Water Taxi Services
On Demand Taxi Service Offering Fast Access Or Returns For National Park Expeditions Such As Day Walks, Tramping, Hunting & Fishing
Taxi Service
Water Taxi from Kerr Bay / St.Arnaud to Lakehead / Coldwater
On Demand
Water Taxi runs going from Kerr Bay to West Bay, Coldwater or Lakehead and vice versa
$150 for up to 3 passengers
$160 for up to 4 passengers
$40 per additional adult | $30 per additional child
The Nelson Lakes area has some of the country’s best tramping through native alpine beech forest, craggy mountains and crystal clear rivers, including the world famous Travers-Sabine, Blue Lake and Lake Angelus.
Ferry Service - 2023 / 2024
The ferry service is an economic way of accessing the spectacular Travers Valley or Whiskey Falls for smaller groups and individuals or just stay on board for the ride while we drop off and pick up hikers along the way. Listen to local stories about the history and environment from our skippers.
Kerr Bay (St. Arnaud) - Lakehead / Coldwater
One Way:
Adults $40 | Children $30
Return Same Service:
Adults $55 | Children $45
Return Same Day, Different Service:
Adults $65 | Children $40
Kerr Bay (St. Arnaud) - Whiskey Falls
One Way:
Adults $35 | Children $25
Return Same Service:
Adults $50 | Children $30
*Return Service stops at Whiskey Falls and picks up 15 minutes later
Kerr Bay (St. Arnaud) - West Bay
One Way:
Adults $35 | Children $25
*Stops at West Bay are on demand and must be pre booked
West Bay - Lakehead / Coldwater
One Way:
Adults $45 | Children $30
*Stops at West Bay are on demand and must be pre booked
Departs Kerr Bay (St Arnaud)
From 8th December - 25th April
10.30am
From 21st December - 27th January
12.30pm
From 19th December - 14th April
2.45pm
Departs Lakehead / Coldwater
From 8th December - 25th April
10.45am
From 21st December - 27th January
12.45pm
From 19th December - 14th April
3.00pm
Passengers are recommended to be at the wharf 10 minutes before departure. Allow 15-20 mins for one way water transport between Saint Arnaud and Lakehead / Colwater and 35-45 mins for a return journey, depending on loadings, number of stops and lake conditions. Each passenger may take one large pack and a small day bag. Eftpos available, 5% fee for all credit card transactions.
Tours
Whiskey Falls
Our most popular tour, we head up toward Lakehead stopping at various places on the lake for photo opportunities before going for a short walk up to the spectacular waterfall. This can also be a good wet day tour due to the volume of water on the falls.
Time Approx: 1 hour
$210 for up to 3 passengers
$70 per additional adult | $35 per additional child
Alpine Lake Explorer
Same as the Whiskey Falls tour with an additional trip up to the head of the lake and a visit to Coldwater Hut.
Time Approx: 1.5 hours
$270 for up to 3 passengers
$90 per additional adult | $45 per additional child
Head of the Lake
Travel up to the head of the lake and learn about the surrounding environment as well as the areas human history.
Time Approx: 1 hour
$210 for up to 3 passengers
$70 per additional adult | $35 per additional child
Half the Lake mini tour
We travel half way up the lake stopping at various points for photo opportunities.
Time Approx: 30 mins
$135 for up to 3 passengers
$45 per additional adult | $30 per additional child
Day Walks
The tracks around Saint Arnaud offer some of New Zealand's best day walking and feature prominently in many publications on the subject. Taking a scheduled or unscheduled water taxi is a great way of starting your day in our beautiful national park. Watch the scenery glide past from chiseled towering mountains to virgin alpine beech forest.
Lakehead - St. Arnaud
The perfect walk for the family! Pack some lunch and explore the many bays along the walk while experiencing the majesty of the outdoors
Boat Trip:
15 - 20 minutes
Grade:
Easy
Time:
2.5 - 4 hours depending on ability
Coldwater - St. Arnaud
Walk back to Saint Arnaud along the lakeside from Coldwater Hut and experience the Whiskey Falls along the way
Grade:
Easy
Time:
3 - 4.5 hours depending on ability
Coldwater - Lakehead via Swing Bridge
Head up the valley from Coldwater Hut then cross the swingbridge over to the other side of the Travers River before making your way back to Lakehead. You can either walk back to Saint Arnaud along the Lakehead Track or take the boat back
Grade:
Moderate
Time:
3.5 - 4.5 hours depending on ability
West Bay - St. Arnaud via Brunner Peninsula
A nice short walk to enjoy the scenery. This walk takes you around the Peninsula and displays the attractions of the lake without venturing too far from home
Boat Trip:
10 minutes
Grade:
Easy
Time:
1 hour depending on ability
