Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
This week we’re heading waaaay off the beaten track! Courtesy of the National Park Trifecta girlies, we can pass along some rare info about the remote Lake Ella:
“Nelson Lakes is celebrated for its pristine mountain tarns, nestled amongst rugged ridgelines and expansive tussock-filled basins. Lake Ella - tucked away between the D’Urville and Matakitaki Valleys - is a hidden gem located approximately 22km from the nearest road end (Matakitaki Station). The most fitting word to describe Lake Ella is idyllic. Surrounded by towering mountains and boasting some of the clearest waters you’ll ever see, the breathtaking views more than make up for the challenging bush-bash and steep scree ascent required to reach it! Standing at the shore of Lake Ella, you will be humbled by the vastness and beauty of the New Zealand wilderness.”
Distance: 10.6km
Elevation: 980m ascent, 1450m descent (“hella steep”)
The route can be attempted from either direction, but from the D’Urville Valley is recommended.
Turn off the valley track about 1km downstream from Upper D’Urville Hut and follow a spur up to the bushline. A further 200m ascent brings you to the shores of Lake Ella. Here you are faced with a steep ascent up the large scree slope to the saddle. Appreciate those hard-earned views, before picking your way down the even steeper scree slope which connects to the McKeller Stream Route - an unmaintained track that requires some navigation and bush-bashing. After joining with the Lower Matakitaki Route, it is a cruisey 15km of (flat!) valley walking out to the Station.
These routes are highly technical, exposed and isolated. Ensure you have some solid backcountry experience under your belt, are feeling fit and strong, and are well-equipped for any situation.
Have fun out there kids!
