Saint Arnaud: Lake, Forest and Glacial Traces

Saint Arnaud connects the shores of Lake Rotoiti with beech forest, wetlands and trails that reach alpine heights. Those who enjoy varying their days will find both short walks and longer routes, as well as insights into the history of the landscape. Lake Rotoiti is one of 16 lakes in Nelson Lakes National Park.

Lake Rotoiti: Shoreline Walks and Longer Hikes

The Lake Rotoiti Circuit starts at Kerr Bay on the lakeshore in Saint Arnaud and is part of the Te Araroa Trail. The route is suitable for families; for one section, you can take a water taxi or stay overnight in a hut. Water taxi availability may vary, so confirm the current arrangements locally. This lets you plan the hike with a boat trip or an overnight stay, without treating either as a requirement for the circuit.

The Brunner Peninsula Nature Walk leads from Kerr Bay across the peninsula to West Bay, crossing the Alpine Fault twice along the way. Information panels offer insights into the area's history. Several spots provide easy access to the shore of Lake Rotoiti. The trail therefore combines views of the landscape with stops where you can learn more about the region.

Short Walks, Wetlands and Birdlife

The short, wheelchair-accessible Bellbird Walk leads into the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project area. The walk is estimated to take about 15 minutes; the actual time may vary depending on conditions. On the return, it passes through a wetland with sedges, rushes, ferns and mosses. This makes the short walk an opportunity to notice a variety of plant communities in a small area.

The Honeydew Walk branches off from the Bellbird Walk and continues into the project area. Its surface is suitable for wheelchairs, but assistance is required on steeper sections; surface conditions may change. Bellbirds and tūī are common around the trail. Taking both walks into account lets you compare a short stroll on the Bellbird Walk with the longer Honeydew Walk, while planning for assistance on steeper sections.

Glacial Traces and Trails to Higher Ground

Several trails reveal how glaciers shaped the landscape. The Black Valley Walk follows Black Valley Stream through beech forest and across boulder deposits left by earlier glaciers. The Moraine Walk passes the base of Black Hill over boulders left by the former Travers Glacier. Together, the trails show two different aspects of this landscape: the stream winding through the forest and the deposits on the hillside.

The vegetation also changes along the routes. The Black Hill Walk climbs Black Hill through beech, mānuka and kānuka stands; a clearing offers views of Saint Arnaud Village and Big Bush. On the St Arnaud Range Track, red beech on the lower slopes gives way to silver and mountain beech higher up. After a two-hour climb, the trail reaches Parachute Rocks above the treeline; the ridge offers views of the surrounding landscape. The route climbs above 1,650 metres, and alpine conditions can be changeable.

Red and yellow flowers of beech mistletoe may be seen along the Loop Track in December and January. This seasonal sight adds a time-limited natural feature to the forest and glacial landscape, though no particular sighting is guaranteed.

Visitor Information and Accommodation

The Nelson Lakes National Park Visitor Centre provides information on day and multi-day hikes, hunting and campsites, as well as water taxis on Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa. As operating schedules may vary seasonally, check the latest information before visiting. Confirm water taxi arrangements locally.

There are different accommodation options to consider: Kerr Bay Campsite is on Lake Rotoiti, surrounded by beech forest and close to a boat ramp. Booking conditions can change; check current availability. Nearby Tophouse Inn in Saint Arnaud is a heritage-listed boutique hotel. Availability may change here, too. If you plan to visit the Antique & Classic Boat Museum, check visiting arrangements separately: the collection includes classic motorboats and sailing boats, but public opening hours should be checked separately.

Another seasonal outing is skiing and snowboarding at nearby Rainbow Ski Area. Operating status and snow conditions vary. When planning, you can weigh up shoreline walks, forest and alpine routes, and a possible day on the slopes without making assumptions about local conditions.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Marahau, Brightwater, Upper Moutere, Parapara, Nelson Lakes National Park, Mahana, Anatori, Takaka.

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