Nelson Lakes - South Island, New Zealand

The Nelson Lakes National Park is amidst two glacial lakes, the Rotoiti and the Rotoroa. Surrounded by sylvan mountains and beech covered forests, these lakes lead into the Buller River. Tramping (kiwispeak for walking) is the most popular activity in this region. The parks abound in spectacular birdlife.

St Arnaud forms the base for forays into the national parks. It is a tiny town on SH63 around the northern shores of Lake Rotoiti. This is a popular haunt for kayakers, yachties and anglers.

Many of the houses in St Arnaud are available to rent and are occupied by visitors. There is a DOC visitor centre that has all the information on the region, especially the wonderful walking tracks.

Nelson Lakes offers limited accommodation and eating options. There is water taxi service operating on Lake Rotoiti. If you want to walk along the southern end of the lake, a water taxi ride is a great way to avoid the access part of the walk, and also to enjoy the view from the water. You can hire kayaks, canoes or rowboats to go around the lake.

Nelson Lakes Accommodation

The accommodation in St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes comprises of a couple of lodges, one of them has a licensed restaurant, bar and spa pool. Both have modern amenities and also space for camping out in the back. Holiday homes are available for rent most of the year.

There is a nice B&B (bed and breakfast) accommodation available in the same vicinity. DOC provides 2 campsites overlooking the lake with toilets and pay showers. One that is open all year round provides cooking facilities and a BBQ. The other is open from December to March.

There is a DOC campsite along Lake Rotoroa without power or showers. Lake Rotoroa Lodge is a good place to stay at, if your budget has some room in it.

Nelson Lakes Activities

Tramping is the highlight of Nelson Lakes activities. There are 270 kilometres of tracks and a huge selection of walking choices. Some of them are the Bellbird Walk, Honeydew Walk, Mountain Robert Circuit and Travers-Sabine Circuit. Each walking track varies in its fitness level requirement. DOC huts are found on most tracks and it is essential to book in advance. Carry some cooking gear along.

Mountain biking is another popular activity although it is not allowed within the Nelson Lakes National Park. The Teetotal Trail is a flat 1.5 km stretch ideal for beginners and families. Mt Robert Road is a more challenging 8 km track. The scenic Porika Road is also 8 kms long and steep enough to occasionally test your fitness levels.

For the more experienced bikers, the 1 to 2 day Rainbow Road trip starts at St Arnaud and ends at Hanmer Springs. The panaromic views along this route are truly spectacular with mindboggling views of Tarndale Lakes and Lake Tennyson culminating in the highest point at Island Saddle. There are a couple of backcountry huts for accommodation along this route.

LookandbookNZ can take care of your Nelson Lakes Accommodation and Nelson Lakes Activities needs by offering you the best of both at attractive prices, allowing you to enjoy your holiday in this pristine part of Nelson knowing all your travel needs are taken care of.