Waiau Pass Track
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Walking
Te Araroa trail section: This long tramp connects the Travers-Sabine Circuit with the St James Walkway. It's an extraordinary summer tramping experience at the Southern Alps' northern end. St Arnaud is a pleasant tourist village on the shore of Lake Rotoiti. Nelson Lakes National Park is serviced by a network of spacious, popular huts.
St Arnaud to Lakehead Hut - 9.5km / 2-3 hours
The track starts opposite St Arnaud's alpine store. This is on the Black Valley Walk, which heads through beech forest to DOC's Kerr Bay Campground on the shore of Lake Rotoiti.
Te Araroa then joins with the Travers/Sabine Circuit at the eastern end of Kerr Bay. From here the track follows the shoreline through the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project area to Lakehead Hut. This is about 15min beyond the jetty near the lakehead.
The recovery project started in 1997 and is one of 6 maintained by DOC. Its goal is to restore native biodiversity to the beech forest. A trapping and poisoning programme aims to rid a 5000ha block of introduced pests including cats, possums, stoats, wasps, rats and mice. Kaka and reintroduced great spotted kiwi are two native species that benefit from the project.
Lakehead Hut is NOT covered by the Backcountry Hut Pass from 1 Oct to 30 April each year. Buy a Hut ticket from DoC BEFORE your walk. The adult price for summer is now $25. The Backcountry Hut Pass can still be used for camping at any time.
Lakehead Hut to John Tait Hut - 12km / 5 hours
The well-graded track continues from Lakehead Hut up the river flats through open and forested sections to John Tait Hut. Mt Travers comes into view around Hopeless Creek.
John Tait (1901-1982), a former president of the Nelson Tramping Club, led a volunteer effort to raise funds and to construct the original hut in 1951. This was 5 years before Nelson Lakes National Park became New Zealand’s 8th national park. The original hut survived 27 years. A new hut sits in a clearing with views of Mt Travers and Mt Cupola.
John Tait Hut is NOT covered by the Backcountry Hut Pass from 1 Oct to 30 April each year. Buy a Hut ticket from DoC BEFORE your walk. The adult price for summer is now $25. The Backcountry Hut Pass can still be used for camping at any time.
John Tait Hut to Upper Travers Hut - 6km / 3 hours
Beyond John Tait Hut the track continues up the Travers Valley and has some steeper sections. The track passes marked turn-offs to Cupola Hut and Travers Falls, which is a short and worthwhile side trip.
Upper Travers Hut sits on the edge of a large flat immediately below Mt Travers.
Upper Travers Hut is NOT covered by the Backcountry Hut Pass from 1 Oct to 30 April each year. Buy a Hut ticket from DoC BEFORE your walk. The adult price for summer is now $25. The Backcountry Hut Pass can still be used for camping at any time.
Upper Travers Hut to West Sabine Hut - 8km / 6-8 hours
The track continues as a defined ground trail that follows snow poles up to Travers Saddle (1787m). This is a steady 450m climb.
From the Saddle, the snow poles continue down the western face to the tree line. The track then takes walkers down to the East Branch Sabine River in the valley floor below. This is a long and in places steep descent and crosses a large avalanche risk zone. Take the alternative marked track during times of avalanche risk.
From the East Branch Sabine River, the track climbs, sidles and then descends to the West Branch Sabine River. West Sabine Hut is a short distance upstream.
West Sabine Hut is NOT covered by the Backcountry Hut Pass from 1 Oct to 30 April each year. Buy a Hut ticket from DoC BEFORE your walk. The adult price for summer is now $25. The Backcountry Hut Pass can still be used for camping at any time.
Change to Travers Saddle Track
Note for NZTopo50 map users. The Te Araroa map for this section is based on LINZ Topo50 map (BS24 Mount Robert 2018). The black dashed line does not correctly show a later modification to the route. The yellow Te Araroa route is correctly marked on Map 99. At km 2002 southbound follow the poled route down the ridge. The older route, still shown on the maps, is visible leading to the right, but was abandoned due to track damage in the steep valley. For northbound travel follow the poled route up the ridge after km 2004.
