Know before you go

Introduction

Find out what you need to take when you walk the track and other safety information.

Rotoroa Route closed

The Rotoroa Route alongside the eastern side of Lake Rotoroa between Rotoroa village and Sabine Hut is permanently closed. This closure will not affect trampers on the Travers-Sabine Circuit unless they were planning to end their trip at Rotoroa village.

Seasonal hut fees

Seasonal fees apply for the huts on this track. See individual hut pages or contact Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre for further information.

Prepare for your trip

It’s important to plan, prepare and equip yourself well. Make sure your party has a capable leader and that you have plenty of food, warm and waterproof clothing and the right skills and fitness level required for the trip. Always check the latest information about facilities, tracks and local weather conditions.

Essential gear:

  • waterproof raincoat and over-trousers
  • several layers warm clothing
  • spare dry socks
  • strong tramping boots
  • food (enough for the duration plus extra for emergencies)
  • first aid kit
  • sunscreen and sunglasses
  • hat & gloves
  • sleeping bag
  • portable fuel stove & cooking utensils
  • hut tickets or annual hut pass
  • map and compass (and know how to use them!)

Consider carrying:

  • putties (gaiters)
  • personal locator beacon/or mountain radio
  • tent and bed roll in the summer monthsDuring winter and snow conditions you will need an ice axe and crampons, snow gaiters and goggles. You might want to consider carrying an avalanche transceiver, probe and snow shovel.

Freezing conditions and/or heavy rain can occur at any time of year. If you doubt your abilities or the weather, particularly near Travers Saddle or at un-bridged stream crossings after heavy rain, turn back. Fill in the visitor book if you are staying in a hut or at a campsite.

In winter, navigation and alpine skills are essential for your survival. For more information about these visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

It is strongly recommended that you take a personal locator beacon with you. A mountain radio is an optional extra that can be taken for communication.

Snow and avalanches

With snow on the ground, Poukirikiri/Travers Saddle and side trips into the alpine basins should only be attempted by experienced and well‑equipped groups.

Be wary of avalanches. Avalanches occur in the park every year, normally between June and October but sometimes as late as December. Most occur during winter storms or in spring/early summer when warmer temperatures or rain make the snow unstable. The Travers – Sabine Circuit has more than 20 recognised avalanche paths.

To reduce the risk of being caught in an avalanche, do not stop between the avalanche signs. Even if you cannot see snow from the track, there may be enough snow out of sight on the upper slopes to form an avalanche that could reach the track. Avalanche paths are only marked on the Travers – Sabine Circuit and Blue Lake Track.

John Tait Hut is located below an avalanche path. Do not use the hut during storms or when the snow reaches the valley floor. Alternative hut options are Upper Travers Hut (2 hours 30 min from John Tait Hut), Coldwater Hut and Lakehead Hut (both 4 hours 30 min from John Tait Hut). There is also the option to camp in the lower valley, away from avalanche danger. Identified avalanche paths are signposted.

If you are going into places avalanches could occur, be sure you:

Wasps

There are high numbers of wasps, particularly between January and April. Consider carrying an antihistamine product and, if you are allergic to their stings, ensure you carry medication with you.

Sandflies

The presence of biting sandflies can detract from your experience at the lakes, especially during the summer months. Cover up and apply a good quality insect repellent to any exposed skin.

Water quality

Water supplies in the Travers and Sabine valleys are generally of high quality but cannot be guaranteed. You may choose to boil, filter or treat drinking water.

Use toilet facilities and help keep water supplies clean.

Beware of catching or spreading norovirus (stomach bugs): good hygiene practices are essential. Always clean hut surfaces after use.

Nelson Lakes - thefts from vehicles

Isolated carparks are prone to theft. Don't leave any valuables in your vehicle. A bag storage facility is available at the Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre. 

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