June 12th 2020

Itchy feet, Twins full of endless energy, Dad looking constantly at the hills, all definite signs of staying home too long, we needed an adventure! Soon after Level two hit, we were off on the perfect Mission, Angelus hut!

Angelus Hut walk

Sunday 17 may we woke up early, got all our gear together, and drove to St Arnaud a tiny picturesque Ski Town that acts as a gateway to the Nelson Lakes National Park. We arrive at the car park by the start of the track, the cold air biting our lungs with sharp teeth and waking up our sleepy morning selves. I hoist my large pack onto my shoulders and we set off, up the sunbeam dappled path.

Three days of walking… The first day was all uphill to Bushline hut where we stayed the night, and had the place all to our selves. The second day we walked along the bare rocky mountain tops, enveloped in staggeringly stunning views over the Nelson Lakes National Park.

After being in Lockdown for so long, it was refreshing to look over all the greens and blues of Aotearoa. There’s a whole world out there!

At lunch time we reached the rocky garden, an unwelcome ankle twisting hindrance. The rocky garden as we named it, is roughly two and a half hours of walking over rocks of varied sizes, from Boulders to pebbles, all with the capability to wreak your ankles. Pure hell! Thankfully after multiple false tops we arrived at the ridge overlooking Angelus hut, I had never been more relieved to see that hut!

The next day I made pancakes on the fire, then we packed up and walked all the way back to the car.

That was one of the best and most beautiful walks I’ve ever done! Though it was challenging, mentally and psychically we did it, and now we feel better for it.

Some culture and history

Legend tells the story of Rākaihautū, chief and explorer who came to Aotearoa and travelled with his people to the great mountains. With his kō (digging stick) Rākaihautū dug enormous holes that filled with water. He filled them with kai (food) for those who followed.

The lakes, Rotoiti and Rotoroa (not to be confused with Rotorua) remain today. The food eel, freshwater mussels and water birds were important for Māori travelling the Pounamu trails to and from the West Coast.

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I hope you enjoyed this blog, and do the Angelus hut walk!

Love Dylan Daisy❤