Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Many trampers choose to spend two nights at Angelus Hut, allowing them a whole day to
explore this beguiling alpine environment without having to carry heavy, full packs. A good
half-day option is to circumnavigate along the ridge around the cirque basin overlooking
Lake Angelus
. Gouged out by glaciers over a series of ice ages 10,000 to 20,000 years ago,
the basin is made all the more impressive by the 100m-plus high fans of scree and shattered
greywacke peaks that almost encircle the lake. Earlier named Rangimarie ('peaceful') by an
unknown European, Lake Angelus is known by Maori as Rotomaninitua (the 'glowing
white lake', by our translation).
Mt Angelus
(2075m) stands sentry to the south and, if it's free of snow, can be scaled
with no special equipment or climbing experience required - just a good head for heights, a
decent level of fitness and a love of scrambling up loose rock. It will take around three
hours to the summit and back from Angelus Hut.
ROBERT RIDGE BAD WEATHER ROUTE
The route along Robert Ridge is spectacular in good weather, requiring little more
than a good head for heights and confidence walking over rough terrain as it winds its
way along sharp ridges and through vertiginous scree slopes. However, the whole
length of the ridge is exposed to winds from the southeast, with few places for shelter
on the lee side. In bad weather, with low visibility, it is easy to become disorientated
and wander off the route. Check with the Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre for the latest
track and weather conditions before you set out and if the weather is poor, do not at-
tempt it.
Should weather conditions prevent you attempting the above route, it may be pos-
sible to reach Angelus Hut safely via an alternative route: from Mt Robert car park,
walk to Speargrass Hut (three hours) and then take the Speargrass Creek Route
(three hours) up to the junction with Robert Ridge, 30 minutes shy of Angelus Hut. If
the weather improves, you can always return to St Arnaud along Robert Ridge, rather
than taking the Cascade Track.
Day 2: Angelus Hut to Coldwater Hut
6 HOURS, 9.5KM, 1030M DESCENT
Retrace the track behind Angelus Hut to the signposted junction where you can pick up
Cascade Track
. This is a steep and rocky, poled route down into the head of the
Hukere
Stream
and alongside a series of dramatic cascades.
