Best trails in Nelson Lakes National Park
Want to find the best trails in Nelson Lakes National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 60 great trails for hiking, walking, and backpacking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 5 easy hiking trails in Nelson Lakes National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 9 to 15,357 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Nelson Lakes National Park.
Top trails
1
(909)
•Hard
•5.3 mi
•Est. 3h 44m
Mount 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...
2
(195)
•Hard
•7.1 mi
This 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...
3
(210)
•Hard
•6.7 mi
This 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...
4
(157)
•Moderate
•7.1 mi
This 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...
5
(142)
•Moderate
•4.6 mi
•Est. 1h 49m
Brunner 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).
6
(139)
•Moderate
•6.7 mi
•Est. 3h 12m
This 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.
7
(101)
•Moderate
•2.8 mi
•Est. 1h 19m
Loop 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...
8
(68)
•Moderate
•4.3 mi
•Est. 1h 40m
This 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.
9
(36)
•Hard
•4.9 mi
•Est. 3h 24m
This 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...
10
(73)
•Hard
•14.4 mi
•Est. 8h 43m
This 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....
Showing results 1–10 of 60
Trail reviews for Nelson Lakes National Park
Probably one of the most gorgeous hikes in the Nelson Lakes National Park ! I did it on a sunny day with a few clouds coming in around halfway. The first part of the hike is steep but progressive, you'll do quickly most of the elevation gain. Then begins a long crossing towards Angelus hut along several ridges. The track is particularly exposed to the wind and the sun, make sure you have a windbreaker and lots of sunscreen. There are quite a few sections made of scree, be really careful as the slope is quite steep. The views of the valley and the surrounding moutains are gorgeous, it is a very rocky and dry area. You'll eventually reach the saddle on top of the hut, offering a stunning view of the lake and Angelus Peak. It took me about 4h-4h30 from the main carpark at a moderate pace with a few breaks.
Parking: Free, Large lot
Difficulty: Hard
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Nelson Lakes National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Nelson Lakes National Park is Mount Robert Circuit, which has a 4.7 star rating from 909 reviews. This trail is 5.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,086 ft.
What is the longest trail in Nelson Lakes National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Nelson Lakes National Park is Lake Angelus - Travers Sabine - Blue Lake - Lake Constance Loop. This trail is estimated to be 56.5 mi long.
How many trails are in Nelson Lakes National Park?
There are 60 trails in Nelson Lakes National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 2,826 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Nelson Lakes National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Nelson Lakes National Park has you covered. Lake Angelus - Travers Sabine - Blue Lake - Lake Constance Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 15,357 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Travers-Sabine Circuit, which will get you 10,187 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Nelson Lakes National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 41 camping trails in Nelson Lakes National Park and the most popular is Robert Ridge Route: Mt Robert Carpark to Angelus Hut with an average 4.8 star rating from 195 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Nelson Lakes National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 running trails in Nelson Lakes National Park and the most popular is Brunner Penninsula Nature Walk with an average 4.4 star rating from 142 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Nelson Lakes National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 biking trails in Nelson Lakes National Park and the most popular is Braeburn Road Track with an average 5.0 star rating from 2 community reviews.