From valley low to mountain high, from azure lakes to the forest foliage, Nelson Lakes National Park is a gem amongst New Zealand's wilderness areas. We explore the park over four 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.

Itinerary

We begin in the Marlborough wine region with pick-ups from your accommodation in Blenheim and drive to the Nelson Lakes region west of Marlborough. We drive to the Mt Robert carpark 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.

Day 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 Coldwater Hut, from there walking up the Travers Valley for 1 & a half hours to the Travers swingbridge. Crossing the river, we make our way back to Lakehead Hut (start short option) and stroll back through enchanting beech forest on the lake's eastern side to St Arnaud.
Accommodation - Alpine Lodge

Day 3 - Lake Rotoiti to Lake Rotoroa
(approx. 8 hours/16km)

NB. Optional day hikes around St Arnaud e.g. Peninsula Walk, Bellbird & Honey Dew Walks are an alternative to this day. The BIG day!
From the Mt Robert carpark we follow the Speargrass Stream, crossing ancient glacial moraines laced with beech forest & interspersed with wonderful views & small mountain tarns. A true NZ bush walk! Descending to Sabine Hut at the head of Lake Rotoroa, we rendezvous with a water taxi to take us down the lake, meet our van & return to St Arnaud.
Accommodation - Alpine Lodge

Day 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 towards Nelson. Truly spectacular! We enjoy a gourmet lunch beside an alpine tarn before returning to Blenheim.

For more information, please visit our website - www.heaphytracknz.com