Nelson Lakes National Park

Lake Rotoiti
Lake Rotoiti
New Zealand
Nelson Lakes National Park

Introduction:   The pristine waters of the Nelson Lakes National Park lap its shores with a gentle pebbly murmur, belying its turbulent past.  During the last Ice Age, massive glaciers carved their way through the mountainous terrain near the Buller River.  Today the troughs are filled by Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa, the largest lakes in the area.  Surrounding its calm reflections, beech forest lines the shores, its honeydew dripping sensuously, tempting the resident birdlife.  The Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project, a 50 square km ‘mainland island’ introduced in 1997 to rid part of the park of introduced pests, has fostered a marked increase in the populations of native species in the area.  The Park offers many opportunities for mountaineering, boating, kayaking, fishing, and mountain biking.  Road access to Nelson Lakes National Park is from St Arnaud village, on SH63.  In the winter, St Arnaud is also the service village for the Rainbow Ski Field, which abuts the Park’s eastern boundary.  Even if you don’t ski, take the ski-lift to the summit for expansive views to the west and south over the Park.

Nelson Lakes Accommodation "Our Pick"

Alpine Lodge
Offers 32 rooms in different sizes, wander to Lake Rotoiti.
Main Rd, St. Arnaud -- Phone: +64 3 521 1869
Reviews/Book-Now

Nelson Lakes Motels
Studios, 1-2 bedroom units, some with full kitchen, close to lake.
Main Road, St. Arnaud -- Phone: +64 3 521 1887
Website

Nelson Lakes Restaurants & Cafes "Our Pick"

Alpine Lodge Bar and Restaurant
Main Road, St. Arnaud -- Phone: 03 521 1869

Nelson Lakes Activities "Our Selection"

Walks and Tracks -- See DOC website

Ski & Snow-boarding at Rainbow Ski Area -- Phone: 03 521 1861

Nelson Region - St Arnaud

ACCOMMODATION SPECIALS & GUEST REVIEWS

Lake Rotoiti Wharf
Lake Rotoiti Wharf