Nelson Lakes National Park

Climbing

Experienced alpine enthusiasts will love the challenges of the tracks and passes that lead high into the mountains. Experience is vital in these remote areas as severe weather can appear without warning. Always carry a mountain radio and inform the DOC center in St. Arnaud of your plans.

Kayaking

Both Rotoroa and Rotoiti are excellent places to kayak. Although both can attract high winds, summer conditions are usually favorable. Pack a lunch and leave from the jetty at St Arnaud. Pull up to a quiet stretch of pebble beach, where all you will hear are the birds and breeze singing through the trees. But remember sand-fly repellent, too.

Skiing

In winter two small ski areas provide the locals with acres of fun. The public Rainbow Ski Area is an hour's drive from St. Arnaud and has good facilities and excellent access (open June to October). The smaller, club-run ski area on Mt. Robert requires a grueling two-hour climb, while carrying your gear. There is ski hire in St. Arnaud village and up at Rainbow.

Walking

The park is laced with walking tracks, which center on the two lakes and range from easy 30-minute wanders to serious multiday treks deep into the mountains. In summer they are usually passable, although a cold snap can bring snow. Day walks include the Mt. Robert Pinchgut Track, the climb to Parachute Rocks, and the lakeside walk around Rotoiti.

Water Taxi

During summer water taxis work on both lakes. They save a half-day walk at the start of a long trail and give nonwalkers access to pristine country. Remember to take everything you need with you as there are no shops, cafés, or amenities away from the two settlements.

Eco-Tips

Lake Rotoiti is the site of a highly successful kiwi-recovery program; in 2004 several kiwi were released back into the forest after an intense pest-eradication program effectively made the area a predator-free mainland island. This has encouraged reintroduction and return of native birds that were long lost to the area. This program has recently been acknowledged internationally as one of Australasia's top 25 ecological restoration sites.

While you're here, respect nature and monitor your litter. As in all New Zealand's national parks, visitors are asked to pack out all their waste. There are no garbage facilities in the park. Also be mindful of the birdlife, and don't feed them. The cheeky kea, or mountain parrot, loves to steal unwatched lunches and gloves so don't leave anything lying around to encourage them.