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Time: 5 hrs return
Beginning in the eastern corner of Kerr Bay, this walk climbs steadily through beech forest to a height of over 1650 metres. The lower section of the walk crosses moraine terraces deposited by past glaciers.
Above the bushline (at 1400 m), there are spectacular views from Parachute Rocks, which gained their name from a parachute-shaped gravel scree located just to the north.
The track climbs from here to the ridge line, where you are rewarded by spectacular views of the surrounding area: east down the Wairau Valley, north to Mt Richmond Forest Park, west towards Kahurangi National Park and the Buller Valley, and south to the rest of Nelson Lakes National Park.
Return via the same route.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC Nelson/TasmanCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ St Arnaud |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Feature | Value | Info |
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Track Duration |
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Track DurationHow long does it take to walk this track on average? 4 to 8 hours |
Track Difficulty |
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Track DifficultyConsidering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Hard walk |
Payment Requirement |
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Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in. |
Track Length |
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Track LengthWhat is the physical length of this track? 3km to 10km |
DOC Track Category |
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DOC Track CategoryWhat type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)? Tramping track Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking. Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections. Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required. Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings. Tramping/hiking boots required. |
Track Accommodation |
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Track AccommodationWhat type of accommodation is available on this walking track? Hut & Campsite At least one campsite and building is available on this track to stay at overnight. |
Track Managing Organisation |
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Track Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. |
One of the best short tracks in New Zealand.
Spectacular walk on the east side of the lake.
Well laid out traverses.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 3 |
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30% |
9/10 | 4 |
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40% |
8/10 | 1 |
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10% |
7/10 | 1 |
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10% |
6/10 | 1 |
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10% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5.0/5
as others said, the beginning at the bush is easy.
it gets gradually harder until the treeline (Parachute Rocks), then there's a quite steep climb up to the ridge. an easy, 30 minutes return walk on the ridge to the south (to an unnamed, 1797m tall highpoint) is a must for the best views of the snowy peaks of Traverse Range, Lake Rotoiti, and Raglan Range. absolutely gorgeous hike!
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
3.5/5
A great walk to break up our drive time, great views of the lake.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
4.5/5
A hard climb to get up there, but once you get to the ridge line the view are truly breath taking!
More than work the effort.
Reviewed about 8 years ago
5.0/5
One of the best short tracks in New Zealand.
Beautiful view. No other people there.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016
4.5/5
Spectacular walk on the east side of the lake.
Well paved for the first four kilometres, thereafter you have to climb across rocks etc. Very steep but the view is worth the effort.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
4.0/5
Well laid out traverses.
Good park, a reward at the end point. 5 good hours.
Reviewed about 12 years ago and experienced in March 2012
4.5/5
Five hour return walk, very steep at the top but worth it for the great 360 degree views.
Reviewed over 12 years ago and experienced in February 2012
5.0/5
Quiet, nice campground, good facilities, beautiful location at the lake.
Reviewed about 13 years ago and experienced in March 2011
4.5/5
Long walk (5 hrs) and very cold at the top, great views.
BUT brochure didn't mention how steep the last part is.
Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in March 2009
5.0/5
as others said, the beginning at the bush is easy.
it gets gradually harder until the treeline (Parachute Rocks), then there's a quite steep climb up to the ridge. an easy, 30 minutes return walk on the ridge to the south (to an unnamed, 1797m tall highpoint) is a must for the best views of the snowy peaks of Traverse Range, Lake Rotoiti, and Raglan Range. absolutely gorgeous hike!
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
3.5/5
A great walk to break up our drive time, great views of the lake.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
4.5/5
A hard climb to get up there, but once you get to the ridge line the view are truly breath taking!
More than work the effort.
Reviewed about 8 years ago
5.0/5
One of the best short tracks in New Zealand.
Beautiful view. No other people there.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016
4.5/5
Spectacular walk on the east side of the lake.
Well paved for the first four kilometres, thereafter you have to climb across rocks etc. Very steep but the view is worth the effort.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
4.0/5
Well laid out traverses.
Good park, a reward at the end point. 5 good hours.
Reviewed about 12 years ago and experienced in March 2012
4.5/5
Five hour return walk, very steep at the top but worth it for the great 360 degree views.
Reviewed over 12 years ago and experienced in February 2012
5.0/5
Quiet, nice campground, good facilities, beautiful location at the lake.
Reviewed about 13 years ago and experienced in March 2011
4.5/5
Long walk (5 hrs) and very cold at the top, great views.
BUT brochure didn't mention how steep the last part is.
Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in March 2009
3.0/5
Quite good walk through the forest but very steep at the end.
Very beautiful view at the top.
Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in March 2009