Lake Rotoiti (West Bay) walks

Black Hill Walk

Time: 1 hr 30 min return

Black Hill Walk climbs through beech forest and stands of mānuka and kānuka onto Black Hill. Black Hill is a ‘roche moutonée’ (French for ‘rock sheep’), a volcanic rock shaped by glacial ice flowing over it. Near the top is a clearing from which St Arnaud Village and Big Bush can be viewed. The track descends steeply to the
highway and follows it back to Lodge Road.

This walk can easily be linked to the Brunner Peninsula Nature Walk or Moraine Walk below to make a half-day excursion.

Getting there: The walk starts at the end of Lodge Road in St Arnaud.

Moraine Walk

Time: 1 hr 30 min return

Moraine Walk winds around the base of Black Hill, over piles of moraine debris left by the ancient Travers Glacier, and past kettle ponds created when blocks of ice surrounded by glacial gravel melted away. The forest type along this walk is predominately mānuka and kānuka. The walk passes through the back of West Bay campground and on to the Buller River.

Getting there: Start the walk at the junction of SH 63 and Lodge Road in St Arnaud.

Anglers Walk

Time: 1 hr

This walk makes a pleasant extension to Moraine Walk and the circuit can be completed by returning along SH 63.

The track follows the northern river bank where there are several good spots for trout fishing. The walk passes through stands of mānuka and kānuka trees lining the banks of the Buller River. This type of forest is often a sign of past destruction by fire; it serves as an important primary link in the regeneration of beech forest.

Getting there: Start at the Buller Bridge on Mt Robert Road near St Arnaud, just below the river’s lake source.

These walks start to the west of St Arnaud.

• Be prepared with warm and waterproof clothing. Nelson Lakes National Park is in an alpine area – freezing conditions can occur at any time of year. 
• No rubbish facilities are provided – carry out all your rubbish.
• Biting sandflies can detract for your experience at the lakes, especially during the summer months – cover up and apply a good quality insect repellant to exposed skin.
• Wasps are a known hazard and are particularly common from December until April – carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.

Nelson Lakes - thefts from vehicles

Isolated carparks are prone to theft. Don't leave any valuables in your vehicle. A bag storage facility is available at the Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre. 

All drone use must be authorised by DOC

A concession is required to fly a drone on any public conservation land - see Recreational drone use and Commercial drone use for more information.