Overview
Nelson Lakes National Park is a gem among New Zealand's wilderness areas from valley low to mountain high, from azure lakes to the forest foliage. On this Nelson Lakes Track Walk we explore the park over three days, conversing with the magnificent alpine beech forest and soaking in views of glacial formed valleys and lakes.
Based in comfortable accommodation in St Arnaud, each day we return after an exhilarating day's trekking to enjoy restaurant dining, hot showers and a comfortable bed. This is hiking in New Zealand at its best!
NB. Because Nelson Lakes is an alpine area, the order of the following day walks is dependent on weather conditions to allow the best views on the mountain sections.
Tour Grading: B
- No hiking experience necessary.
- Reasonable agility and fitness required
- Daily hikes can be adjusted depending on fitness levels - see Daily Itinerary Options
Details
Difficulty: 2
Departure Dates
Daily on request - subject to a minimum of 2 people
Includes:
- All accommodation, based on a twin share basis
- All meals, including a fresh cup of coffee or selection of teas while your on the trail
- All transport from your accommodation in Nelson and back again, we can even cater for Airport drop offs.
- A professional, personal and caring guiding service, to make sure you get the most out of your adventure.
- A generous healthy and energy filled "Snack pack" to nibble on during your trip.
- Full pre-trip briefing the night before your departure to answer any last minutes questions.
- Transport from Nelson.
Pricing:
Cost per person
October 2019 - April 2020
- Twin Share: NZ$1,795
- Single Supplement: NZ100
Deposit: NZ$300 per person
Balance payable at least 30 days prior to departure
Overview
Nelson Lakes National Park is a gem among New Zealand's wilderness areas from valley low to mountain high, from azure lakes to the forest foliage. On this Nelson Lakes Track Walk we explore the park over three days, conversing with the magnificent alpine beech forest and soaking in views of glacial formed valleys and lakes.
Based in comfortable accommodation in St Arnaud, each day we return after an exhilarating day's trekking to enjoy restaurant dining, hot showers and a comfortable bed. This is hiking in New Zealand at its best!
NB. Because Nelson Lakes is an alpine area, the order of the following day walks is dependent on weather conditions to allow the best views on the mountain sections.
Tour Grading: B
- No hiking experience necessary.
- Reasonable agility and fitness required
- Daily hikes can be adjusted depending on fitness levels - see Daily Itinerary Options
Alpine Lodge in St Arnaud
Lake Angelus, Nelson Lakes National Park
Mt Robert Ridge in Nelson Lakes National Park
Nelson Lakes Adventure Itinerary
OVER THE THREE DAYS WE WILL CHOOSE FROM THE BELOW OPTIONS:
Option 1 - Mt Robert
- (approx. 4 hours/6km)
We begin in Nelson with pick-ups from your Nelson accommodation and drive to the Nelson Lakes region. We drive to the Mt Robert car park to begin our ascent via Paddy's Track to Bushline Hut.
Enjoy a cuppa while soaking in the spectacular views of Lake Rotoiti, beech forest & the valleys beyond. Take the opportunity to gain a higher perspective and look into the Mt Robert Ski Field basin. We descend via the Pinchgut Track, weaving in & out of lush beech forest.
Accommodation - Alpine Lodge
Option 2 - Lake Track, Lake Rotoiti
- (approx. 3-7 hours/9-19km)
Depending on group and weather conditions, we have the option of either a long or short guided walk. Long option: we take a water taxi up Lake Rotoiti to Cold-water Hut, from there walking up the Travers Valley for 1½ hours to the Travers swing bridge.
Crossing the river, we make our way back to Lake Head Hut (start short option) and stroll back through enchanting beech forest on the lake's eastern side to St Arnaud.
Accommodation - Alpine Lodge
Option 3 - Lake Rotoroa Waterfall Walk and The Black Hill Walk
- (approx. 6 hours/16km)
Today sees us explore the shores of Lake Rotoroa, with a walk through some ancient Podocarp trees up to a picturesque waterfall. Many birds abound in this section of the forest. It is also a great time to see the "other" Lake - Lake Rotoroa.
We then drive back to Lake Rotoiti to walk on a hill formed by the glacial movement of thousands of years gone by, through mature Kanuka and Manuka forest, with flaking bark and tangled Lichen beards, the trees shelter an underworld of fungi and mossy boulders.
Accommodation - Alpine Lodge
Option 4 - Rainbow Ski Area/St Arnaud Range
- (approx. 4 hours)
Enjoy a scenic drive to Rainbow Ski Area where we trek along the St Arnaud Range, providing commanding views of this mountainous district including Lake Rotoiti and across toward Nelson. Truly spectacular!
We enjoy a gourmet lunch beside an alpine tarn before returning to your Nelson Accommodation.
Cost per person
October 2019 - April 2020
- Twin Share: NZ$1,795
- Single Supplement: NZ100
Deposit: NZ$300 per person
Balance payable at least 30 days prior to departure
Nelson Lakes Adventure Itinerary
OVER THE THREE DAYS WE WILL CHOOSE FROM THE BELOW OPTIONS:
Option 1 - Mt Robert
- (approx. 4 hours/6km)
We begin in Nelson with pick-ups from your Nelson accommodation and drive to the Nelson Lakes region. We drive to the Mt Robert car park to begin our ascent via Paddy's Track to Bushline Hut.
Enjoy a cuppa while soaking in the spectacular views of Lake Rotoiti, beech forest & the valleys beyond. Take the opportunity to gain a higher perspective and look into the Mt Robert Ski Field basin. We descend via the Pinchgut Track, weaving in & out of lush beech forest.
Accommodation - Alpine Lodge
Option 2 - Lake Track, Lake Rotoiti
- (approx. 3-7 hours/9-19km)
Depending on group and weather conditions, we have the option of either a long or short guided walk. Long option: we take a water taxi up Lake Rotoiti to Cold-water Hut, from there walking up the Travers Valley for 1½ hours to the Travers swing bridge.
Crossing the river, we make our way back to Lake Head Hut (start short option) and stroll back through enchanting beech forest on the lake's eastern side to St Arnaud.
Accommodation - Alpine Lodge
Option 3 - Lake Rotoroa Waterfall Walk and The Black Hill Walk
- (approx. 6 hours/16km)
Today sees us explore the shores of Lake Rotoroa, with a walk through some ancient Podocarp trees up to a picturesque waterfall. Many birds abound in this section of the forest. It is also a great time to see the "other" Lake - Lake Rotoroa.
We then drive back to Lake Rotoiti to walk on a hill formed by the glacial movement of thousands of years gone by, through mature Kanuka and Manuka forest, with flaking bark and tangled Lichen beards, the trees shelter an underworld of fungi and mossy boulders.
Accommodation - Alpine Lodge
Option 4 - Rainbow Ski Area/St Arnaud Range
- (approx. 4 hours)
Enjoy a scenic drive to Rainbow Ski Area where we trek along the St Arnaud Range, providing commanding views of this mountainous district including Lake Rotoiti and across toward Nelson. Truly spectacular!
We enjoy a gourmet lunch beside an alpine tarn before returning to your Nelson Accommodation.
