Warning notice issued for Angelus Hut Trail network
In an effort to enhance the safety of trampers at Angelus Hut, a hotspot for tramping incidents in New Zealand, an Issue Specific Advisory Group was formed by the Ministry for the Environment (MSC), the Department of Conservation (DOC), and the New Zealand Police. The group was established to develop safety solutions for tramping incidents at Angelus Hut, specifically via Robert Ridge.
The report, which is the result of a facilitated design-thinking process, contains proposed solutions for improving the safety of trampers heading to Angelus Hut. The agreed actions for each proposed solution are summarized in the report, and the report itself can be found below for public access.
The report was reviewed and discussed in detail by MSC and DOC. The next steps towards the implementation of the proposed solutions have been agreed upon by both parties. However, it's important to note that specific agreed actions from the Issue Specific Advisory Group (ISAG) for improving the safety of trampers en route to Angelus Hut have not been explicitly identified in the available search results.
Angelus Hut is located in Nelson Lakes National Park between Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa, and on the Travers Range. The area is known for its stunning landscapes but also presents certain hazards. For instance, Waiau Pass near Angelus Hut has avalanche risk, especially on its southern face, snowbound sections in colder seasons, and unbridged river crossings that can be dangerous when flooded. Seasonal snow and weather extremes are central safety concerns.
DOC advises contacting the Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre for current track conditions before starting the route. Trampers are reminded to prepare thoroughly, understand weather forecasts, and carry appropriate safety and water treatment equipment. Effective communication within tramping parties and reassessing plans in response to conditions also improve safety.
A tramping video series for the Robert Ridge Route is available for reference, and the plan for the Angelus Hut area and surrounding tracks can be found on Plan My Walk. For the most accurate and up-to-date safety measures or actions, contacting DOC Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre directly would be recommended.
The report was discussed in an RNZ article from October 2021. For more detailed information, we encourage you to read the report and stay informed about the ongoing efforts to improve tramper safety in this beautiful but challenging region.
- To ensure a safer journey for trampers ascending Robert Ridge towards Angelus Hut, it would be beneficial for the Issue Specific Advisory Group (ISAG) to consider integrating sports-related safety education, such as mountaineering techniques, into their agreed actions.
- Despite the active discussion and implementation of safety measures for trampers at Angelus Hut, it is crucial to remember sports like skiing or snowboarding, which are common in the Travers Range's snowy landscapes, pose additional risks that should also be addressed for a comprehensive approach to tramper safety.