West Sabine Hut to Blue Lake Hut - 7km / 3 hours
Te Araroa leaves the Travers/Sabine Circuit from West Sabine Hut and continues up towards Blue Lake and Waiau Pass. Trampers wishing to return to St Arnaud can continue on the circuit.
From the hut follow the Blue Lake Track up the West Branch Sabine River to its source. The route is forested and climbs steeply in places, in particular during the short final climb to the hut and lake. The track crosses several short avalanche risk zones.
Blue Lake Hut is a popular side trip to the Travers/Sabine Circuit.
Blue Lake Hut is NOT covered by the Backcountry Hut Pass from 1 Oct to 30 April each year. Buy a Hut ticket from DoC BEFORE your walk. The adult price for summer is now $25. The Backcountry Hut Pass can still be used for camping at any time.
Conservation – Your help is needed please.
Help stop the spread of lindavia (lake snow algae) to Blue Lake
Lindavia is an invasive microscopic algae that causes a sticky mucus known as lake snow. It is already present in Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa. Trail walkers are asked to help stop it spreading to the area’s pristine alpine waters.
Important: Do not swim, wash, take water from or put any equipment into Rotomairewhenua / Blue Lake or Rotopōhueroa / Lake Constance. Your damp swimsuit or water filter may contaminate these pristine lakes.
These lakes also hold high cultural significance to Māori, particularly Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō iwi. They are tapu (sacred) and access restrictions have been placed to uphold their mauri (life force) and purity.
Show respect by not touching the water. Not touching the water in these lakes will also prevent the introduction of lindavia. You can swim and fill drink bottles in the Sabine River below the outlet of Blue Lake.
Before swimming or taking water from any other alpine lake or tarn, including Lake Angelus, ensure all your gear has been completely dry for 48 hours. Be extra careful if you’ve recently swum or filled a drink bottle from Lakes Rotoiti or Rotoroa.
Thank you for helping take care of these beautiful places!
See more about lindavia www.doc.govt.nz/lindavia
Blue Lake Hut to Upper Waiau Forks - 7km / 6-8 hours
The next section, over Waiau Pass, is the most demanding on this track. It is a fair-weather route, suitable for experienced individuals or parties with experienced leadership. Good fitness and reasonable agility is a prerequisite for all.
Waiau Pass is a Te Araroa highlight. Allow a full day for the journey.
The track leaves Blue Lake Hut through the forest and climbs onto Lake Constance's moraine dam. The lake itself is attractive and set within a dramatic alpine landscape. From the dam, a rough and rocky track, marked by snow poles, leads up above bluffs on the west side of the lake. Then it descends very steeply in places to the lakehead. The track continues across the open upper valley floor and then climbs a steep scree slope in direct fashion to a high terrace. From here it is a 500m sidle and climb up to Waiau Pass.
The route from the pass continues through the rocky and exposed country. Take care when turning off the main ridge to follow the poled track route as it then drops steeply in places through bluffs to a terrace. Continues west before descending to the West Branch Waiau River in the valley floor. This area is an avalanche hazard zone in Spring and early Summer.
From the valley floor, the track follows the river through thick sub-alpine scrub to the Upper Waiau Forks. There is an attractive informal campsite here within a stand of beech trees.
Upper Waiau Forks to Waiau Hut - 8km / 4hr
The track follows the Waiau River down and stays mostly on the true right. The valley opens up as you near Waiau Hut (6 bunks), new in 2017 thanks to a generous donor.
Caroline Creek Bivouac, which is marked on NZ Topo50 maps at km 2028, was removed by DOC in March 2022.
Waiau Hut to Anne Hut - 26km / 7-8 hours
Travel down the valley is easy, through grassy flats, and on the Waiau River’s true right. Two bush-clad terminal moraines add interest and provide good camping opportunities.
In time the Ada homestead comes into view. The homestead area remains in private hands. Trampers should avoid this area and continue to the Ada River. This is a straightforward crossing in low to normal flows. Beyond the river, trampers link to the St James Walkway and continue down in a south-west direction towards Anne Hut – a new 20 bunk hut.
