Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park is in the Nelson Tasman region of New Zealand.

Understand

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.

Fees and permits

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.

Do

• Lake Angelus Routes
• Mt Robert Circuit Track
• St Arnaud Range track

Buy

• 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. 

Sleep

Lodging

• Nelson Lakes Motels, Main Rd, ☏ +64 3 521-1887. 
• Tophouse Historic Hotel, ☏ +64 3 521-1848. 
• Travers Sabine lodge. 

Camping

• 1 Angelus Hut Campsite. (updated Nov 2021)