Mt Robert Circuit, Nelson Lakes

A half-day loop walk up Mt Robert (1,421 m), above Lake Rotoiti, through beech forest to the open tops, with sweeping views over the lake, the village and the mountains of Nelson Lakes National Park. The route goes up the Pinchgut Track and down the Paddy's Track (or the reverse), with the small Relax Shelter on the way.

It takes about 3 to 5 hours and is steep in places. Fit walkers can continue along the Robert Ridge, one of the great ridge walks in New Zealand, to Angelus Hut and its alpine tarn (an overnight trip; book the hut in summer). The weather on the tops can change quickly, so bring warm, waterproof gear.