Lake Rotoiti Circuit

• Saint Arnaud
• Walks & Hikes

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The stunning scenery at Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park changes with the seasons, from the vibrant red and golden hues of autumn, to the blanket of snow that wraps the lake in a cool embrace during winter.

Fringed by manuka and kanuka, Lake Rotoiti is one 16 lakes in the Nelson Lakes National Park and is easily accessible from the alpine village of St Arnaud. Whether you have a couple of hours to spare or an entire day to explore, there is a network of walking tracks around the lake that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

Young children will revel in the beauty of the Honeydew and Bellbird tracks, weaving around the lakeside and offering a nature experience unlike any other. Birdsong rings through the treetops and echoes deeply through the valleys, a beautiful representation of restoration, revitalisation and regeneration efforts in the area.

A visit to the cascading Whisky Falls should definitely be on the list, whether you catch the boat across to the jetty or indulge in a 5-hour trek around the forest-fringed lake. Thundering from a height of 40m, Whisky Falls is somewhat of a hidden gem, nestled amongst the mosses in the rolling alpine valley.

You can complete the Lake Rotoiti circuit in just one day or stay overnight at Lakehead or Coldwater Hut before making your way back.

How to get there: Lake Rotoiti is located in St Arnaud, at the end of Kerr Bay Road.

Photo credits: (1) Tamzin Henderson, (2-4) www.nelsontasman.nz.