Hike to Angelus Hut & Hinapouri Tarn, Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand

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Angelus, at 1,650 metres, is perched high on the ranges between Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa in Nelson Lakes National Park. The walk-in backcountry campsite in an alpine environment near Angeles Hut and Rotomaninitua/Lake Angelus. There is no drive on access. Bookings are essential from 30 November to 30 April, on Labour weekend and Queen's Birthday weekend. The hut is a serviced 28-bunk hut with heating, mattresses, toilets - non-flush, water from tap - not treated (boil before use). Bookings required In the peak season, 30 November – 30 April, on Labour Weekend and Queen's Birthday weekend. bookings are required and can be made online or by phone, email or in person at some DOC visitor centres. Backcountry Hut Pass or tickets cannot be used at Angelus Hut during the peak season. There are several ways to Rotomaninitua/Lake Angelus: Pinchgut Track, Robert Ridge Route (12.2 km, 6 hr): 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. 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. Speargrass Track, Speargrass Creek Route (11.2 km, 6 hr): From Mt Robert carpark follow Speargrass Track to the Speargrass Creek Route junction approximately 5 minutes before Speargrass Hut (1060 m, serviced 12 bunk hut). From the carpark to the track junction takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. From the track junction it is a poled route with many unbridged stream crossings up Te Horowai/Speargrass Creek, to intersect with the Mt Robert Ridge Route 10 minutes short of the view overlooking Angelus Basin. Follow the poles to the lake and hut. Expect muddy sections below the bush edge. This way is often used in bad weather. Travers-Cascade Track/Route (9.4 km, 6 hr): From St Arnaud the option is to either take the water taxi or walk to either Lakehead Hut (9 km, 3 hr) or Coldwater Hut (12 km, 4 hr). From Coldwater Hut to the Cascade Track junction it is 1hour 30minutes. From Lakehead Hut it is also 1 hour 30 minutes to the Cascade Track Junction. From the Cascade Track Junction it’s a steady climb for 4 hours 30 minutes alongside the Hukere stream. The track ends at the bush edge. Climb steeply following the poled route to Angelus Hut. Snow and ice can create hazards requiring suitable experience and equipment to safely negotiate this route.

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