Backpack to Lake Angelus Alpine Hut

From the Mt. Robert car park, take the Pinchgut Track up to the Bushline shelter (approx. 1 hr 30 mins). This beginning portion of the track is steep, with numerous switchbacks that will have you questioning whether you really need everything in your pack. The panoramic views of Lake Rotoiti are well worth it, however.

From the shelter (and after any last minute stashing of unnecessary items), follow the poled route across the Robert Ridge (4 hrs). This is where the real fun begins, as the undulating route crosses numerous old rock slides and involves picking your way through some trickier rocky sections. It is not advised to undertake this route in adverse weather.

After completing the ridge route, descend into the Angelus Basin for a well-deserved swim in the lake to cool down (30 mins). You have the choice of camping beside Lake Angelus, or staying in the Department of Conservation alpine hut. Hut tickets must be booked in advance, either online or at the Nelson Lakes visitor centre.

After a restful night in the hut, you can either return to the car park by the same route or descend via the Speargrass Creek. Follow the poled route down through the valley alongside the creek until the Speargrass Track junction, just before the Speargrass Hut (3 hrs 30 mins). Be warned, however, that this track requires numerous unbridged stream crossings and may include ankle-deep mud.

Continue down the Speargrass Track until the car park (2 hrs 30 mins), for a lovely forest walk.