Waiau Pass (Nelson Lakes National Park)

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Day 48: St Arnaud to John Tait Hut (22km/7 hrs ish)

Bevan kindly gave us a lift to St Arnaud, from where we very enthusiastically got back on the trails. The first few hours were just along the lakefront to Lakehead Hut. From there it was a gentle meander to John Tait hut. An easy way to ease ourselves back in to it all! 








Day 49: John Tait Hut to Blue Lake Hut (21km/13.5 hours) 

We knew we had a big day ahead of us so went for an early start. 




Fairly early in our day we had to cross Summit Creek. There had been a bridge there once upon a time but now this was in ruins. Fortunately the hut warden (at John Tait) had identified a good place to cross further up the creek - just below a waterfall - so that is where we went. Wet feet but nothing more! 




As the day progressed, so did the climb. We climbed over the Travers Saddle (1787m ASL) with amazing views (unlike last time we were here when we had a white out). 



Then the descent which seemed to go on for ever! After what felt like a long time we made it to the West Sabine hut. But this was not our finish for the day! We wanted to make it to Blue Lake Hut so just had a coffee and some nosh before pushing on. 


13:5 hours from starting off this morning we stumbled in to Blue Lake Hut, to be welcomed by the smiling face of Charlie (whom we had canoed the Whanganui with). 


Fed and watered, very content to be back on the tracks and looking forward to the Waiau Pass tomorrow.  







Day 50: Blue Lake Hut to Waiau Hut (across Waiau Pass) (15km/11.5 hours)

Wow, wow, wow!! What stunning views! Firstly we walked down to the Blue Lake which apparently is the purest water in the world. 






Things then got even better as less than an hour later we saw Lake Constance. This is even more beautiful (if that is possible) as the reflections are like glass. 








The great views did not stop there. After a reasonably chunky climb up a screw slope we got to the top of Waiau Pass and….boom! A blanket of cloud in the valleys with mountain peaks in all directions! It was just amazing. 












Roger very soon decided that this is the best tramping track he has ever been on “even better than the Milford”.

We decided to have lunch at the top, allowing us to further admire the views as the clouds started to clear to show us the huge valley below in all its glory. 




And then it was in to the descent. It started with a bit of rock climbing down (which takes a bit of getting used to with a heavy pack on your back and poles to carry) and then there was a long walk down with great views of the river and streams below. 








There was an informal campsite at Waiau Forks which looked really inviting but we decided to push on through to the hut as otherwise it would make a longer day tomorrow. 


Today was physically challenging but well worth it. Absolutely amazing views. 


Day 51: Waiau Hut to Anne Hut (26km/6+ hours)

After crossing the pass yesterday, it felt a bit like today was the start of our “walk out”. However, it was by no means the poor cousin.  As we walked along the valley we were surrounded by mountains. And the valley just seemed to go on and on (in a good way) with no houses, roads, farms or anything to be seen. It truly is big country. 















It started to rain about 20 minutes before we reached Anne Hut, our bed for the night. It was only about 3pm which was really nice after having a couple of big days before and not getting in to the huts until 7:45pm and 6:45pm respectively! 

Anne Hut is pretty smart and we really enjoyed sitting and chatting with six other TA walkers, all of us glad to be inside and not out in the rain.  


Day 52: Anne Hut to Boyle Village (30km/9 hours ish)

Today was the final “walk out” day for the Nelson Lakes part of our walk…….fortunately! I say that because the rain did not ease up for about 24 hours from yesterday afternoon! 


There were places today where the track had become its own wee waterfall/stream. And places on the flat where we were just wading through water. Not to mention crossing some actual waterfalls and streams! 














Still, we all made it to the Boyle Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Boyle “Village” glad to be able to have a warm shower and do some laundry.

On reflection, the route selected for the Te Araroa in the Nelson Lakes was amazing and I would recommend the Blue Lake, Lake Constance and Waiau Pass to anyone (particularly if you can find a shorter way out) but I don’t think I feel the need to do it all again! 


Roger’s notes and sketches: 


















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