Hiking Roberts Ridge Track to NZ’s Angelus Hut

Surrounded by steep cliffs and positioned next to the strikingly blue Lake Angelus, Angelus Hut sits high at 1,650m above sea level. The track to get there had some of the most spectacular scenery Pippa’s seen in both Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand. 

Quick Overview

One of three potential routes up to the summit of Te Waipounamu/South Island‘s Mt Angelus (and the Angelus Hut of course!), the Roberts Ridge Track is an advanced route suited to experienced hikers. Efforts are rewarded with stunning views and memories to last a lifetime, so even if your stomach drops occasionally, it’s worth it. 

Looking down on Angelus Hut

Quick Facts Angelus Hut Hike

Route: Robert Ridge Track
Distance: 12.2km
Duration: 6-8 hours
Elevation: 1040m

About the Mount Angelus Hut Hike 

New Zealand‘s Robert Ridge Track to Angelus Hut is considered a challenging route, and should only be hiked in good weather. It starts with a steep climb, before following a sheer ridgeline the rest of the way to the hut. The 12.2km hike takes around six to eight hours, but be prepared to be puffing and panting for much of that time. 

The hike takes place in the Nelson Lakes National Park, which is suited to people of all ages and abilities, with tracks that range from lovely lakeside strolls to intense mountain trekking. The town of St Arnaud, set on the edge of Lake Rotoiti, makes the perfect base to explore from, and a range of accommodation options are available here. St Arnaud is 88km from Nelson, and 350km from Christchurch.

The Nelson Lakes National Park has some seriously beautiful mountains and valleys

Angelus Hut Hike History

Nelson Lakes National Park was sculpted by glaciers, and boasts striking mountain ranges, spectacular alpine lakes, and mystical forested valleys. It became an official national park in 1956.

In Maori mythology, the lakes were created when the great chief Rakaihaitu dug holes in the earth with his ko (digging stick). The Maori name for Mt Angelus is Maniniaro, referencing the peak as a marker and resting place for ancestors on the return journey to their homeland. 

The Nelson Ski Club used to operate in the Nelson Lakes National Park however they were forced to close the ski field in 2003 due to inconsistent snow cover. As you walk along the ridgeline, you can look down into the valley to see its abandoned remains.

If you look closely you can spot some infrastructure from the abandoned ski field

How To Get to the Angelus Hut Hike

By Car

There are three tracks leading to Angelus Hut that all depart from the same point – the Mt Robert car park. From St Arnaud, follow State Highway 63 for 2km, before turning on to Mt Robert Rd. Continue for 4.9km until you reach the car park.

Where To Stay on the Angelus Hut Hike

As you’d expect, most people aim to stay overnight at Angelus Hut.

The hut fits 28 people and needs to be booked prior to your hike, either at a Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Centre or through the DOC online booking portal. Prices are reasonable, but campsites are also available for those on a tighter budget (or those who’d prefer to avoid the snoring that inevitably occurs in a communal hut!).

It’s also important to note that Angelus Hut doesn’t have a stove (BYO required) or rubbish bins so you’ll need to carry waste out and leave no trace.

Angelus Hut is one of the most incredible hut locations I’ve ever seen

Skill Level For the Angelus Hut Track

Advanced

The DOC rates the Robert Ridge Track to Angelus Hut as advanced to expert in terms of difficulty, and once you’re on the trail it’s easy to see why. However, as long as you attempt it in good weather and come prepared for all conditions, getting to Angelus Hut is achievable for people with hiking experience.

Just make sure to take your time and ensure you have good footing when rock-scrambling. If you slip and fall down one of the cliffs you won’t be a very happy camper (or alive for that matter!).

Finally, this hike can be pretty scary if you’re not one for heights. Please don’t let that stop you from giving it a go, but be prepared for a few nerve-wracking moments!

Please note: This adventure is dangerous if there’s been recent rain in the area or if rain is on the forecast. Best to save this one for a clear day.

Poor weather can develop quickly so you’ll need the skills to cope if caught unaware. Three heads are also better than one!

Angelus Hut Essential Gear and Packing List

• Plenty of water – there’s no drinking water along the Robert Ridge Route. Also, while there’s water at Angelus Hut, you should treat it before drinking, so bring along a filter bottle or purification tablets to stay safe
• All your cooking essentials – including lots of food and snacks
• Camping stuff! Even if you’re staying in the hut, make sure to bring along a sleeping bag and toilet paper
• First aid kit
• Warm and waterproof clothes – make sure to layer and avoid cotton
• Hat, sunnies, and sunscreen – slip, slop, slap!
• Good, sturdy hiking boots
• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) – there’s very limited reception on the route, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry
• Crampons and ice axe – in case of snow

Read more: Comparing Different Methods of Treating and Purifying Water on the Trail

There’s lots to remember but don’t forget to enjoy yourself while you’re out there too

What It’s Like to Hike to Angelus Hut

As one of the last hikes I did during my seven months in New Zealand, the hike to Angelus Hut will always stick in my mind as the most strange and spectacular. We took the Robert Ridge Track, the most popular route to Angelus Hut.

Robert Ridge Route to Angelus Hut

While the Robert Ridge Track is ridiculously stunning, it can be dangerous in bad weather, as it’s very exposed, and people can be literally lifted off their feet in heavy winds.

