Alpine Appetizer
(Mt Robert circuit)
4-5hr return
Level 3 kea
Amazing views and it’s a loop track! Just a short drive from St Arnaud we begin our hike up the more gradual "Paddy's Track".
With splendid lake views the whole way up, the exercise won’t be the only thing taking your breath away! Stories about the local history of the area and the people that settled here will take you back into another time... a time of intrepid journeys, of gold panning of hardy farmers. We can stop on the way up to spot Mt Owen or, for Lord of the Rings fans Dimrill Dale! But wait... there’s still more! Once on top of Mt Robert a tantalizing Alpine Appetizer awaits you…discover delicate miniature alpine gardens. Find out which innocent plant is deviously killing the other! Photograph the impressive but spiky speargrass plant or stoke the velvety vegetable sheep! Along the way you will also get to see several types of huts where hikers and skiers overnight on their journeys into the backcountry.
On the way down we take a different track called "Pinch Gut," a delightful zigzagging track, boasting plentiful photo opportunities. During the downhill lets discover (or reminisce) what summer holidays mean to New Zealanders and how the area has evolved to the current day.
Who will it suit?
This walk is highly recommended for those who really need to stretch their legs!
How fit do we need to be?
A higher level of fitness is required to complete this walk. Paddy’s Track to bush line hut is ~ 2 ½ hr climb uphill, with some steep sections of track. The descent down the aptly named Pinch Gut Track is also quite steep.
How long will it take?
4-5 hrs return
Cost
$130 p/p (a minimum of 2 people is required)
Is lunch included?
Yes, a delicious lunch, snacks and a drink.