Lake Christabel tracks
WalkWest Coast
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 3 days
- Dogs
- DOC permit only
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzTurn off SH7 onto Palmers Road 13 km west of Springs Junction.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map and tracks
Track lines: DOC Te Papa Atawhai. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 42.44814° S, 172.21095° E

About this place
A number of tracks lead to a hut at Lake Christabel.
The route
Lake Christabel via Lake Christabel Track
Time: 6 - 7 hr one way
The track begins about 10 km along Palmer Road, at the Blue Grey River Bridge, and follows the true right bank to the lake. The hut is about 30 minutes past the head of Lake Christabel, on the true left side of the north branch of the Blue Grey River.
Lake Christabel via Robinson River and Saddle Track
Time: 2-3 days one way
From the end of Palmer Road it is 5-8 hours up the Robinson Valley to the Mid Robinson Hut, with the Top Robinson Hut 5-8 hours further on. From the Top Robinson Hut it is 4 hours up the left branch via a marked track and snowpole route to the Robinson Saddle, then 4 hours down to Lake Christabel Hut.
Rough Creek Track
Lake Christabel can also be accessed from Lewis Pass to the east, via the Rough Creek Track .
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
On this track
In walking order.
Nearby stops
Upper Nina Bivvy
Basic/bivvies • 2 bunks • Canterbury • 5.6 km
Upper Nina Bivvy is a basic two-bunk hut located in the North Canterbury and Arthur's Pass area.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Devils Den Bivvy
Basic/bivvies • 2 bunks • Canterbury • 8.1 km
Devils Den Bivvy is a basic two-bunk hut located in the North Canterbury and Arthur's Pass area.
Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Doubtless Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Canterbury • 8.3 km
Doubtless Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the North Canterbury and Arthur's Pass area.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Brass Monkey Bivvy
4 bunks • West Coast • 9.2 km
Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush • Water from stream
Nina Hut
Standard • 10 bunks • Canterbury • 9.3 km
Nina Hut is an accessible overnight option in Canterbury, suitable for families or new trampers with some experience. The access track can be wet and muddy, so…
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Walks nearby

Devilskin Saddle Route
Advanced • 6 hr • 9 km • 8.48 km away

Doubtful Valley Track
Advanced • 5 hr 30 min • 17 km • 9.2 km away

Nina Valley Track
Advanced • 5 hr • 13 km • 10.37 km away

Lucretia Hut Route
Expert • 4 hr • 5.7 km from Nina swing bridge • 11.45 km away
Lake Man Route
Expert • 6 hr 30 min • 8.1 km • 12.17 km away
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).