Prepare yourself for a seriously exposed alpine environment

Getting Started

After you leave Mt Robert carpark, it doesn’t take long for the track to start getting steep. There are two route options to reach the Mt Robert summit:

• Pinchgut Track: The name of this track sums it up well – it’s steep and will keep your heart racing.
• Paddy’s Track: If you’re feeling like a more gradual ease into the hike, Paddy’s track wraps around the mountain (rather than going straight up) and as a result is less steep, however it does take slightly longer. It also passes Bushline Hut, which is a great spot for a snack break or an emergency shelter if the conditions are looking poor.

Hello summit!

After reaching the summit, the rest of the track is very exposed and mostly above the tree line. You’ll pass Relax Shelter – the last building until you reach Angelus Hut. There’s still about five to seven hours of hiking left before you reach Angelus Hut, so this is a good spot to assess whether the conditions and timing are right for you to continue the trek.

A nice spot for an apple on the hike up to the Mt Robert summit

Ridgeline Walking

The first part of the ridge track is relatively gentle, just make sure to follow the orange poles to stay on the right path. However, the track gets more difficult as rocky outcrops start to make up large sections of the path – be prepared to scramble! This section can also get very icy, so make sure you’re wearing grippy, sturdy shoes.

It felt like I was hiking on a different planet in a foreign galaxy, with mysterious-looking craters, sheer drop-offs covered in scree, and azure glacial lakes. 

Beautiful alpine streams are scattered throughout the national park

Watch out for the weather!

Despite the bureau forecasting a pleasant day, we got caught in an intense hailstorm as we traversed along the ridgeline. This meant scrambling over some very slippery, icy rocks, and it got scary at times. 

It was a stark reminder of how quickly weather can change in alpine environments and just how important it is to come prepared for anything, regardless of the forecast.

Julius Summit – You’ve made it halfway!

Julius Summit is the halfway point for the day and can be a great lunch spot if the winds aren’t too crazy.

Towards the end of the ridge the track gets steeper again, with steep drop-offs on either side. Again, you’ll be scrambling with both your hands and feet, so be careful!

The final section of the track cuts down off the ridge onto the western face of the mountains. If there’s snow on this section of the track it can become tricky to navigate, and crampons and ice axes are necessary.

Soon you’ll be able to see the stunning Angelus Hut, which sits in a glacial valley beside two spectacular glacial lakes.

Make sure to rest up and enjoy a hot cuppa and big meal at the hut because you’ll be heading back along the same track and doing it all again tomorrow!

Spectacular views from Angelus Hut

Side Trip – Maniniaro/Mt Angelus

If you want to squeeze in a bit extra or feel like staying an extra day in the mountains, the trek out to Mt Angelus is a popular bonus activity for people staying at Angelus Hut.

The hike is about 6km long and takes three to four hours return. We decided to do it after we woke up in the morning on our second day, before hiking back out to the cars. 

Hiking out to Mt Angelus was genuinely one of the scariest treks I’ve ever done. The route is very poorly marked and the mountain is covered in loose scree. For fellow Australians, who like me have likely never seen scree, it’s basically tiny rocks that cover a mountain.

Introducing: scree – my new least-favourite form of rock

While getting up to the summit was fine (although it was quite a workout and involved plenty of scrambling), it was the descent that terrified me. I’d never done any scree hiking before, and every step caused more of the tiny rocks (as well as the not-so-tiny ones!) to start sliding down with me.

According to what I’ve since read on AllTrails, the hike is ‘excellent if you go the right way’ – whoops. I’d suggest following the GPS track drawn up on AllTrails. Either way, make sure you’re both mentally and physically prepared for a challenge. The view from the summit is stunning!

Panoramic summit views

Heading Home

We took the Roberts Ridge Track back to the cars, which was largely downhill this time, although it was still a decent slog.

Tips for Hiking to Angelus Hut

• The best time of year for this hike is between December and April (otherwise, it’s covered in snow and avalanches are common!)
• Be prepared for all weather conditions
• Check out the Angelus Hut web camera for current conditions!
• Chat with the DOC staff at Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre – they’ll have all the up-to-date goss on the track
• Start early – try to set out before 9am
• Be careful not to spread ‘alpine snow’ invasive algae – check out this information sheet for more info
• Don’t forget to grab a celebratory ice cream (or beer) when you get back to civilisation!

Challenging? Yes. Worth it? Definitely yes!

FAQs Mount Angelus Hut

What’s the best time of year to hike to Mt Angelus Hut?

The best months to hike to Mt Angelus Hut are between December and February.

Is there more than one route to get to the Mt Angelus Hut?

Yep. There are four route options to reach the Angelus Hut. As well as the Robert Ridge Route detailed above, you can also take Speargrass Track, Travers-Cascade Track or the Mt Cedric Track.

Is the hike to Mt Angelus Hut suitable for beginners?

No, this hike is suited to experienced hikers. The terrain is steep and rocky, weather conditions are highly variable even in the summer, and running water is scarce.

What other advanced hikes can I try on New Zealand’s South Island?

If you’re keen to explore some more tough trails you’ll definitely want to check out the Avalanche Peak Hike. The Greenstone Caples Track is more difficult due to its longer length of 61km, and the Gillespie Pass Circuit might just be the best New Zealad hike you’ve never heard of. If you like the idea of exploring unknown corners, we’ve also got a great list of six relatively unknown hikes on the South Island that are worth a look too.