Angelus Hut via Mt Cedric Track/Route

This is a very steep route to the Angelus basin which is exposed above the bush edge.

The track begins behind Sabine Hut and climbs very steeply and steadily to the bush edge. Poles and cairns mark the route from here, which eventually drops off the eastern side of a high ridge of Mt Cedric (1,532 m) and onto Rotomaninitua/Lake Angelus.

Side trips from Angelus Hut

In summer the best side trip from the hut is the climb of Maniniaro/Angelus Peak (2,075 m). If the mountain is clear of snow, no special equipment or experience is required.

The less energetic could climb to Sunset Saddle and then traverse west for 10 min to the Travers Range. This provides spectacular views of the D’Urville and Sabine rivers twisting lazily to the head of Lake Rotoroa.

Understand if you are ready for this tramp

Watch the NZ Mountain Safety Council’s walk-through video which takes you through how to prepare for this track. Including facilities, key decision points, hazards and typical conditions for the area. 

St Arnaud is 88 km from Nelson on SH6, 129 km from Picton on SH63, 157 km from Wesport on SH6 and SH63, and 350 km from Christchurh on SH65 and SH6.

• There is no water along the track/route.
• Snow and ice can create hazards – make sure you have the experience and equipment to safely negotiate this route.

Angelus Hut tracks and routes November to April

What to take

Pack a range of equipment for warm, cold, windy or wet conditions. 

Overnight and multi-day tramp gear list.

Take a day’s spare food in case of delay due to weather conditions.

Weather

Hospitable and welcoming on a fine day, the Angelus basin and the alpine access routes are prone to sudden weather changes bringing freezing winds and snow at any time of the year.

Even small streams are dangerous in flood. Winter conditions or bad weather could slow or stop your progress to or from the hut. A fall onto hard or icy snow could be lethal. Snow avalanches are possible.

• avalanche forecast – New Zealand Avalanche Advisory website
• weather forecast – NIWA website.

Sandflies and wasps

Sandflies are tiny black insects that cause itchy bites. Cover up and use insect repellent.

There are many wasps in the area, especially from January to April. Consider carrying an antihistamine product and, if you are allergic to stings, ensure you bring your medication.

Giardia

Giardia has not been found in waters along the track but its presence cannot be dismissed. To avoid giardia, water should be boiled, chemically treated or filtered.

Angelus Hut tracks and routes May to October

Prepare for a challenging tramp

Allow up to 9 hours in heavy snow conditions to complete the Robert Ridge Route or Travers-Cascade Route via Lakehead Hut or Coldwater Hut, and up to 9 hours on the Mt Cedric Track via Sabine Hut.

There are between 9 and 11 hours of daylight in winter, so leave early enough to complete the trip before it gets dark. Always take a head torch.

The snow depth will increase and weather conditions may worsen as you get deeper into the mountains. Be prepared to turn back early if conditions are no longer safe or your progress is too slow.

In whiteout conditions, the tracks can be extremely difficult to find.

Dress for cold, windy and icy conditions

On a calm day, Angelus Hut (1650 m) is at least 6^oC colder than at the Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre. Subtract another 2^oC (35.6^oF) for every 10 km/h of wind. Subtract another 6.5^oC (43.7^oF) for every 1,000 m ascent.

The routes to Angelus Hut are at altitude in an alpine environment. The weather can be highly changebale - within minutes, the weather can go from clear skies to whiteout conditions. The cold can be intense. Hypothermia is a real risk and can be fatal – recognise the symptoms. People may shiver, be clumsy, confused, have slurred speech, and deny they have a problem).

Layer your clothes to trap warm air in and keep cold wind out. Start with a base layer of polypropylene/merino, add an insulation layer of fleece/wool and finish with a waterproof shell layer.

Expect ice on the track from May to December. Crampons and an ice axe are essential, as is the competency using them. 38% of tramping injuries are from slipping.

Be avalanche alert

Avalanches are a hazard. All tracks/routes to Angelus Hut during winter are subject to avalanches. Carefully consider the the class of avalanche terrain you're getting into:

• how ATES applies in Nelson Lakes National Park, and
• know the avalanche forecast.

Avalanches occur in the park every year normally between June and October but sometimes as late as December. Even if you can't see snow from the track, there may be enough out of sight on the upper slopes to form an avalanche that could reach the track.

What to take

Overnight and multi-day tramping gear list

And takes these essentials:

• Plenty of drinking water - there is no drinking water along Robert Ridge Route.
• Gas cooker, fire starter, utensils, sleeping bag, and toilet paper for Angelus Hut.
• Waterproof jacket and pants, hat, gloves, sunscreen, and warm, layered clothing.
• Sturdy tramping or mountaineering boots.
• Crampons and ice axe.
• Avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and snow shovel.
• Personal locator beacon (PLB), head torch and spare batteries – there is very limited mobile reception on the route, and only on Robert Ridge.
• Map, compass and/or GPS.

Make a plan

Talk with someone at the Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre who knows the current conditions.

Check the latest:

• avalanche forecast – New Zealand Avalanche Advisory website
• weather forecast – NIWA website.

Know the route – deep snow and whiteout conditions can hide track markers.

About the hut in winter

• You may have to dig your way into the hut. Snow drifts frequently block the entrance.
• There is no water inside the hut. Plumbing is disconnected to avoid freezing and cracking of pipes.
• The hut may be cold. Firewood may not be available.

Poles covered in snow

Rotomaninitua/Lake Angelus and hut in winter

Check the weather and current conditions before you go

Check the weather and the Mountain Safety Council's camera to help you plan and prepare.

Weather forecast

Angelus Hut weather forecast - NIWA website

Webcam for current conditions

View the Angelus Basin webcam

The Mountain Safety Council have installed a webcam that faces southwest of the Angelus Basin. It provides data for avalanche forecasts and offers trampers a view of current conditions.

The image below is the latest available image from the webcam. The time it was taken is shown in the lower left corner:

Be aware there may be times when images from the webcam are unavailable or inconsistent due to the remote location.

View previous images on the Mountain Safety Council's website.