It was a frosty but clear Saturday morning when we convened at Belgrove, ready for our long weekend adventure in the mountains. The early start paid off for Andy, who caught a glimpse of the Southern Lights dancing across the predawn sky. With the auroras lighting up the sky, it seemed an auspicious start.
Day 1: Mt Robert Carpark to Sabine Hut
Mike whisked us away to the Mount Robert carpark in his trusty ute. Dodging a raucous crowd of Wellington College students headed for Angelus Hut, we hit the trail at 8:30am. The well-graded path led us gently uphill through beech forest under brilliant blue skies and unseasonably warm conditions.
A leisurely morning tea break on the sunny deck of Speargrass Hut allowed us to appreciate the simple joys of tramping—good company, tranquil bush surroundings, and well-deserved snacks. Refuelled, we tramped on towards Sabine Hut, gaining more elevation but still on manageable terrain.
As sunset painted Lake Rotoroa in breathtaking colours, we arrived at the lakeshore hut, greeted by mirror-calm waters. Despite the chill in the air, Mike took a plunge in the cold waters of Lake Rotoroa, a bold start to his weekend of icy swims. We quickly started a fire in the wood stove to ward off the evening chill and then prepared our meals. Nearly having the hut to ourselves, we claimed prime bunk spots and settled in for the night.
Day 1 Stats: 18.9 km, 8h15m total time (7h walking), 600m elevation gain
Day 2: Sabine Hut to Angelus Hut via Mount Cedric
Sunday dawned with a daunting task: the ascent of Mount Cedric. The trail didn't disappoint, delivering a steep, rooty challenge. The opening 1000-meter climb to the treeline felt like ascending nature's unrelenting staircase, each rocky step and twisted root testing our resolve.But once we broke through to the tussock, we were rewarded with sweeping views of Lake Rotoroa and the surrounding peaks under those ever-beautiful blue skies.
Adam near MtCedric
At 1800m, we paused to refuel at the trek's high point before tackling the surprisingly tricky descent to Angelus Hut.
Resting after Mt Cedric
Carefully negotiating boulder fields and scattered snow patches, we finally glimpsed our target—Angelus Hut.
Down to Angelus hut from Mt Cedric
After briefly basking in the sun-drenched tussock above the hut, we eventually descended to the hut's welcome sight. In true adventurous spirit, Mike took another plunge, this time in the ice-cold waters of Lake Angelus, proving himself impervious to the frigid temperatures. Despite larger crowds than expected, the hut was quiet. We were grateful to avoid the 30+ Wellington College students and attendant chaperones who had crammed in the previous night.
As evening fog rolled in, obscuring the sky, our hoped-for southern lights display was not to be. After the fog lifted and everyone in the hut went to bed, the hut fell into darkness. Outside, an immense starlit sky reflected perfectly in the still waters of Lake Angelus, creating a scene of complete tranquillity. In that moment of serene stillness, it felt like we were the only people in the world.
Day 2 Stats: 5.6 km & 1450m up to Mt Cedric track high point (4h45m, total time), 1.3 km descent to Angelus
Day 3: Angelus Hut to Angelus Peak and Back to the Carpark
With an early start, we climbed towards Angelus Peak as the morning's first rays crested over the horizon. Our efforts were rewarded with a vista that stretched out forever under a near-cloudless sky, making the uphill slog worthwhile.
Happy Astrid Adam and Andy after summit climb
There was barely a breath of wind and no snow to speak of, allowing us to linger and fully appreciate the stunning views.
Summit photographers
After our 4-hour, 6.2 km round trip summit jaunt with 705m of climbing, we returned to the hut for a quick lunch before packing up.
Mike leaving Angelus
The 11.9 km trek back along Roberts Ridge proved straightforward if not overly exciting, with thick clouds lingering for much of our descent. As we descended Pinchgut Track, the clouds parted briefly to reveal one final glorious sunset, capping an outstanding weekend in the Nelson Lakes National Park.
Astrid on Robert ridge
Day 3 Stats: 18.1 km (6.2 km up/down Mt Angelus), 9 hours including summit side trip
In summary, our three-day tramp showcased the immense beauty and variety of Nelson Lakes National Park. While Mount Cedric's relentless ascent tested our mettle, we were rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas, pristine alpine landscapes, and that indescribable bond formed by sharing such experiences with friends. A truly memorable adventure!
Group shot
Participants: Astrid (leader), Mike, Adam (scribe) and Andy (visitor)