5 epic hikes in Nelson Lakes National Park
Nelson Lakes is only 1 hour from Nelson and Blenheim, but often flies under the radar.
Nelson Lakes National Park sprawls across the northern end of the Southern Alps in the South Island.
Located only 90 minutes from Nelson, this national park is a wilderness area of stunning beauty.
Nelson Lakes is unique thanks to the glittering mountain lakes, surrounded by mountains cloaked in beech forest. The largest are Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa, but the most famous is Lake Rotomairewhenua/Blue Lake, which is the clearest lake in the world.
Yet despite the beauty of Nelson Lakes National Park, it doesn’t get as much attention as other South Island hiking destinations.
It’s well worth visiting Nelson Lakes National Park if you enjoy hiking through mountainous terrain on trails that are a little more off the grid than popular hikes in places like Fiordland.
Here are 5 epic hiking trails to try in Nelson Lakes.
The best walks and hikes in Nelson Lakes National Park
Lake Rotoiti near St Arnaud
Lake Rotoiti near St Arnaud
Nelson Lakes National Park is riddled with hiking trails and huts.
For the adventurous and well-equipped, there are many huts you can walk into on multi-day hikes. For newer hikers, there are some beautiful little huts where you can go just for a night.
And if you only have a day, there are some scenic shorter walks that will still give you incredible views of the lakes, beech forests, and deep valleys characteristic of Nelson Lakes National Park.
Here are 5 of the best hikes in Nelson Lakes.
1. Mount Robert Circuit — the best day hike near Nelson
Hiking the circuit
Bushline Hut
// 9 kilometre loop
// 5 hours
Mount Robert Circuit is an excellent half day walk with sweeping views and the option to stay overnight in the small and cosy Bushline Hut.
Start from the Mount Robert carpark (here’s the location on Google Maps).
There is an upper and lower carpark — you can park in the lower carpark if you want to avoid a short uphill walk at the very end of your hike, otherwise you can start from either carpark.
The upper carpark will start you off in an anti-clockwise, via the Pinch Gut track. From the lower carpark, you’ll set off clockwise.
There’s not much difference between directions, in my opinion.
Bushline Hut is located at the mid point of the circuit, so it’s ideal for a lunch break or an overnight stop.
The hut is small and does get full on weekends and during school holidays, but it’s very cosy and warm, even in winter.
I hiked the circuit one weekend in August. The hut was full and kept toasty and warm by a fireplace.
Even though the hut was a bit of a squeeze, it made a great place to stay overnight to enjoy the sunset colours across the mountain tops, and to see the lights of Nelson in the evening.
2. Robert Ridge to Angelus Hut — a challenging walk to a stunning hut
// 12.2 kilometres one way
// 6 hours
Angelus Hut is one of the most stunning alpine huts in New Zealand.
Located high in the mountains, next to a pristine lake, the hut has glorious views of Nelson Lake National Park. This track is one of the most scenic hikes in the South Island.
Angelus Hut is big and modern, set right on the edge of a beautiful mountain tarn. It is a popular destination, so you’ll need to book a spot in the hut in advance.
If the hut is full, you can also camp near the hut, or wild camp several hundred metres away — I saw people doing both. Just take lots of warm clothes, as it’s high enough to be cold, even in summer.
It’s also a lot of fun getting to the hut. From the Mount Robert trail (starting from the same carpark as the Mount Robert loop track), you turn off onto the Robert Ridge route.
The ridge is spectacular, falling away on both sides down to dark blue lakes and deep valleys. On a clear day, you’ll have unparalleled views.
The only catch is that this route is pretty much summer only. It is exposed to the elements and can be dangerous in bad conditions.
People have died attempting this track.
This can’t be understated — if you are inexperienced or underprepared for the weather conditions, don’t attempt this track. Come back on a sunny day in summer.
The first time I attempted this track was in August, after spending a night in Bushline Hut. It was a beautiful clear day, but ice covered the track. I turned around and went back the following March.
Stay safe on the mountain:
I recommend carrying a PLB when you hike, even if it’s just a day hike. You never know what might happen, and it’s basically your life insurance.
Always tell someone your intentions.
Pack the right gear — make sure you have weather appropriate clothing and enough snacks.
3. Speargrass Hut — an awesome overnight hike for families or less experienced hikers
Speargrass Hut is a gorgeous little hut.
It’s likely to be a lot quieter than Bushline Hut — it doesn’t have the same sweeping views so it flies under the radar.
The hike in to Speargrass Hut is mostly level, which makes it a nice easy hike for families or less confident hikers.
I didn’t stay here but followed the track down from Angelus Hut to Speargrass (which was a little hard to find) and stopped here for a lunch break.
I enjoyed the scenery and the walk out to the carpark.
4. The Travers Sabine Circuit — the ultimate hike in Nelson Lakes National Park
Photography by Fabio Salani
// DOC track information for Travers Sabine
// 80 kilometres, 4-7 days
// Highlights: See the famous Blue Lake
The Travers Sabine is Nelson Lakes’s answer to the Great Walks (it’s an excellent alternative to the Kepler Track, if the huts are booked out).
It’s a challenging but epic multi-day hike that covers 80 kilometres.
The circuit is an epic four to seven day hike through valleys, beech forests, and alpine tops. It requires planning and experience, but if you’re willing to take on the challenge this is one of New Zealand’s greatest multi-day treks.
One of the highlights of the Travers Sabine hike is the opportunity to detour up to the Blue Lake.
This adds a day to the trip, but as the Blue Lake is such a highlight of Nelson Lakes National Park, it can be worth the extra effort.
The sacred Blue Lake is the most celebrated lake in the park, as it has the clearest freshwater on the planet.
Other epic things to do in Nelson Lakes National Park
Nelson Lakes is an outdoor adventure playground. Between the lakes, forests, and alpine tops you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy nature.
Swim
Swimming is allowed in all of Nelson Park’s lakes. The water is clear and cold, perfect for sunny summer days or cooling off after a hike.
Kerr Bay next to Lake Rotoiti in St Arnaud is a lovely spot for swimming.
Kayak
Paddle out onto the lakes for peaceful views of the surrounding mountains.
Ski
Rainbow Ski Area borders Nelson Lakes National Park and offers uncrowded slopes in winter.
Camping in Nelson Lakes
There are two DOC campsites near St Arnaud. I loved camping here — the beech trees that surround the campsites give them a peaceful, enchanted feel.
Kerr Bay campsite is located right on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. It’s the bigger and more popular campground, with more services available.
Teetotal campsite is a quiet spot surrounded by beech forest. It’s a basic campground but I had a great spot next to a picnic table, perfectly secluded.
How to get to Nelson Lakes National Park
The easiest place to access Nelson Lakes National Park is St Arnaud, a small village with campgrounds and hotels.
From St Arnaud there are several walking trails that lead to and around Lake Rotoiti.
Nelson to St Arnaud
Driving from Nelson to St Arnaud takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
There are occasional shuttles running to St Arnaud for long distance hikers, but these tend to only run in the busy summer months.
Blenheim to St Arnaud
Driving from Blenheim to St Arnaud takes around 90 minutes.
Thanks for reading this far! I hope this has helped you decide whether to visit Nelson Lakes National Park.
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