Rotopōhueroa/Lake Constance Track

Rotopōhueroa/Lake Constance Track is a 3.5-mile out-and-back from Blue Lake Hut to the first marked arrival at the lake’s shore. The route climbs the moraine that dams the basin, then crosses steep ground above the western cliffs before dropping to the water. It’s a memorable side trip for an experienced tramper already at the hut, but the short mileage hides rough footing and a demanding climb. Allow about five hours return, including time to stop; there’s no separate official time for this short excursion, and the estimate does not cover the longer Waiau Pass crossing.

From Blue Lake Hut, follow the orange triangles and poles south up the moraine. Once you’re on top, stay with the marked line high above the lake’s west side. It winds through steep gullies and spurs, then descends to the shore about 2.8 km from the hut. This entry turns around at that first shoreline arrival and returns the same way. The through-route continues along the shore toward the lakehead and on to Waiau Pass, but that’s a different, much longer trip. Don’t cut down to the water early: the bluffs and deep water stop the way along the lake edge.

The moraine is a natural dam between the Blue Lake basin and Rotopōhueroa. Lake Constance sits at about 1,340 metres in a post-glacial basin, roughly 2 km long and up to 700 metres wide. The climb gives you the view first; when you reach the shore, you’re looking across the long lake with steep mountain walls rising around it. From the moraine, frame the water between those flanks rather than trying to follow the shoreline.

There’s no road or car park at this trailhead. Blue Lake Hut is reached only on a multi-day tramp, not as a day trip from St Arnaud. The serviced hut has 16 bunks and requires a booking; its tap water is untreated, so boil it before drinking. Plan food as part of a self-sufficient backcountry trip.

Rotopōhueroa is tapu, or sacred, and has deep cultural significance to Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō. Don’t touch or take water from the lake, swim or wash in it, or put any equipment in the water. Dogs aren’t allowed on this route. The main caution is the exposed line above the western cliffs: keep to the orange markers and turn back if you can’t identify the marked way.