Lake Rotoroa walking tracks
Walking track
Getting there
By road, St Arnaud, the main entry point for the national park, is 1 hour 30 minutes from Nelson or Blenheim, 5 hours from Christchurch, and 2 hours from Westport. Lake Rotoroa Village is 40 minutes from St Arnaud off State Highway 6.
Public transport
Buses run to St Arnaud from Nelson, Picton, and the West Coast. An on-demand shuttle links Lake Rotoroa with the Mt Robert car park. Water taxis operate on the lakes.
About the area
Nelson Lakes National Park is situated in the north of New Zealand's South Island. The gateway to the park is St Arnaud, a 1-2 hour drive from Nelson or Blenheim.
Description
Lake Rotoroa, Nelson Lakes
Short Loop Track
Time: 25 min return
Starting at the lakeside picnic area, this walk follows the lake shore before leading through a diverse stand of forest, returning to the start point via the Porika 4WD road and the campsite.
Braeburn Walk
Time: 2 hr return
From Braeburn Road, follow this well-graded track through forest rich in birdlife to a picturesque waterfall. See the kotukutuku, the world’s largest tree fuschia, unique to New Zealand.
Places to stay
This is a standard campsite in the Nelson Lakes area.
Plan and prepare
Bad weather and freezing conditions can occur at any time in the park. Be prepared with warm, waterproof clothing and extra food.
- Do not light fires.
- Boil, filter, or treat water for drinking.
- In late summer and autumn, carry antihistamine if allergic to wasp stings.
Pest control programmes, using toxins and traps, operate in the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project area, and the northern end of Lake Rotoroa. Keep to the tracks marked with orange triangles.
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required
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