Mount Robert

Mount Robert is a summit in Nelson Lakes National Park that rises to 1,421 meters above sea level, offering clear views of Lake Rotoiti and surrounding peaks. The Mount Robert Circuit is a popular walking route featuring the steep Pinchgut Track and the gentler Paddy's Track.

The mountain was originally part of private Lake Station land under John Kerr, then came under Crown management after his death in 1898. This change opened the summit to public access and shaped its later use.

The mountain received its dual name Pourangahau / Mount Robert in 2014 through a Treaty settlement, acknowledging Māori heritage. This naming reflects the place's importance to the local community.

Access to the summit starts from the car park at 880 meters elevation, where the Pinchgut Track climbs steeply and Paddy's Track offers a gentler option. Both routes require good preparation and appropriate clothing for changeable mountain conditions.

The northeastern slopes show an unusually low treeline due to a forest fire in 1887 and subsequent grazing, while mature beech forests remain on the western side. These differences in vegetation make it a striking example of how forest recovery happens over time.