Travers Hut nestles beneath the east face of Mt Travers.

Day 3 - Upper Travers Hut to West Sabine Hut
 (6-9 hours)

Travers Saddle is an alpine pass and today we cross this stunning divide. Cross the Travers River near the hut and follow the snow poles through dense alpine shrubs. Leaving the boulder-strewn valley, the route steepens and zigzags up a scree slope before continuing more gently to the saddle with panoramic views.

From the saddle (1787m), the descent is steep, crossing tussock and scree, through stunted beech forest before emerging into a gully. Descend to the valley floor and head to West Sabine Hut (35 bunks).

Day 4 - Rest Day or Optional Side Walk to Blue Lake
 (7 hours)

This is a worthwhile day walk from the main circuit. Head upstream from West Sabine swing bridge. After two hours, the valley broadens and the track passes through forest destroyed by an avalanche in 1980. Climb steeply in two stages to a high basin containing the enchanting Blue Lake. Return to West Sabine Hut for the evening.

Day 5 - West Sabine Hut to Sabine Hut
 (5 hours)

Our final leg! Cross the West Sabine River on a swing bridge and turn right. The track sidles down the valley following the river and crosses three long, open flats. Leave the river behind where it enters a gorge in the lower valley, climbing then descending to rejoin the river. From here is easy walking to Sabine Hut on the edge of Lake Rotoroa.

We will be collected by water taxi to transfer down the lake and return by van to St Arnaud and the Alpine Lodge.

Accommodation: Alpine Lodge at St Arnaud

Day 6 - Transfers

Enjoy a final breakfast with group before transferring to Nelson. We arrive in Nelson late morning to connect with flights, ferries or be delivered to your accommodation.
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