The track to Lakehead Hut begins at Kerr Bay on the east side of the charming, bush-edged Lake Rotoiti. It starts off on the Bellbird Walk, a flat and easy trail passing through native bush full of korimako / bellbird song. 

After about 30min this joins Lakehead Track and the going gets a little rougher. The trail undulates through the trees close to the lake. Every now and then there is a jetty from where you can swim or dip your feet. 

Lakehead Hut is reached after 11kms (about 3hr). Its location, sandwiched beneath Robert Ridge and the St Arnaud Range, is both dramatic and beautiful. If opting for an overnighter, you can stay here or continue to Coldwater Hut, which is 2km on at the head of the lake.

Follow the signs from Lakehead Hut along a link track to Travers River, about 10 minutes away. Ford the river to join the Lower Travers Valley Track, then make a sharp right turn. After plenty of ups and downs and a few creek crossings you will reach Coldwater Hut, which is right on the lake. The sandflies are prolific here, so bring plenty of repellent.

The walk from Coldwater Hut to Mt Robert car park (9.7km) is now along Lakeside Track, which is similar to Lakehead Track. After about 45min there is a 10-minute side trip to Whisky Falls. This steep 190m ascent, to a wonderful waterfall surrounded by thick walls of moss and ferns, is worth the effort. 

Back on the main track, it’s around 90min to Mt Robert Road. The track is mostly flat until it rounds the bend beneath Pt1098, after which it climbs steeply to the 710m contour, 80m above the lake. It’s then mostly downhill, with one final uphill to reach the road. Here you may need another car to take you back to Kerr Bay.