Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park
Nelson Lakes National Park featuring a bay or harbour, a pebble beach and mountains
Nelson Lakes National Park which includes a bay or harbour, a pebble beach and mountains
Nelson Lakes National Park
Nelson Lakes National Park which includes mountains, a bay or harbour and a pebble beach


A scenic playground for anglers, hikers, bird-watchers and skiers, the northern gateway to the Southern Alps has two glacial lakes and various hiking paths.

Just a few hours from Nelson you’ll notice the elevation shift, the air freshen and the trees become dense as you close in on Nelson Lakes National Park. Covering 102,000 hectares (252,047 acres), the national park is considered the northern gateway to New Zealand’s famous Southern Alps. Shaped by glacial movement the national park is the site of two mountain ranges and is punctuated by the Rotoroa and Rotoiti glacial lakes. Stay in the comfort of St. Arnaud, the town on the park’s border, or get back to nature at one of the park’s many camping grounds and hikers huts.

Stay in the national park to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s natural beauty. The Nelson Lakes National Park’s main campground is located on the banks of Lake Rotoiti. From your campsite on the edge of the water you’ll have stunning views of the St. Arnaud Ranges and Mount Robert. There’s a smaller campground at Lake Rotoroa, as well as an upscale fishing lodge. Test your skills as you fly fish on the lake. The national park is a popular destination for trout fishing, with a large number of brown trout recorded in the glacial lakes.

Embark on a day hike to explore the surrounds of the lake or set out on a multi-day trek to go farther afield. A 3-day loop trail will take you around Lake Angelus while the 5-day Travers-Sabine Circuit is a popular longer walk. Water taxis operate on both lakes and can deliver you to the trailheads of more remote treks.

In winter, the slopes of the national park become a destination for skiers. Bring your skis or snowboard to tackle the trails of the Rainbow Ski Field. Lift passes can be obtained in St. Arnaud.

Nelson Lakes National Park is between 1 to 2 hours’ drive south of Nelson and is serviced by the neighbouring town of St. Arnaud. Fees and permits are required for staying in the park and accommodation should be booked in advance.

Popular places to visit


Top Nelson Lakes National Park Hotel Deals

Alpine Lodge
Alpine Lodge
3.5 out of 5
75 Main Road, St. Arnaud
Alpine Lodge
Murchison Lodge
Murchison Lodge
3.5 out of 5
15 Grey Street, Murchison
Murchison Lodge
Braemar Lodge And Spa
Braemar Lodge And Spa
4.5 out of 5
283 Medway Road, Hanmer Springs
Braemar Lodge And Spa
Edit Hanmer Springs
Edit Hanmer Springs
4.5 out of 5
1 CONICAL HILL ROAD, 1, Hanmer Springs
Edit Hanmer Springs
Alpine Adventure Holiday Park
Alpine Adventure Holiday Park
2.5 out of 5
200 Jack's Pass Rd, Hanmer Springs
Alpine Adventure Holiday Park
Maruia Hot Springs
Maruia Hot Springs
4 out of 5
State Highway 7, Lewis Pass, West Coast
Maruia Hot Springs
Hanmer Springs Retreat
Hanmer Springs Retreat
4.5 out of 5
35 Hanmer Springs Road, Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs Retreat
Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park
Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park
3.5 out of 5
5 Hanmer Springs Road, Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park
The St James
The St James
5 out of 5
20 Chisholm Crescent, Hanmer Springs
The St James
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.