Nelson Lakes National Park was once a land of giant glaciers dominating the northern South Island.
They have slowly retreated over time carving out a spectacular landscape
made up of alpine lakes that lead up into the rugged mountain peaks of the Southern Alps.
The park offers exploration opportunities for people of all fitness levels.
At the northern end of the park lies the main entrance and the start of one of the most popular overnight tramps
Robert Ridge Route
This track traverses alpine terrain which can make it potentially hazardous.
This video will help you identify these high-risk areas and give you some tips
to navigate them correctly ensuring that you make it home safely.
The best time of year to attempt this tramp is from December through to April, it isn't
recommended to tramp outside of this period as snow covers the track making
avalanche skills and equipment essential.
The average daily summer temperature normally sits around 3 - 10 degrees and you can expect approximately
179 days of rain per year. It's important to remember that
you will be in an alpine environment, which means there is a good chance you
will experience heavy rain, strong winds, snow and freezing temperatures even in
the height of summer. So you'll need warm and waterproof clothing as well as a
good pair of tramping boots much of the park is very remote so a personal
locator beacon is recommended as an emergency communication device.
As with all walks and tramps in New Zealand make sure you leave your intentions with a
trusted contact and inform them when you've finished your tramp. You can find
out more about leaving your intentions at the Mountain Safety Council website.
The tack to Angelus Hut starts in the car park at the end of Mount Robert Road.
there are three different ways to get to the hut from here which one you take
will depend both on the weather and your fitness. The first and preferred option is
to head straight up pinch gut track across the ridgeline and then down into
Angelus Hut however, if the weather forecast is looking bad then this can be
the most difficult and exposed option. If that's the case then it's best to take
the less exposed track and head into the bush and combine Speargrass Track with
Speargrass Creek Route, it's far more sheltered under here and you won't climb
into the alpine until the very end. Just be aware that track turns into an
advanced route from Speargrass Hut and watch out for rising rivers. Seek refuge
in Speargrass Hut for the night if climbing up to Angelus becomes too
dangerous. The third option is for those who are seeking a more challenging and
longer tramp combining Lakeside Track, Travers Valley Track and Cascade Route
takes you along the lake edge and up Travers Valley where you start climbing
the Hukere Stream to Angeles Hut. This route is far more difficult and exposed
than Speargrass Creek Route so a high level of experience is needed
to navigate it safely. Ice, snow and avalanche risks are also present well
into the summer due to its southeast positioning.
Now let's take a closer look at the most popular route, Robert Ridge Route.
The summit of Mount Robert can be reached in two different ways, the first is to head straight up Pinch Gut Track.
This track is steep and zigzags directly up to the summit, it's a good test of
fitness so it will allow you to see how your group's going to handle the rest of the day.
Paddy's Track is the alternative route with a more gradual climb to the
summit it wraps around the mountain which can take slightly longer to complete
halfway up you'll encounter Bushline Hut which is a great spot to take a
break or stay the night if conditions are poor. Upon reaching the summit of
Mount Robert you'll be left exposed to any incoming weather, Relax Shelter is
located here and this is the last shelter until you reach Angelus Hut so
use this spot as a decision-making point. Assess the weather and make a decision to
either keep going or turn back. Keep in mind that Angelus Hut is still 5-7 hrs
challenging tramping away, if you decide to turn back you can still
enjoy a small overnight trip by spending the night in Bushline Hut while
remaining safe in the bad weather. Finally with 5-7 hrs of
tramping still to go, ensure you have enough daylight hours left to complete
the tramp by making sure you're at Relax Hut no later than 11:00 a.m. if
you decide to push on to Angelus, then you'll be met with the first section of
the ridge. This first part is a relatively easy route that takes you
along a gentle rolling ridge, you just need to follow the orange poles to keep
on the right track. You'll be highly exposed to the prevailing westerly winds
and rain from this point forward so turn back if you have to. High wind on the
ridge have been known to literally blow people off their feet. The track doesn't
stay easy the whole way though just before you reach your halfway point for
the day Julius Summit, the track changes to rocky outcrops that require a lot of
scrambling to get past, you will need correct foot placement and good balance
to navigate these outcrops safely. This section can become very icy during
spring and autumn so it may be slippery. This terrain is pretty consistent
throughout the rest of the tramp but as you progress on to the last section of
the ridge it changes again into a much sharper ridgeline with a steep drop-off
on both sides. This is one of the hardest parts of the climb as you'll need to use
your hands and feet to climb up and over the ridge. Take your time and make sure
your hand and foot placements are stable as you take each step. The final section
of the track has you cut down off the ridge and down onto the western side.
It is quite exposed here and the entire western face drops off dramatically. Snow
on this section of the track can make it difficult to navigate during the colder
months and if snow is present then crampons and ice axes will be essential
along with the skills to use them. Just a little bit further and you will arrive
at the beautiful Angelus Hut which sits next to Rotomaninitua Lake Angelus.
Have a well-deserved rest and enjoy the amazing alpine view.
Robert Ridge is an easily accessible route that offers stunning views along
the way but there are still many hazards associated with it. Aim to give it a go
from December through to April as snow cover will be minimal during this time
talk to the DOC staff at the Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre in St Arnaud
to get the latest information on track conditions make sure you check the
official Nelson Lakes mountain weather forecast at MetService.com finally
ensure you start your tramp before 9 a.m. to leave yourself enough daylight hours
to complete it safely. Now get out there and enjoy the alpine entrance to Nelson
Lakes National Park.