Nelson Lakes National Park

The Nelson Lakes National Park protects 102,000ha of the northern most Southern Alps. Set amid the mountains and glaciated valleys south of Nelson it features beech forests and the beautiful jewel like lakes, Rotoiti and Rotoroa.

During the last Ice Age massive glaciers gouged out troughs in the mountainous headwaters of the Buller River. Today these troughs are filled by Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa, they are the largest lakes in the area.

A highlight in the park is the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project, which aims to create a pest free refuge in the honeydew beech forests beside Lake Rotoiti paving the way for the recovery and re-introduction of native species in the area. It also provides an ideal opportunity for the public to see conservation work at first hand, and for people to enjoy and appreciate New Zealand's unique natural attractions.

There are networks of short tracks exploring the forest, lake shore and glacial features of both lakes. Longer walks and alpine tramping trips are also available. The most popular are the Travers - Sabine Circuit and the trip up to Lake Angelus, a beautiful alpine lake.