Southern Wilderness New Zealand

Itinerary 5.5 day Travers Sabine Circuit

Day 1 - Lakehead to John Tait Hut
(5 hours)

Pick up at accommodation in Nelson and transfer to St Arnaud and Nelson Lakes National Park. Briefing and final gear check is done the night before departure at 6pm in the Rutherford Hotel A water taxi will transfer us to the southern end of Lake Rotoiti and we begin walking on the river flats of the lower Travers Valley. We follow the track through forest and clearings until reaching the Travers Swing Bridge. The valley soon narrows with glimpses of Mt Travers as the track nears Hopeless Creek. The track gradually climbs through beech forest until John Tait Hut (30 bunks) is reached on a grassy clearing.

Day 2 - John Tait Hut to Travers Hut
(4 hours)

The track continues to climb for a km until we pass a sidetrack to the Travers Falls. The 20 metre falls drop into a sparkling clear pool and are well worth the visit. From the falls, we continue onward towards our destination - the 30-bunk Upper Travers Hut. The track climbs steeply to Cupola Creek chasm, leaving the river in its gorge below. Finally the track emerges from the trees on to an extensive, tussock-covered flat where Upper Travers Hut nestles beneath the east face of Mt Travers.

 

Day 3 - Upper Travers Hut to West Sabine Hut
(6-9 hours)

Travers Saddle is an alpine pass and today we cross this stunning divide. Cross the Travers River near the hut and follow the snow poles through dense alpine shrubs. Leaving the boulder-strewn valley, the route steepens and zigzags up a scree slope before continuing more gently to the saddle with panoramic views. From the saddle (1787m), the descent is steep, crossing tussock and scree, through stunted beech forest before emerging into a gully. Descend to the valley floor and head to West Sabine Hut (35 bunks).

Day 4 - Rest Day or Optional Side Walk to Blue Lake
(7 hours)

This is a worthwhile day walk from the main circuit. Head upstream from West Sabine swing bridge. After two hours, the valley broadens and the track passes through forest destroyed by an avalanche in 1980. Climb steeply in two stages to a high basin containing the enchanting Blue Lake. Return to West Sabine Hut for the evening.

 

Day 5 - West Sabine Hut to Sabine Hut
(5 hours)

Our final leg! Cross the West Sabine River on a swing bridge and turn right. The track sidles down the valley following the river and crosses three long, open flats. Leave the river behind where it enters a gorge in the lower valley, climbing then descending to rejoin the river. From here is easy walking to Sabine Hut on the edge of Lake Rotoroa. We will be collected by water taxi to transfer down the lake and return by van to St Arnaud and the Alpine Lodge.
Accommodation: Alpine Lodge at St Arnaud - www.alpinelodge.co.nz

 

 

 

Day 6 - Transfers

Enjoy a final breakfast with group before transferring to Nelson. We arrive in Nelson late morning to connect with flights, ferries or be delivered to your accommodation.

 

Price per person: Travers Sabine Back Country Hike $1595

Includes four nights accommodation in Department of Conservation huts, one nights' accommodation at the Alpine Lodge- a double or twin share basis (single supplement is an additional $50 NZ on request, subject to availability) with final dinner, all meals, guiding services and transport ex. Nelson

Feel free to call from New Zealand on 0800 666 044  or Australia 1800 355 768

CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR TRAVERS SABINE CIRCUIT

Important footnote: This trek is for active trampers - age is no barrier but it is a challenging five-day walk. The accommodation is Department of Conservation huts - these are comfortable but must be shared with other walkers. Guests must carry their own pack containing clothing, bedding and some group food or equipment. Guides carry most of the food and cooking utensils.