Nelson Lakes National Park resides at the very top of the Southern Alps and is host to many of the attractions and activities expected of an Alpine Environment. Featuring two lakes, Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa, Nelson Lakes National Park is the ultimate outdoor adventure playground. For water sports, Lake Rotoiti has a water ski lane and a swimming raft, as well as several jetties and boat ramps. Lake Rotoroa is designated as a wilderness lake, providing a wonderfully peaceful experience for those wanting to get away from it all.
Among the many adrenaline based and low-key activities available in the Nelson Lakes National Park are historical and eco-tours, gold panning, historic Tophouse serving Devonshire teas, a unique mountain golf course, guided treks and lake cruises. Summer days are great for boating, windsurfing, waterskiing, yachting, canoeing and swimming at the beautiful lakes. For the angler, the rivers provide some of the best trout fishing in New Zealand. The wide variation of terrain makes the area attractive for hikers and there is an extensive network of tracks and huts. The surging rivers provide plenty of rushing adrenaline for kayakers and rafters.
The "Revive Rotoiti Mainland Island" project ensures that visitors and locals alike can enjoy seeing a part of New Zealand which is heavily protected from pests and modification. This unique and exciting project has resulted in many species of native birds being present in larger than expected numbers. Lucky walkers may glimpse the threatened kaka and kakariki, while tui, bellbird and other species are found in abundance.
