Description
St Arnaud Range shuttle Nelson Lakes — Nelson round trip included.
Picture this: We pick you up in Nelson early morning, drive you right to the Rainbow Ski Field gate (high in the alpine zone), then you set off across the St Arnaud Range crest to Parachute Rocks Track and down into Saint Arnaud village. Come late afternoon we’re waiting with the shuttle to bring you straight back to Nelson. No second car, no long road walks, no hassle — just pure walking time in Nelson Lakes high country.
This transport run gives you up to four smart options (mix of individual seats and group bookings):
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Full day hike (most popular): Nelson → Rainbow Ski Field drop-off (start high, tramp south-to-north to Saint Arnaud), 6pm pick-up in Saint Arnaud → return to Nelson. Perfect for experienced outdoor enthusiasts who love untracked alpine country (navigation skills with GPX/map/cairns essential).
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Saint Arnaud group starter (up to 9 people): Drive yourselves to Saint Arnaud, hop our 11:30am group shuttle to Rainbow Ski Field, tramp back to your vehicle in Saint Arnaud. Perfect for an overnight camping trip.
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Rainbow group finisher (up to 4 people): Get yourselves to Rainbow Ski Field for a 2 pm pick-up — we’ll get you back to your vehicle in Saint Arnaud.
- Custom Transport for up to 9 people– build your own schedule, perhaps hire a BBQ for your lake Rotoiti finish, or enjoy leisurely post hike drinks at The Alpine Lodge before your return trip to Nelson
Custom flexibility? Choose a date and book a custom shuttle for your crew — turn it into a two-day tarn camping adventure (overnight high on the range), We handle the wheels, you own the route. More info on our custom transport here
St Arnaud Range shuttle Nelson Lakes -Why this beats driving solo:
Starting at Rainbow skips 700m+ of road grind and complicate vehicle logistics — you’re boot-deep in tussock and tarns (small glacial lakes) from the get-go. Finish at the Alpine Lodge (hot pies, cold drinks), then relax on the ride home. We’ve tested this route ourselves — the ridge views and range flow make it unforgettable, but it’s real alpine walking (make sure you are prepared).
Key details:
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For: Fit trampers (hikers) comfortable with route-finding in open tops.
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Duration: 6–8 hours walking (depending on your pace).
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What’s included: Round-trip Nelson transport, shuttle coordination, local route tips.
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Group rates: Available — message us for custom quotes.
Limited seats – St Arnaud Range shuttle Nelson Lakes — tap BOOK NOW to grab yours. Got questions or a group plan? Use the enquiry tab — we’ll sort the logistics so you focus on the high country.
Find out more about the route on our blog post
Read frequently asked questions here
Scheduled transport option timetable(adaptable for custom transport)
- 6.30 am – Depart Nelson( default pick up is Kinzett terrace carpark, we can do custom pick ups enroute- get in contact)
- 9.30 am – Arrive Rainbow Ski Field top carpark
- 11.30 am – Group pick up at Saint Arnaud
- 1.00 pm – Group drop off at Rainbow Ski Field
- 2.00 pm – Depart Rainbow Ski Field
- 6.00 pm – Depart Saint Arnaud
- 7.30 pm – Arrive Nelson
Important information
This is transport only. The Saint Arnaud Range between Rainbow Ski Field and Saint Arnaud is an unmarked alpine route and requires solid route-finding and backcountry skills.
The service is weather dependent and may be postponed/ cancelled due to severe mountain conditions and/or road issues on the Rainbow Ski Field road.
