Last Updated: 29th Apr 2024

Intermediate

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Rotoiti Loop The Lake

St. Arnaud, Tasman

Submitted by Mal Law

Last Updated: 29th Apr 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

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Open

Grunt Factor: 29 ?

Gnarl Factor: 31 ?

26.7km

Length of run

500m

Total Ascent

500m

Total Descent

720m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Lakeside

Open tussock/grasslands

Run Makeup

7.5%

45%

35%

12.5%

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +6.1%

Average Downhill Gradient: -5.6%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

4:00

Slow

3:00

Moderate

2:15

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

From the eastern side of Kerr Bay pick up the Lakehead Track and keep right at the three track junctions that you encounter over the first 2 kms. The trail undulates gently through beautiful beech forest, crossing a couple of rocky is streams where care should be taken to locate the marker pole on the far side before crossing.
After around 10k you'll reach Lakeside Hut and bear right across open ground following the orange marker poles to the Travers River (usually braided into 2 or 3 sections.) Cross with care and pick up the orange marker pole on the far side to join up with the Lower Travers Valley Track.
Turn right to reach Coldwater Hut after another km or so. The trail on this western side is a bit rougher than the eastern side, but still undulates gently through gorgeous bush. After another 2.5kms (or thereabouts) there is a very worthwhile side trip to Whisky Falls - a short, sharp uphill to these spectacular falls.
Continuing along the western side of the lake for another 3+ kms you will eventually start to climb gently away from the lake and after another couple of kms will hit the gravel road.
Turn right and follow downhill to cross the start of the Buller River and soon reach West Bay. Here the road veers away from the lake and you leave it to pick up the Peninsula Nature Walk. Keep right at the next junction and follow this well-made trail around the peninsula to emerge at the western edge of Kerr Bay. Cross the open area back to the road and your car.

A stunning circuit around an iconic lake with beautiful views.
Whisky Falls is a very worthwhile short detour off the route.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Transport and parking:

Plenty of parking at the lakeside trailhead.

Distance from St. Arnaud:

1 km

Driving time from St. Arnaud:

2 minutes

Dog friendly:

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

The only tricky bits are the crossings of the side streams and the Travers River. Be sure to locate the marker poles on the far side before you cross.

Cellphone Coverage:

Very patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

Plenty. All the stream water is good to drink and there is also water at Lakeside Hut and Goldwater Hut.

Seasonality Issues:

Despite being in the bush for most of the way this is a mountain environment and can get cold at any time of the year. Go prepared.

Hazards:

After heavy rain the stream crossings could be very tricky or impossible. Check with the DoC visitor centre in St. Arnaud if in any doubt (also a good place to leave your intentions)

Alpine Lodge
St. Arnaud
http://www.alpinelodge.co.nz
Wonderful hospitality from Leighton & Alex who love trail runners and all outdoorsy types. They do a great feed in their warm, welcoming bar/restaurant. Also a good selection of beers, wines and other drinks.

Trail Legend

Sam Mowat

has completed Rotoiti Loop The Lake once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Stewie Stuart

Great run. Went clockwise but probably will go anti-clockwise next time around. Whiskey Falls was a great side detour.

Stewie Stuart

May 1, 2023

Pip Guthrey

Muddy, rooty, stoney fun. Not to be underestimated, but a fabulous run.

Pip Guthrey

April 17, 2021

Durand Coldicott

Amazing run. Rough in places but beautiful terrain.

Durand Coldicott

April 12, 2021

Rob Stent

I really can’t add anything more than previous reviews other than to say I had perfect day to run and the area is absolutely wonderful. Thoroughly enjoyed this track.

Rob Stent

January 4, 2021

Read all 13 reviews

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Overlapping Trails

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