Hike up to the Mole Tops, Nelson Lakes National Park

Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)

Mole Tops, Nelson Lakes National Park 

Sick of busy trails and crowded huts? Get off the beaten track only 2 hours drive from Nelson! Starting at Mataki carpark, the Jameson Ridge Track climbs gently for roughly 3.5 hours through beautiful native beech forest. Option to stay at Mole Hut (basic 4 bunk hut), or head up onto the tops following the well-defined ridge from the Mole Saddle (30-45 minutes). Find a cosy spot amongst the tarns to set up camp for a night under the stars!

Day 2: plenty of photography opportunities while exploring the tops and tarns. Views are 360 degrees out towards Nelson Lakes, Travers Ranges and Kahurangi with Mt Owen in the distance.

Heading down the well-marked Mole Track for the first 30-45 minutes, you will reach the blown out river bed and follow for the next 2.5 hours - don't expect to find any cairns or markers. Jameson Track was much easier going!
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