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A wide-open, scenic ridge route to the alpine basin containing Lake Angelus and Angelus Hut.


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Map Key

7.4

Miles

11.8

KM

77%

Runnable

5,817' 1,773 m

High

3,007' 917 m

Low

3,116' 950 m

Up

685' 209 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Lake · Views · Wildflowers

Angelus Hut requires pre-booking for both bunks in the hut and campsites next to the lake during summer (Nov-April).

Overview

The Robert Ridge Route is the most scenic fine-weather route to Lake Angelus/Angelus Hut. The route provides views across the northern end of Nelson Lakes Nationa Park. In poor weather, it is not advised to use this route given the wind speeds it often experiences, the lack of shelter on the route, as well as potential difficulty navigating. A more sheltered way to get to/return from Lake Angelus/Angelus Hut to St Arnaud is via the Speargrass Track. This track can also be used to make a loop instead of an out and back trip.

Need to Know

There is no water along the track/route so remember to carry your own. Be prepared for snow and ice during winter and spring. Robert Ridge is very exposed and is subject to high winds and poor visibility at any time of year.

Angelus Hut and nearby campsites require bookings in summer (November to April).

Description

Robert Ridge Route via Pinchgut Track - 12.2 km, 6 hr
Robert Ridge is highly exposed to wind and rain. High winds have blown people off their feet - turn back if you have to.

From Mt. Robert carpark, a steep zig-zag track (the Pinchgut Track) climbs up to the junction with Paddys Track (Bushline Hut 30 minutes from the junction). The Pinchgut Track ends and the route along the ridge is marked with poles. The route follows a broad ridge to Julius Summit (1794 m). From here the route has some sharp and rocky sections. Care must be taken here in icy or winter conditions as accidents have occurred on this section with those not properly equipped and experienced. Continue past the junction with the Speargrass Creek Route (30 minutes from Angelus Hut) onto the ridge overlooking Angelus Basin. Follow the poles down to the lake and hut.

Rocky outcrops require a lot of scrambling - good footwear and balance are needed.

There is no water along the track/route so remember to carry your own. Be prepared for snow and ice during winter and spring. Robert Ridge is very exposed and is subject to high winds and poor visibility at any time of year.

History & Background

High on the ranges between Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa in Nelson Lakes National Park is Rotomaninitua/
Lake Angelus. It is really a large alpine pond or tarn – a legacy of recent ice advances and typical of the many tarns in the park. During successive major ice advances, which ended about 10,000 years ago, glaciers and permanent snowfields covered much of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. Erosion by ice has left its characteristic mark: steep valley walls, bluff-ringed side creeks, sharp ridges and peaks and round, lake-filled basins.
The first recorded person to scramble along Robert Ridge was Julius von Haast in 1860, but it is unlikely he was the first. The lake was previously known as Rangimārie (a Māori name given by a European meaning 'peaceful'). Later, a group climbing the obvious peak to the south named the peak, and by association, the lake 'Angelus' after a devotional prayer.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Harris

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#1

in Lake Rotoiti

#1859

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  5.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Lake Rotoiti

#33

in New Zealand

#1,859

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385 Since Mar 2, 2020
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Photos

Lake Angelus at Dusk
Mar 2, 2020 near St Arnaud, NZ
NZ Mountain Safety Council has created this video guide for the Robert Ridge Route. This track traverses alpine terrain, which can make it potentially very hazardous. The video identifies these high-risk areas and give you tips to navigate them safely.
Mar 2, 2020 near St Arnaud, 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
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
Nelson Lakes National Park
Nov 16, 2018 near St Arnaud, NZ

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