Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Part of the park, east of Lake Rotoiti, is classed as a 'mainland island' where a conser-
vation scheme aims to eradicate introduced pests (possums, 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 is famous for brown-trout fishing.
Activities
Many spectacular walks allow you to appreciate this rugged landscape, but before you
tackle them, stop by the DOC Visitor Centre (
Click here
)
for maps, track/weather updates
and to pay your hut or camping fees.
The five-hour
Mt Robert Circuit Track
starts south of St Arnaud and circumnavigates the
mountain. The optional side trip along Robert Ridge offers staggering views into the heart
of the national park. Alternatively, the
St Arnaud Range Track
(five hours return), on the east
side of the lake, climbs steadily to the ridgeline adjacent to Parachute Rocks. Both tracks
are strenuous, but reward with jaw-dropping vistas of glaciated valleys, arête peaks and
Lake Rotoiti. Only attempt these tramps in fine weather. At other times they are both
pointless (no views) and dangerous.
There are also plenty of shorter (and flatter) walks from Lake Rotoiti's Kerr Bay and
the road end at Lake Rotoroa. These and the longer day tramps are described in DOC's
Walks in Nelson Lakes National Park
pamphlet ($2).
The fit and well-equipped can embark upon longer tramps such as the
Lake Angelus Track
.
This magnificent two-to-three-day tramp follows Robert Ridge to Lake Angelus, where
you can stay at the fine Angelus Hut (adult/child $20/10) for a night or two before return-
ing to St Arnaud via one of three routes. Pick up or download DOC's
Angelus Hut Tracks
& Routes
pamphlet ($2) for more details.
Sleeping & Eating
DOC Campsites
( 03-521 1806;
www.doc.govt.nz
)
Near the Lake Rotoiti shore, the hugely popular Kerr Bay
campsite has powered sites, toilets, hot showers, laundry and a kitchen shelter (un-
powered/powered $10/15). Three kilometres from St Arnaud, the unpowered West Bay
campsite ($6) has the bare necessities and is open in summer only. Bookings are essential
over the Christmas and Easter holidays.
CAMPSITE
$
