📌Base Camp Nelson Lakes 2025 (8 nights)

Welcome to Base Camp Nelson Lakes 2025. This is our 8th yearly extended multi day Base camp trip to the South island on Meetup, and this is an invite to join this nine day trip for hikes/climbs in and around Nelson Lakes.

Between the dates of 25th of January and the 2nd of February 2025, we are going hiking in and around Nelson Lakes, at the South island. This year we fly to Nelson, then hire two vans. From there this year we travel nearly one and half hours south to Rotoiti lodge at St Arnaud, which is an Outdoor Education Centre. We will base ourselves at this location, to hike mainly in the magnificent Nelson Lakes National Park. Our group will be split into two for most of the time there, so those who prefer a challenging multi day hike can take on the Sabine and Durville valleys with two passes to cross at the southern end. If you prefer the less strenuous option then you can choose the spectacular Robert Ridge - Travers and Sabine valleys 3 night option. The rest of the time at St Arnaud, will consist of day trips, and a group day trip to Blenheim. As in previous years, we plan to hold a 'Farewell dinner' on our last night.

We will need to carefully consider who joins this event, as it is important for everyone’s safety, enjoyment and convenience. We are looking for people who are fit, team players, experienced, considerate of others, and with minimal need for guidance. As Sabine - Durville valleys is a 4 night over night trip with difficult terrain, then we will need to be selective about who takes part in this option. For those who prefer the less demanding option, there is the Robert ridge-Travers-Sabine which is 3 nights.

Regulars get priority over those who those who seldom join Hiking Aotearoa events. You can put your name on the waiting list for consideration, however there is no guarantee that you will join the 'going list', even if you are at the top of the waiting list. Some of the details are still being fine tuned, so more information is coming.
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🚩 (Hard group - Option 1)
Day 1: In and around St Arnaud (everyone) https://tinyurl.com/yrc64y37
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Sabine - Durville via Waiau pass - Multiday https://tinyurl.com/3t4avey2
Day 2: Lodge to Rotoroa to Sabine west hut
Day 3: Sabine West hut to Lake Thompson
Day 4: Lake Thompson to George Lyon Hut
Day 5: George Lyon Hut to Morgan hut
Day 6: Morgan hut to Rotoroa then lodge
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Day 7: Drive near Blenheim - Day hike (everyone)
a) Mt Tokomaru/Robertson track https://tinyurl.com/bddkwfsp or
b) Mt Robertson or Loop track https://tinyurl.com/mwm36xf5
c) Whites Bay (swim) https://tinyurl.com/mtckpt6n
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Day 8: Circuit of Lake Rotoiti Day hike https://tinyurl.com/47wnnf4w
Day 9: Depart back to Auckland

🚩 (Less Hard group - Option 2)
Day 1: In and around St Arnaud (everyone) https://tinyurl.com/yrc64y37
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Robert ridge-Travers-Sabine Multiday https://tinyurl.com/42k7j6b6
Day 2: Lodge to Angelus hut
Day 3 Angelus hut to John Tait hut
Day 4 John Tait hut to West Sabine hut
Day 5 West Sabine hut to Rotoroa then lodge
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Day 6: St Arnaud range track - Day hike https://tinyurl.com/2jfbb5nr
Day 7: Drive near Blenheim - Day hike (everyone)
a) Black Jack & Monkey Bay tracks https://tinyurl.com/5ymez5wt
b) Whites Bay (swim) https://tinyurl.com/mtckpt6n
Day 8: Coldwater hut to Lodge - Day hike https://tinyurl.com/249fhr9v
Day 9: Depart back to Auckland
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📌 For more Details: https://tinyurl.com/mr2b928z
📌 Detailed Timetable: https://tinyurl.com/3ms7uzp5
📌 Gear check list: https://tinyurl.com/2te3r74b
📌 RSVP Questions: https://tinyurl.com/y82k5hr3