NelsonNature & Landscapes

Nelson Lakes National Park

Two glacier-carved lakes — Rotoiti and Rotoroa — set among beech forest and alpine peaks at the northernmost point of the Southern Alps.

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Nelson Lakes National Park

Quick Facts

Region
Nelson, South Island
Best time
Dec – Mar for walking; year-round for lake views
Entry fee
Free
Duration
Half day – multi-day

Overview

Nelson Lakes National Park marks the point where the Southern Alps begin, its two main lakes — Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa — gouged out by glaciers during the last ice age and now ringed by dense beech forest and alpine peaks. St Arnaud, on the shore of Lake Rotoiti, is the small township that serves as the park's main base.

The park is a starting point for some of the South Island's better-known multi-day tramps, including the Travers-Sabine circuit, but it's equally rewarding for shorter walks and simply spending time on the lakeshore, which is often mirror-calm in the early morning.

Things To Do

  • Lake Rotoiti walks — a range of short walks along the lakeshore and into the surrounding beech forest.
  • St Arnaud Range Track — a steeper day walk climbing above the treeline for views over both lakes.
  • Lake Rotoroa — a quieter, less-visited lake a short drive away, with its own walking tracks.
  • Travers-Sabine Track — a multi-day alpine tramping circuit for experienced trampers.
  • Water activities — kayaking, fishing and boating on both lakes over the summer months.
Tip: Lake Rotoiti is at its most photogenic in the early morning, when the water is often perfectly still — worth staying overnight in St Arnaud if you want to catch it before the wind picks up.

Getting There

St Arnaud is about 1.5 hours' drive south of Nelson via State Highway 6. There's a Department of Conservation visitor centre in the village with track information and current conditions.

LocationSt Arnaud, Nelson Lakes National Park
Opening HoursAccessible 24/7; DOC visitor centre open daytime hours
Entry FeeFree
DurationHalf day for lakeside walks; multi-day for the full Travers-Sabine circuit
AccessibilitySome lakeside tracks are flat and easy; alpine routes are steep and unformed

Nearby Attractions

Tahunanui Beach

Tahunanui Beach

A popular sandy beach near Nelson city, about 1.5 hours' drive north.

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park

New Zealand's smallest national park, a scenic drive further north.

St Arnaud

St Arnaud

The small lakeside village serving as the park's main base.

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