4 day 3 night tramp Nelson/Hamner springs ArthursP

st james is all valley walking out in the open, the wangapeka is mainly in the bush with some pass hops above the bushline.. but it's nicer bush than the waitaks

St James is typically 5 days, but can be done quicker if you travel light or don't mind a long day or simply bring a tent ?. It's a loop, and you can leave your vehicle parked with the guy at the Boyle Village, who can also shuttle you in (for a price). Being a valley walk, all the scenery is around or above you. You don't really look down from any great height. You can do side trips up out of the valley. An alternative could be day walks, or so, in the Arthurs Pass, which will get you into the tops ?.

What about Nelson Lakes? Bushline Hut, Angelus Hut ( maybe 2 nights with alpine side trips from here). Return the same way, or drop down into Speargrass Hut and out.Stunning alpine scenery, but you would need to check current snow conditions prior.

Thanks for the posts so far. Forgot to say 2 members of our group have already done angelus and bush hut so looking for something different. But very helpful suggestions so far!