Welcome to Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park surrounds two lakes – Rotoiti and Rotoroa – fringed by sweet-smelling beech forest with a backdrop of greywacke mountains. Located at the northern end of the Southern Alps, and with a dramatic glacier-carved landscape, it’s an awe-inspiring place to get up on high.

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Part of the park, east of Lake Rotoiti, is classed as a ‘mainland island’ where a conservation scheme aims to eradicate introduced pests (rats, possums and stoats), and regenerate native flora and fauna. It offers excellent tramping, including short walks, lake scenery and one or two sandflies… The park is flush with bird life, and famous for brown-trout fishing.

The human hub of the Nelson Lakes region is the small, low-key village of St Arnaud.

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Top experiences in Nelson Lakes National Park

Travel guides

Starting at $36.39

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Nelson Lakes National Park activities

$1316.72 Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours

Blue Lake Express

Rotomairewhenua / Blue Lake – The Clearest Lake in the World “Rotomairewhenua” – Blue Lake is a small lake located in Nelson Lakes National Park, in the northern reaches of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Sacred to local Māori, it has the clearest natural fresh water in the world. This flight takes us south into the Nelson Lakes where we enjoy spectacular Alpine views of Lake Rotoiti, Lake Rotoroa and Blue Lake. Please note that Blue Lake is a protected wilderness area which we are only permitted to overfly.PLEASE NOTE: • Bring your camera! • Passengers over 250 lbs may be subject to a weight restriction fee. • All flights are subject to change and weather conditions.  • Lunch is not included in our pricing as we do not wish to restrict your menu options.  
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Nelson Lakes National Park in detail