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LAKE ROTOITI CIRCUIT
A spectacular walk that can be done in a day if you employ the services of a water taxi, or stay overnight in one of the huts.
Where is it? Start from Kerr Bay on Lake Rotoiti near St Arnaud.
No dogs
Terrain Bush tracks, some of them challenging, muddy after rain.
Still waters Along the way you’ll see a sign for Whiskey Falls, named for an illicit still found there in the 1880s. This requires a short detour but is worth it if time is on your side.
TRACK OVERVIEW
7-10 hr loop track; 23-31km loop track Strong fitness required Advanced tramping track Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes © Tom Hackett
Lake Angelus, Nelson Lakes © Nelson Tasman Tourism
HIGHLIGHTS Nelson Lakes National Park is all about the stunning glacial lakes, notably Rotoroa, Rotoiti and Blue Lake. The park is accessible from St Arnaud, a one to two-hour drive from Nelson or Blenheim, with the most easy-to-reach lake being Lake Rotoiti. Lake Rotoroa is a little more off the beaten track and Blue Lake, where the water clarity reaches a whopping 80m, even more so. Aside from walks (of course!) visitors can enjoy idyllic boat rides, kayaking, fishing and mountain biking.
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Your walk begins at Kerr Bay, where you’ll also find information panels telling you everything you need to know to tackle this walk. Following the markers, head along the eastern side of the lake which is fringed with mountains, notably majestic 1421m Pōrangahau (Mt Robert). Bird fanciers will stop to admire everything from korimako/bellbirds, pīwakawaka/fantails, toutouwai/robins and titipounamu/rifleman. Little spotted kiwi are also resident around here. After about three hours of walking through beautiful bush and beech forest and having crossed a couple of streams, you’ll arrive at Lake Head Jetty. Twenty minutes later you’ll find Lake Head Hut, which isn’t far from a picturesque swing bridge. Follow the markers to Travers River, then join up with Lower Travers Valley Track which will take you to Coldwater Hut. This section is more challenging, with a steady and relatively steep climb heading away from the lake before reaching a gravel road which goes to West Bay. Joining the Peninsula Nature Walk, the trails become easier, until it reaches the western end of Kerr Bay, back where you started.
SPEARGRASS TRACK Serene St Arnaud is a beautiful alpine village on the edge of Lake Rotoiti. It’s an ideal base for those who want to explore the Nelson Lakes National Park and the Travers Sabine Circuit, a challenging but rewarding walk. Activities in the area include mountaineering, snow sports at Rainbow Ski Field, water skiing, kayaking, boating and fishing on lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa. Head to the DOC Visitor Centre to learn about the honeydew beech forest and to join a guided walk. Beware of wasps (at their worst December to April) and sandflies, both a nuisance here. Pack repellent and antihistamine if allergic.
2.5hr each way; 7.4km
A pleasant short walk that is ideal for a day trip or an overnight adventure.
Intermediate fitness required
Where is it? Set off from the car park at Mt Robert Rd, a short drive from St Arnaud on SH 63.
Easy to intermediate tramping track
Terrain Well-graded tramping tracks, mostly flat except for a climb at either end
No dogs
TRACK OVERVIEW Make your way down from the car park, and follow the river for a decent chunk of the walk before beginning your climb to the hut; you’ll know when you’re close to your destination when you cross the sturdy bridge over Te Horowai/Speargrass Creek. The track is largely flat although do expect a bit of uphill work at either end. When you arrive at Speargrass Hut you’ll find a very cosy double-glazed well-insulated 12-bunk hut. It’s serviced, there are mattresses and a wood burner for heating. Operating on a first-come first-served basis, you can also camp out the front on the pretty grassy clearing if you’d rather. Very peaceful.
WALKING MUST-DO’S 61
