Lakeside Beauty and Forest Trails in the South Island
Located at the northern tip of the Southern Alps, Nelson Lakes National Park is where New Zealand’s high country meets peaceful beech forest and glassy alpine lakes. Its most iconic spot is Lake Rotoiti, home to a famous wooden jetty framed by mountains and often cloaked in early morning mist. It’s a favourite for photographers, walkers, and anyone seeking serenity.
The park covers more than 1,000 square kilometres of rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and native bush. You’ll find an excellent range of short walks and multi-day tramps, including the Lakehead Track, Peninsula Nature Walk, and Travers-Sabine Circuit. With its accessible trails and dramatic backdrops, Nelson Lakes is ideal for casual visitors and seasoned hikers alike.
Birdlife, Boating and Multi-Day Adventures
Nelson Lakes is also a hotspot for native birdlife, thanks to conservation work in and around the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project. As you walk, you might hear the call of a kākāriki or spot a cheeky South Island robin hopping along the track. The tranquil lake setting also makes it perfect for kayaking, fishing or simply picnicking on the shore.
For more ambitious explorers, the Travers-Sabine Circuit is a classic multi-day hike that loops through alpine valleys and over dramatic mountain passes. In winter, nearby Rainbow Ski Area draws snow lovers. With a good DOC Visitor Centre in St Arnaud, it’s easy to plan your adventure, whether you're out for an hour or a week.
Top Things to Do in Nelson Lakes National Park
Whether you're here for a peaceful walk or a backcountry tramp, don’t miss these highlights:
- Walk the jetty at Lake Rotoiti for iconic South Island photos
- Take a boat or kayak out on Lake Rotoiti or Lake Rotoroa
- Explore the Peninsula Nature Walk for lake and forest views
- Spot native birds in the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project
- Start the Travers-Sabine Circuit for a multi-day alpine adventure
- Visit the DOC Visitor Centre in St Arnaud for maps and tips
- Enjoy a picnic at Kerr Bay or West Bay with mountain views
- Try trout fishing in the clear alpine lakes (permit required)
- Visit Lake Rotoroa for a quieter, less-travelled lakeside escape
- Go skiing or snowboarding at Rainbow Ski Area in winter
Introducing Saint Arnaud, a lovely alpine village close to New Zealand's famous Nelson Lakes National Park. Once a goldmining town, visitors can admire the well-preserved historic streetscape, featuring elegant two-storey buildings, old pubs, and shops adorned with post-supported verandas and ornate cast-iron lacework.
Saint Arnaud is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with a range of exciting activities to enjoy. Explore hiking and mountain biking trails, or try thrilling canyoning adventures. In winter, the Rainbow Ski Area offers snowy fun, while Lake Rotoiti Jetty provides relaxing lakeside strolls and trout fishing opportunities.
When it's time to unwind, St. Arnaud boasts a vibrant cultural scene with local art galleries, the Antique & Classic Boat Museum, and the Tophouse Historic Inn. For a deeper look into the town's past, don't miss the opportunity to visit the St. Arnaud Museum. With a variety of accommodation options, eateries, and engaging attractions, St. Arnaud is the perfect base for exploring the beauty and adventure of Nelson Lakes National Park.
Walk into the heart of Nelson Lakes National Park, a nature lover's paradise renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. This remarkable area of Nelson Tasman region in the South Island of New Zealand is home to over 700 native plant species, including native beech forests, tussock grasslands, and subalpine herb fields. Take in the splendid colours of the foliage as you traverse the park's well-maintained tracks.
The park's wildlife is just as impressive, with a multitude of bird species inhabiting the area. Keen birdwatchers can spot the hard-to-find South Island kākā, the endangered kakī, the New Zealand falcon, brown kiwi, and the cheeky kea. For those fans of aquatic life, the clear waters of Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa teem with unique freshwater fish such as the rare New Zealand longfin eel and various native trout species.
Head to Nelson Lakes National Park to appreciate the one-of-a-kind New Zealand plants and animals in their natural home.The park offers an unbeatable chance to see the beauty of its plants and animals up close. Make your way to this extraordinary spot and let the charm of the park's nature capture your imagination.