At two kilometres long and 700m at its widest point, Lake Constance is the largest alpine lake in New Zealand! Nestled in a huge post-glacial basin at 1340m, this lake is picturesque in summer and downright majestic in the depths of winter.
Let’s take a look at the route options:
1. Out-and-back from Lake Rotoroa
25km one-way, 50km round-trip
1220m elevation gain
This option would work well as a multiday mission, a big overnighter or long trail run. Catch the water taxi from the Lake Rotoroa jetty ($65pp) and start your walk from Sabine Hut. The single track terrain is ever-changing native bush, open tussock, stream crossings and some scree.
The Details:
Sabine Hut to West Sabine Hut 15km
West Sabine Hut to Blue Lake Hut 7km
Blue Lake Hut to the shores of Lake Constance 3km
Elevation gain 1220m
2. Travers-Sabine Circuit with side trip to Blue Lake & Lake Constance
90.9km | 4 - 7 days
4681m elevation gain
This stunning circuit will take you through tranquil beech forests, golden tussock fields, and past soaring 2000m peaks and crystal clear mountain streams.
Park up at the trailhead of Lakeside Track and follow signs for Coldwater Hut. The circuit is best walked in a clockwise direction, as crossing the Poukirikiri / Travers Saddle is easier from the Travers side.
The Details:
Lake Rotoiti to Coldwater Hut 16.6km
Coldwater Hut to John Tait Hut 14km
John Tait Hut to Upper Travers Hut 6.1km
Upper Travers Hut to West Sabine Hut (via Travers Saddle) 8km
West Sabine Hut to Blue Lake Hut 7.2km
West Sabine Hut to Sabine Hut 14.5km
Sabine Hut to Speargrass Hut 11.4km
Speargrass Hut to Lake Rotoiti 8.7km
3. Continue over Waiau Pass via the Te Araroa route
Stay tuned for a future LotW featuring Blue Lake / Rotomairewhenua 👀👀
