I caught up with some old kayaking mates where we went overland to Nelson for a friends wedding. We got out on the Abel Tasman for a couple of days where we kayaked out to Bark Bay and stayed at a hut for a night. There was some beautiful coastline with pristine beaches and seals along the rocks.
Tania and Hamish had a fun wedding with ceremony at Motueka by the river followed by reception in Nelson at the sports club.
We then got out for a 3 day tramp at Nelson Lakes. It was a nice walk in a really scenic area.
Tania and Hamish happily married
DAY 1: Mt Robert Carpark to Bushline Hut
We arrived in St Arnaud late afternoon for the 1.5hr walk to bushline hut.
After finally sorting our stuff out we were ready to go.
We traversed alongside lake Rotoiti
Rock slide across path
We went from beech forest to open tussock when we reached the tree line.
There were some amazing views of the lake as we zigzagged up side of the mountain. I felt like I was back in Fiordland.
DAY 2: Bushline hut to Angeles hut (and extra side walk up Mt Angelus)
Bushline Hut is nice little hut fitting up to 14 people. We woke up in the cloud.
It did not take long for us to get above the cloud as we followed the robert ridge route to Angelus hut
Some great views on our way to Ragtop 1690m
Alpine ski huts
On our way to Julius summit 1794m
Some south island grasshoppers getting it on
A very common alpine carpet plant
Our first glimse of Lake Angelus and Angelus hut
We took a swim in the crystal clear glacial water which was FREEZING. The ranger was telling us how it stays frozen most of the year.
Side trip up Mt Angelus (2.5hr return). Hinapouri tarn
Looking down the Hukere stream
It was a rough climb through tussock and loose rocks but we were rewarded with some spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges and lakes.
Lake Rotoroa
Make it to the summit of Mt Angelus at 2075m
Giant spaniard (Aciphylla scott-thomsonii). Really spiky plant.
Hinapouri tarn is a large tarn that empties into the Hukere stream via a large waterfall.
Angelus Hut
DAY 3: Angelus hut to Mt Robert Carpark (via cascade and lakeside tracks on the edge of Rotoiti)
It was a scramble down the waterfall coming out from the tarn before we reached the beech forest in the valley.
Following the tracks through the beech forest and open grassland along the Travers river which empties into lake Rotoiti.
We stopped for lunch at Coldwater hut and took a refreshing dip in the lake
Coldwater hut with 12 bunks
Flying home to Auckland from Nelson
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