Nelson Lakes National Park is in the Nelson Tasman region of New Zealand.
Understand edit
This is a pristine landscape of greywacke mountains fringed by the sweet smelling (quite literally - the native trees exude a sugary sap that acts as the primary food source for a long and esoteric food chain) native beech forest that surrounds the two largest lakes of Rotoiti and Rotoroa.
There is a "mainland island" to the east of Lake Rotoiti where war has been declared on introduced pests such as feral cats, possums, stoats, etc in order to try and regenerate both the native plants and animal and bird life. The native eels and brown trout in the lakes are simply humungous!
The park's visitor centre is in St Arnaud.
History edit
Landscape edit
Flora and fauna edit
Climate edit
Get in edit
Fees and permits edit
None of New Zealand's National Parks charge for general admission. Huts in the National park charge standard fees for accommodation.
The Angelus Hut must be booked online in advanced during peak time.
Get around edit
See edit
Do edit
- Lake Angelus Routes
- Mt Robert Circuit Track
- St Arnaud Range track
Buy edit
- St Arnaud Alpine Village Store, Main Rd. Daily 08:00-18:00, takeaways F-Sa 16:30-20:00. Essentials such as groceries, fuel, beer and some frivolities such as possum-wool socks. Mountain bike hire.
Eat edit
Drink edit
Sleep edit
Lodging edit
- Nelson Lakes Motels, Main Rd, ☏ +64 3 521-1887.
- Tophouse Historic Hotel, ☏ +64 3 521-1848.
- Travers Sabine lodge.
Camping edit
- 1 Angelus Hut Campsite.
Backcountry edit
Stay safe edit
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