Whether you want an overnight getaway with the family or you’re looking to spend a week exploring the valleys and peaks of Nelson Lakes National Park, this hut is a great stop. 

A well-graded track leads from the car park through mānuka alleys before breaking out onto the edge of Lake Rotoiti, where stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains can be seen on calm days. 

Follow the lake around and into beech forest to the junction with the Whisky Falls track, a worthy side trip to a 40m waterfall that drops over a moss-laden rock face. 

A hot summer’s day will have you jumping off the jetty nearby to cool off.  

Only an hour remains to reach Coldwater Hut at the head of the lake. The 12-bunk hut sits right beside the water and has a lovely jetty. You’ll want to collect some firewood to make use of the indoor and outdoor firepits, and there are plenty of camping spots nearby.

From here you can explore the Travers Valley, climb to Angelus Hut, or continue around on the Lakehead Track back to St Arnaud for a complete loop of the lake.