Nelson Lakes National Park

Established in 1956, Nelson Lakes National Park is located in the north of New Zealands South Island. It protects 102,000 hectares of the Northern most ends of the Southern Alps and offers serene forest, rough mountains, clear streams and stunning lakes. The gateway to this incredible park is St Arnaud, a 1 – 2 hour drive from Blenheim or Nelson. A captivating alpine park of craggy peaks, forests and glacial lakes, a compact area of mountain ranges separated by forest valleys, the Nelson Lakes National Park guarantees all levels of tests for enthusiastic hikers and mountaineers. According to Maori legend, the lakes were shaped by the great chief Rakaihaitu who was digging holes with his stick, one hole became Lake Rotoiti (small waters) and the other Lake Rotorua (large waters). Nelson Lakes National Park was sculpted by massive glaciers during the most recent ice ages, and is known for its delightful honeydew beech forests that feed a variety of wildlife and native birds. It provides an easy wilderness escape. The thick beef forest that covers the lower region of the park glistens with a coat of honeydew that fills the air with a luscious sweetness from January to April. For many of New Zealands native birds, lizards and insects the honeydew is a source of energy. DoC (the Department of Conservation) actively works in the park to generate a pest free refuge for native wildlife that will support larger numbers of native wildlife such as birds, bats and giant snails. They also provide hikers with accommodation in the park with a mixture of standard, serviced and basic huts. The ‘serviced’ huts include bunks, water supplys, heating toilet and hand washing facilities, with some having cooking facilities. ‘Standard’ have bunks, a toilet and water supply while ‘basic’ huts only provide shelter and limited facilities and services. Along with these, there are a selection of motels and lodges and camping grounds in St. Arnaud and in Lake Rotorua there is a fishing lodge and camping ground. Walking and hiking are some of the main reasons to visit Nelson Lakes National Park. Day walkers can follow a network of short tracks, to take pleasure in the wonderful lake views, birdsong and native beech forest. Serious hikers can opt to try out Lake Angelus on a loop that usually takes around 3 days. The Travers-Sabine circuit, which often takes around about 5 days to complete, includes towering mountains, isolated lakes and an alpine pass. At Lake Rotorua, there is a fishing lodge that was built in the 1920s that makes for a graceful base for those who wish to chase the well-known brown trout; many of the streams and rivers are easily accessible by road. Located high above the village of St Arnaud is the Rainbow Skifield, which has every type of terrain for skiers and snowboarders alike – non members are always welcome.