Best trails in Nelson Lakes National Park
Nelson Lakes National Park has wonderful beech forests, rugged mountains, sparkling cascades, beautiful streams and lakes with stunning colours and some of the freshest water in the world. There are many different bird species in the park as well as a variety of plant species. Enjoy the many tracks as you explore the park.
Top trails
- (963)•Hard•5.3 mi•Est. 4–4.5 hrMount Robert Circuit can be walked as a day hike, or you can comfortably complete this track with an overnight stopover at Bushline Hut. While it is a consistently uphill slope, the trail is solid and winds its way in and out of forested areas with excellent views of Lake Routiti. The last section is very steep. You can rest at the shelter at the top before heading down again. The track down has some deep ruts and is mostly in the open without shade. The trail ends at the lower car park, not...
- (151)•Hard•7.1 miThis track takes you from Mount Robert Roadend to Angelus Hut, situated on the shores of Lake Angelus in Nelson Lakes National Park, 1650m above sea level. It's a challenging climb in the alpine environments suitable for experienced and well-equipped trampers only. Prepare for steep, rocky, and exposed sections and sudden weather changes - snow and ice can create hazardous conditions on these tracks. Avalanches are most common in winter and spring but can occur in any season - please contact...
- (220)•Hard•6.7 miThis track starts and ends at the Kerr Bay Campsite situated on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. It's a challenging walk with quite a few switchbacks - the roots of trees you have to navigate your way around on the trails can be especially slick after rain. The climb is unbelievably worth it - the views of the Saint Arnaud Ranges on the other side of the range and the mountain lakes are outstanding. Please note that bookings in advance are required to stay at Kerr Bay Campsite. More information...
- (113)•Moderate•7.1 miThis track takes you from Angelus Hut (1650m), situated on the shores of Lake Angelus in Nelson Lakes National Park to Mount Robert Roadend carpark. It's a challenging descent in the alpine environments suitable for experienced and well-equipped trampers only. Prepare for steep, rocky, and exposed sections and sudden weather changes - snow and ice can create hazardous conditions on these tracks. Avalanches are most common in winter and spring but can occur in any season - please contact the...
- (147)•Moderate•4.6 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrBrunner Peninsula Nature Walk is located in Saint Arnaud in Nelson Lakes National Park. It's a lovely walk or a run following the shores of Lake Rotoiti from Kerr Bay to West Bay. The track is well-maintained and provides great views of the lake and surrounding mountains. This area is also popular for camping (bookings in advance are required to stay at the local campsites).
- (149)•Moderate•6.7 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrThis is a beautiful walk alongside the water of Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park, with picturesque views throughout. It starts from Mount Robert Road carpark and takes you through the forest to almost 40 meters high Whisky Falls. Return with the same track or continue further to Coldwater Hut via Lakeside Track.
- (109)•Moderate•2.8 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrLoop Track is located in Saint Arnaud in Nelson Lakes National Park. This walk starts and ends at the Kerr Bay Campsite situated on the shores of Lake Rotoiti and takes through the beech forest with views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The Track is well-marked and well-maintained. Please note that bookings in advance are required to stay at the campsite. More information about the campsite fees and bookings is available at...
- (44)•Hard•4.9 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrThis track takes you from Mount Robert Road carpark to Bushline Hut, located in Nelson Lakes National Park. It can be walked as a day hike, or you can comfortably complete this track with an overnight stopover at the Hut. It's a steep climb with excellent views of Lake Routiti. Please note that bookings are required to stay at Bushline Hut. More information about hut fees and bookings is available at...
- (71)•Moderate•4.3 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrThis loop track is located in Saint Arnaud in Nelson Lakes National Park. It is a lovely walk or a run following the shores and around Black Hill. The track is well-maintained and provides great views of lake Rotoiti and surrounding mountains. This area is also popular for camping (bookings in advance are required). A carpark is located at the trailhead.
- (75)•Hard•14.4 mi•Est. 9–10 hrThis loop climbs Roberts Ridge out to Lake Angelus and returns via Speargrass Track. It's a challenging climb in the alpine environments suitable for experienced and well-equipped trampers only. Prepare for steep, rocky, and exposed sections and sudden weather changes - snow and ice can create hazardous conditions on these tracks. Returning via Speargrass Track is through dense forest terrain, which might have some overgrown sections and can be very muddy, especially near river crossings....