The Mount Robert Circuit is the classic high-view day walk near St Arnaud. The loop combines the Pinchgut and Paddy's tracks around the northern face of Mount Robert, climbing from beech forest to open slopes with big views over Lake Rotoiti.
DOC rates it as an advanced tramping track. It is only 9 km, but the climb, exposure, and alpine weather make proper footwear and warm layers sensible even when the village feels mild.