Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Just a short jaunt to the iconic Blue Lake/Rotomairewhenua, West Sabine Hut is a large 30-bunker located on the roaring Sabine River. It’s the perfect layout to chitchat with your fellow trampers, play a game of cards and warm up around the central woodburner. It’s usually quite a busy hut, so if solitude is your goal, camp further upstream!
Distance: 15.5km
Elevation: +361m -142m
Catch the water taxi from the Lake Rotoroa jetty ($65pp) and begin your walk at Sabine Hut. The single track terrain is ever-changing native bush, rooty scrambles, flat meadows and minor stream crossings – all with glorious views of the crystal clear river and peaks beyond. This section can take anywhere from 4-7 hours depending on your speed and comfort on technical terrain. Once you reach the swing bridge, you’re done for the day!
The hut is $25 a night, and I’d highly recommend booking ahead – especially during the busy summer TA season (or just avoid altogether and go in the quiet of winter!). There is a large enclosed porch for muddy/smelly gear, 2 drop toilets and sinks with running water inside. The river is just a few metres from the hut, and ideal for a rinse off at the end of the day – as long as the fire is roaring!
From the hut there is plenty to explore. On to Blue Lake and the alpine Lake Constance, further afield to Waiau Pass (1870m), up and over the insanely gorgeous Moss Pass (1785m), or the full Travers-Sabine Circuit.
If it’s been on your list for a while, now is the perfect time to book your bunk!
~Emma