Anne Hut to Boyle Flat Hut - 15km / 6 hours
The track continues up the Anne River through a series of grassy clearings towards Anne Saddle. Then it descends into the Boyle River Valley.
The small 3 bunk Rokeby Hut is lower down the valley. Built in 1965 it is in original condition. Beyond Rokeby Hut the track continues downstream on the true left to a swing bridge. Boyle Flat Hut is a short distance beyond down the true right side of the river.
Boyle Flat Hut to Boyle Village - 14.5km / 4 hours
Re-cross the swing bridge and continue southwest on the walkway. The track sidles through a gorge and descends to a junction. Cross the river on a swing bridge here and continue on the track within the forest margin. In time the track crosses the river on another swing bridge and continues down towards Boyle Village. The track emerges at a carpark next to the Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre.
Conditions
Track standard: Tramping track
Snow and avalanche risk
At 1870m, Waiau Pass is Te Araroa's second-highest point. It's the most likely part of the route to be blocked by snow and has some avalanche risk on its southern face. Contact the Department of Conservation (DOC) before you start, to enquire about the route's current condition. DOC is at the Nelson Lakes Visitors Centre in St Arnaud (03 521 1806).
Potential hazards
- In winter and spring some sections are snowbound and avalanche prone
- River crossings - Never cross flooded rivers Take care with Wairoa, Motueka, Waiau and Ada Rivers, these rivers are unbridged
- Weather extremes - snow or heavy rain can occur at any time of the year
- Steep drop-offs Avalanche zone - Travers Saddle, track to Blue Lake, Waiau Pass
Nelson Lakes (Visitor Centre) weather - NIWA
Nelson Lakes (Angelus Hut) weather - NIWA
Nelson Lakes (Travers Saddle) weather - NIWA
St James Walkway (Christopher Hut) weather - NIWA
How to get here
Transport
- East West Shuttles - P: 03 789 6251 - Shuttles run between Westport and Christchurch – via Lewis Pass, Boyle and Hanmer Springs. You must book for the Shuttle to stop at the Boyle. Call to book and confirm pricing. Bookings also available online during the season.
- Hanmer Tours & Shuttles – P: 03 315 7418, E: info@hanmertours.co.nz Will Shuttle from / to the Boyle or from/to Windy Point for a minimum $150 one way for up to 5 people. Call for availability.
- Nelson Lakes Shuttles - P: 03 547 6896 or 0275 476896 – Scheduled transfers between St Arnaud and Nelson, including destinations in Nelson Lakes National Park and stretching to Boyle Village. Prices on enquiry - E: info@nelsonlakesshuttles.co.nz.
- For a Shuttle Service to Hanmer Springs, contact Kirsty Innes on 03 315 7772 or 027 466 7305.
- Private Driver Hire - P: 03 3910500 (Paul) - can transport to/from all locations Picton-Anakiwa-Pelorus Bridge-Nelson-St Arnaud, priced on enquiry.
Accommodation
Hut Pass use
Some Huts on the Waiau Pass Track are no longer covered by the Backcountry Hut Pass from 1 October to 30 April each year.
Hut tickets must be purchased from DoC before your journey. The adult price for summer is now $25 per hut per night. The Backcountry Hut Pass can still be used for camping at any time. Backcountry Hut Pass holders who camp at huts may use the hut facilities
This applies to Lakehead Hut, John Tait Hut, Upper Travers Hut, West Sabine Hut, Sabine Hut, Speargrass Hut, and Blue Lake Hut. These huts cannot be booked, first come, first served.
A few TA walkers have been challenged after assuming the Backcountry Hut Pass was sufficient for these huts. DOC staff will check.
Angelus Hut, a popular diversion off Te Araroa on the Mt Robert Route, requires advance booking and payment year-round. Outside of the peak season, you can use your Backcountry Hut Pass number to apply a discount.
