4-7 Days 80 km (loop)

Highlights

  • Alpine scenery
  • Nelson Lakes National Park
  • Clear rushing streams

Proximity

GRADE: ADVANCED

Hut bookings are required from November to April.

An epic 80km journey traversing through mountains, forest and alongside rushing streams. An advanced - extreme track, it requires a high level of skill.

Blue Lake Nelson
Nelson Tasman
Blue Lake Nelson, Nelson Tasman

Traver-Sabine Circuit itinerary

Travel to the heart of Nelson Lakes National Park on the Travers Sabine Circuit. No two days will the same as you encounter massive mountains, an alpine pass and clear rushing streams. 

Day 1

Kerr Bay > Lakehead Hut/Coldwater Hut

Follow the track through native forest, crossing several small streams and shingle screes to the head of Lake Rotoiti and the grassy flat of the Travers Valley. Along the way small beaches dotted offer picnicking opportunities and mountain views. 

3 hours walking

Department of Conservation logo

Department of Conservation

Click the link below for more information and detailed maps about this hike.

Traver-Sabine Circuit(opens in new window)

More information

Alternative Routes:

From Sabine Hut there are 3 ways to finish the tramp.

  • Speargrass Hut and the Speargrass Valley is the easiest option.
  • Lake Rotoroa Route a more difficult option
  • Take the Rotoroa Water Taxi.

Accommodation

During

Before and after 

  • Nearby St Arnaud offers several accommodation options.

Guided walk operators

A specialist tour operator can help with bringing your walking experience to life.

  • Southern Wilderness. 

Need to know

  • The Travers Saddle is an alpine pass requiring an ice axe and crampons in winter, well into spring too. 
  • The Sabine side of the saddle is at risk of avalanches.
  • From Upper Travers Hut, the track route is marked by snow poles until the bushline on the Sabine side.
  • This is an alpine environment be prepared for sudden weather changes and check out this helpful video. 

 

One of the more advanced routes in the Nelson Lakes National Park, Poukirikiri/Travers Saddle Crossing will take you deep into the park and over a challengin...

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