DAY 3 ACTIVE OPTION
Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking: Coldwater Hut to St Arnaud
After breakfast, you’ll return by water taxi to the top end of the lake, and this time you’ll arrive at Coldwater hut and jetty – just across the river from Lakehead hut. From here you'll follow the trail as it gently winds its way around Lake Rotoiti to Whisky Creek, and the beautiful Whisky Falls. Feel free to fill up your water bottles from Whisky Creek, but it IS only water, honest! After a picnic lunch on the lakeshore, you’ll continue on to West Bay and loop back to St Arnaud for the evening.
Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St. Arnaud
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 8.7 miles (14 kilometers), 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 295 feet (90 meters) ascent, 295 feet (90 meters) descent

DAY 3 CHALLENGING OPTION
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking: Lakehead Hut to Angelus Hut
Today is an unforgettable day – the scenery gets better with each step! You'll follow the Travers River through beech forest, before heading up the Hukere Stream towards the ridgeline. This is a challenging hike, with an elevation gain of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), but it’s absolutely worth it. The Angelus Circuit has exceptional scenic diversity, so it provides a great reward for the efforts you put in. There’s no rush and your guides will be there to encourage you the whole way. It’s a tremendous feeling at the top when you reach Angelus Hut, nestled beside a gorgeous alpine lake. Many people tell us this hidden gem was the highlight of their New Zealand adventure, and a lot of Kiwis prefer the Angelus Circuit to better-known tracks.

IMPORTANT: For guests participating in early season departures (i.e. September, October, and sometimes early November) access to Angelus Hut can be impeded due to the removal of the Hukere Stream bridge on the upper section of the Cascade Track, during the New Zealand winter months, to prevent possible avalanche damage. The reinstallation of the bridge depends on the amount of snow in the area and so in the event Angelus Hut cannot be accessed, we will either enjoy alternative hikes in the area and stay a second night at Lakehead Hut, or venture to Bushline Hut.
Accommodation: Angelus Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), 6-8 hours. Note: Rated a Level 4 on our Activity Scale
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,445 feet (1,050 meters) ascent

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