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Beautiful alpine scenery with a spectacular view of Lake Rotoiti.


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Map Key

5.6

Miles

9.0

KM

66%

Runnable

4,676' 1,425 m

High

2,750' 838 m

Low

2,024' 617 m

Up

2,040' 622 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

51%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · Views

Overview

This is one of the most popular trails in Nelson Lakes National Park. It does a circuit around Mount Robert with spectacular views of Lake Rotoiti to the east and the northern end of the Southern Alps to the west.

Need to Know

Check the weather before going. Much of the run is in a very exposed alpine environment, which can be dangerous in bad weather (and you won't see much of the view!)

Runner Notes

The path is mostly well maintained with few obstacles. The descent toward the carpark has some eroded areas that need to be watched out for.

Description

From the carpark at the trailhead, the track can be enjoyed in either direction. As it's mapped, the track climbs steeply, switchbacking in and out of the forest for the first leg, with many parts of it quite exposed.

After the climb, you emerge on the western ridgeline and follow this to Relax Shelter. From here, you can leave the track and explore more of the ridgeline headed toward Lake Angeles, or you can continue on the circuit along the southern face of the mountain with some incredible views of the lake on your left at the saddle.

After 20 minutes or so, you'll arrive at Bushline Hut – a great place for lunch or a snack with nice views of the southern arm of Lake Rotoiti and the St. Arnaud Range. From there it is a steep, winding, and exposed descent back to the carpark. This run is well worth the effort and provides beautiful mountain and lake views for your efforts.

Contacts

Shared By:

Josh Rosen

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 5 votes

#2

in Lake Rotoiti

#3797

Overall
  4.0 from 5 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Lake Rotoiti

#53

in New Zealand

#3,797

Overall
8 Views Last Month
1,613 Since May 5, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

High on Paddy's Track, look down at Lake Rotoiti and the forested hills on its far side.
May 19, 2017 near Wakefield, NZ
A rainbow forms over Lake Rotoiti on a snow-showery day high on Paddy's Track.
May 12, 2017 near Wakefield, NZ
The northern end of the Southern Alps unfold to the south (right) when seen from Paddy's Track.
May 12, 2017 near Wakefield, NZ
Lake Rotoiti is stunning. In the distance (center, with clear blue sky) is the valley of the Blenheim wine region.
May 12, 2017 near Wakefield, NZ
Clouds drift past Lake Rotoiti as we traverse the Mount Robert Circuit.
May 5, 2017 near Wakefield, NZ
Relax Shelter is above timberline on Pinchgut Track. The Mt. Robert Circuit on Paddy's Track veers left at Relax Shelter, while an alpine route (Robert Ridge Route) continues straight on the exposed ridge.
May 12, 2017 near Wakefield, NZ

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Jan 23, 2015
Lukas Toma
Steep up, steep down 5.5mi — 1h 10m
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