Alpine Lodge St. Arnaud - Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park (St Arnaud Village) - E: info@alpinelodge.co.nz - P: 03 521 1869 - W: Dorm and double private rooms plus hotel rooms available. There is internet, laundry facilities, spa pool for hire, an excellent restaurant/bar/café. The Alpine Lodge can store food parcels - $15 per parcel, $20 for a large box - staying/not staying at the lodge. Alpine Lodge, 75 Main Rd, St Arnaud, RD2 Nelson 7072. (Clearly mark the parcel with "<your name>, Te Araroa Walker, estimated date of arrival").
Accommodation at southern end of route
Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre - Te Araroa Services 2023-2024 Season
The Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre is a not-for-profit organisation, primarily providing programmes for secondary schools. We are on the trail - SOBOs will arrive from the Waiau Pass route, and NOBOs from Harper Pass. As we are able, we are providing some services for Te Araroa walkers. We appreciate your understanding that we may not always be readily available to help you.
Enquiries: Phone 03-315 7082; Email: info@boyle.org.nz
Hours of opening: Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm; Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9am-3pm
This season BROEC are providing:
Parcel storage – bounce boxes
Size 3 box (Regular size) $25; Size 4 box (Large) $35
- Post your box to
Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre, Private Bag 55002, Orchard Road, Christchurch 8154
Do not post to our physical address – your parcel won’t arrive
Use NZ Post – other couriers do not deliver to the Boyle
- Label your parcel clearly with your
- Name
- Contact phone numbers and emails address
- Your expected date of arrival
- Go -on-line and pay for your box at https://www.boyle.org.nz/shop
- Make sure the details you use on-line match those you used on your box label
Accommodation
- You cannot book accommodation ahead of your arrival. If accommodation is available on the day, you will be able to stay
- Accommodation includes hot showers, cooking facilities, laundry and Wi-Fi
- $45 per night per adult. Payment by cash or on-line will be arranged when you book in.
Food and Gas Supplies
We operate a small shop with camping gas (230g and 450g), cold drinks, chocolate and other basic supplies. This season, pizzas are only available if you are staying the night.
Other facilities nearby
- Limited Cell phone reception near the DOC carpark for those on Spark.
- DOC Boyle Campsite – a Standard Campsite adjacent to the DOC carpark with 10 tent sites, a toilet, and untreated tap water. Pay cash on arrival at the self-registration ($10 per adult)
Backcountry hut tickets and annual hut passes are not valid at this campsite. - Hanmer Springs – a township 55km from the Boyle, with a range of accommodation, grocery shops, cafes and restaurants, and hot pools. For a Shuttle service to Hanmer Springs, contact Kirsty Innes on 03 315 7772 or 027 466 7305.
Hanmer Springs
- YHA Hanmer Springs - Kakapo Lodge, 14 Amuri Avenue, Hanmer Springs P: 03 315 7472 E: hanmersprings@yha.co.nz
- Hanmer Backpackers - 41 Conical Hill Rd, Hamner Springs - P: 03 315 7196 - E: info@hanmerbackpackers.co.nz
- Numerous other accommodation providers at most levels.
Reefton
- Reefton Old Bread Shop Backpacker - 157 Buller Rd, Reefton - P: 03 732 8420 - E: breadshopbackpackers@gmail.com
- The Old Nurses Home Accommodation - 104 Shiel St, Reefton - P: 03 732 8881 - E: reeftonretreat@hotmail.com
Food And Supply
Hanmer Springs
- Hanmer Springs Four Square Supermarket - Conical Hill Rd, Hamner Springs - P: 03 315 7190
- Hanmer Springs Foodway - 45 Amuri Ave, Hamner Springs - P: 03 315 777
Reefton
- SuperValue Supermarket - 65 Broadway, Reefton - P: 03 732 8313
- 4 Four Square Supermarket - 47 Broadway, Reefton - P: 03 732 8888
Track Elevation and Map
Total 4 photos. Click image above to view them all.
More information
Te Araroa Tasman trail notes, including information about accommodation, transport and resupplying
Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs i-SITE Visitor Centre - 40 Amuri Ave - P: 0800 442 663 - W: www.i-site.org
Reefton
Reefton i-SITE Visitor Centre - 67-69 Broadway, Reefton - P: 03 732 8391 - E: reefton@i-site.org - W: www.i-site.org
Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.
We recommend trying these online learning tools:
Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.