Plan & prepare

Getting there

The project area and Lake Rotoiti are easily reached from both Nelson and Marlborough. From Nelson City, follow State Highway 6 south and take the turn-off to the left sign-posted for Nelson Lakes after passing through Wakefield. This road reaches a T-junction with State Highway 63 where you turn right to reach the village of St Arnaud and Lake Rotoiti.

From Blenheim take State Highway 63 south-west out of town and follow it all the way to St Arnaud. If travelling north on State Highway 6 from Springs Junction, you can reach St Arnaud by turning right onto State Highway 63 at Kawatiri Junction north of Murchison. Bus services to St Arnaud operate on an irregular basis. Phone the Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre for more information.

Rules for visitors

  • Dogs and other domestic animals are not allowed in the national park. This has become particularly important since the reintroduction of kiwi as dogs are known killers of kiwi.
  • Mountain bikes are not permitted in the national park.
  • Please keep to the tracks so as not to damage vegetation and to avoid toxins and traps used to kill pests.

When to go

The Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project can be visited at any time of year. In summer, the area bustles with holidaymakers while in winter snow-covered peaks create a spectacular setting.

Weather

NZ weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Mainland Islands

Showcase areas

Lake Rotoiti teaching resource

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

Nelson Regional Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 3 546 9339
Address: Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa
79 Trafalgar Street
Nelson 7010
Email: nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details
Nelson Lakes Area Office
Phone: +64 3 521 1806
Email: nelsonlakesao@doc.govt.nz
Full office details
Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai