| Nelson Lakes National Park (Nelson Lakes National Park) | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Country |  New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Region | Nelson berries |
| IUCN Category | II (National Park) |
| Area | 1 020 km² |
| Location | |
 41 ° 54 ′ 19 ″ S 172 ° 43 ′ 18 ″ E | |
| Touristic site | |
the Nelson Lakes National Park is a national park ofsouth island of the New Zealand.
Understand
Founded in 1956, it is centered on two large lakes, Rotoiti and Rotoroa. It includes several valleys and two mountain ranges: St Arnaud and Through.
To go
The main access is via St Arnaud, a small village where there are a few campsites, hotels and the tourist office. St Arnaud is located on route 63 at approximately 100 km of Blenheim and Nelson. A secondary access point exists at Lake Rotoroa, which is accessed by exiting National Highway 6 at Gowanbridge.
Circulate
To see
The interest of the park lies in its mountainous natural landscapes.
Do
Short walks and hikes
- 1 Mount Robert – This relatively easy loop offers magnificent panoramas of Lake Rotoiti and the St Arnaud range. Departure is from the Mont Robert car park. Climb the steep zigzag path to the top (1 421 m). Continue on the ridges to the second shelter and turn left onto Paddys Track in the direction of Bushline Hut. The path goes around Mont Robert, descending, then level on its side to the car park. To count 3 h Steps.
Multi-day hikes
- 2 Lake Angelus via the ridges – This fairly difficult two-day hike is one of the few in New Zealand that does not follow valleys, but follows a line of ridges and passes through several peaks. It rewards the walker with sumptuous views throughout the first day, and in particular by the magical arrival above Lake Angelus. The departure is from the Mont Robert car park (see walk of the same name). Take the path that climbs steeply in zigzags to the top of Mont Robert (1 421 m). Follow the ridge line to the top of Julius (1 794 m) then to Lake Angelus. This second part includes difficult sections that can be dangerous in bad conditions. On the second day, descend along the river to the Travers valley. Fork left along the Travers river then Lake Rotoiti to the path leading to the starting car park. To count 6 h the first day and 8 h the second.
To buy
Eat
Have a drink / Go out
Housing
Around the park
- 1 Wild camping – It is allowed to camp for free next to the ice rink lake, approximately 1 km after leaving St Arnaud heading west, and 200 m before the fork that leads to the trailhead for Mont Robert, to the right of the road (go deep into a few trees beyond the large median). The site has dry toilets.
In the park
Camping
Camping in the park is permitted but strongly discouraged. The environment is very fragile, especially at altitude where excreta cannot decompose. Campers are requested to use the toilets available in the chalets and to take all their waste, including excrement. Airtight boxes designed for this purpose are available from most tourist offices in New Zealand National Parks.
- 2 Angelus Hut Campsite
November to April: adult: 5 NZD, young (5 to 17 years old): 2,5 NZD, child (under 5): free; May to November: adult: 10 NZD, young (11 to 17 years old): 5 NZD, child (under 11): free. – Ideally located near the Angelus chalet. Campers can use the chalet's toilets and kitchen. Reservations required during the period from November to April.
November to April: adult: Chalets
- 3 Angelus Hut November to April: adult: 20 NZD, young (5 to 17 years old): 10 NZD, child (under 5): free; May to November: adult: 15 NZD, young (11 to 17 years old): 7,5 NZD, child (under 11): free. – Located right on the edge of Lake Angelus. Equipped with 28 dormitory beds with mattresses and a wood stove. Reservations required from November to April.
