Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand

Nice pics Matt!

Tell us a little something about the place and the trip.

cheers,
-Michael "sawchuck"

I think the most amazing thing about this trip was that it was the very first time I was completely alone in New Zealand. I had just spent 5 months traveling with friends, and I was now completely alone, at my own will.

I almost drove straight past this national park. But I was so bored from driving that I had to get out of the car and take a look around. It wasn't until 2 pm when I decided to do the 8 hour hike… eek. But it was all worth it.

I'm not one for viewing from a car, but the safety and comfort tends to draw you in. I can compare it to working out: you never want to go to the gym, but once you get there, you feel great.

I backpacked for 6 months in New Zealand, and I swore to myself that I'd never go again… at least not for a few months :-)

I don't know how Skurka does it.

Those hanging lakes are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing the photos.

Michael

I'm pretty sure those are the paternoster lakes below Mt Angelus, one of the classic trips in Nelson Lakes National Park. A day in one route and a day out another makes it very popular trip, plus there's a large hut you can stay in once you reach the lakes. This can be done ultra UL as you don't have to carry shelter or sleeping mat if you don't want to…

More photos and a detailed track description can be found here:

http://www.gang-gang.net/nomad/NZ/NZ%2017.htm

I would put this on my "highly recommended" list of trips to do in NZ.