Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Weekend mish alert! The soaring summit of Mt Misery (1601m) boasts one of the sickest bucket list huts around. This quaint little 4 bunker is the perfect place to hunker down and watch the weather rage over the stunning scenes of Nelson Lakes.
Distance: 10km one-way
Elevation: +1200m -146m
Mt Misery is located at the end of Lake Rotoroa, and can be accessed by boat or by foot (via Speargrass or Tiraumea Track for something different!). We’d highly recommend catching the water taxi to Sabine or D’Urville Hut, or if you’re feeling a tad more adventurous – perhaps a paddle! If you’re one of the lucky ones with your own boat… can you hook us up?
According to DOC track signage the climb up to the hut takes 3 hours, but someone clearly disagreed and has scratched 4! With 1100m of elevation over 2.5kms, you can see why. Luckily the trail will warm you up on a gentler gradient before the grunt really kicks in.
Despite the steepness, the track itself is lovely. You’ll be surrounded by a gorgeous native forest of ferns, beech trees & lichen, with only a handful of slippery spots! And the best news? The more you climb, the further away the sandflies <3
The bushline ends and a poled route begins at 1400m, with some climbing still to go. But once you’re up on the ridge you’ll forget all about your burning quads and calves!
A full 360 degree panorama awaits, with views of Lake Rotoroa, the ridge stretching towards Mt Windward, the stunning Travers Range and the imposing Ella Range.
Further along you’ll locate Misery Hut: a very wee 4 bunker, with no fire but its own tarn right next door. And how can we not mention the – rather exposed – loo with a view.. Guess you’ll just have to find out for yourselves!
