Hopeless Track to Hopeless Hut

Hopeless Track is an out-and-back branch from the Travers Valley Track to the standard six-bunk Hopeless Hut. The full mapped route is about 5 miles (8 km) return from the junction, with roughly 300 m of climbing; allow 3 to 4 hours for it, on top of the multi-day approach. The published estimate is 1½ hours to the hut. A 4 km / 1½-hour marker has been reported at the creek bridge farther along the route, so figures may use different starting points; follow the signs and allow extra time.

From the junction, the track follows Hopeless Creek and crosses it by swing bridge, then climbs the valley's true right side. It's marked but uneven, with rockier footing as you gain height and several side-stream crossings that can be harder after rain. The valley opens toward Angelus Ridge as the hut comes into view.

Hopeless Hut sits at 1,030 m in a forest clearing, with Angelus Ridge rising across the valley. New Zealand Alpine Club members built it, and Sir Edmund Hillary opened it on 23 December 1967. The standard hut has six bunks and is first-come, first-served; you don't need a booking, but an overnight stay requires a hut ticket or pass. For the defining view, frame the hut with the pale scree slope and peaks behind it.

The hut is below a known avalanche path. Don't stay there during winter storms or when snow reaches the valley floor, and check DOC's current avalanche information before setting out. Dogs and other domestic animals aren't allowed in Nelson Lakes National Park.