New Zealand's South Island Road Trips by Lonely Planet

Author:Lonely Planet
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781786576156
Publisher: Lonely Planet
Published: 2016-11-24T16:00:00+00:00

DCHADWICK/GETTY IMAGES ©

2 Activities

There are two fantastic day hikes to be had. The five-hour Mt Robert Circuit Track starts at Mt Robert car park – a short drive from St Arnaud, serviced by Nelson Lakes Shuttles (027 547 6896, 03-547 6896; www.nelsonlakesshuttles.co.nz) – and circumnavigates the mountain. The optional side trip along Robert Ridge offers staggering views into the heart of the national park. Alternatively, the St Arnaud Range Track (five hours return), on the east side of the lake, climbs steadily to the ridgeline adjacent to Parachute Rocks.

Rainbow Skiing, Snowboarding

(03-521 1861, snow phone 0832 226 05; www.skirainbow.co.nz; day lift pass adult/child $75/35) The sunny Nelson region has a ski area, just 100km away (a similar distance from Blenheim). Rainbow borders the Nelson Lakes National Park, with varied terrain, minimal crowds and good cross-country skiing. Chains are often required. St Arnaud is the closest town (32km).

4 Sleeping

Kerr Bay DOC Campsite Campground $

(www.doc.govt.nz; unpowered/powered sites per person $10/15) Near the Lake Rotoiti shore, the hugely popular Kerr Bay campsite has powered sites, toilets, hot showers, a laundry and a kitchen shelter. It’s an inspiring base for your adventures, but do book in advance. Overflow camping is available around at DOC’s West Bay Campsite (03-521 1806; sites $6; summer), which is more basic.

Alpine Lodge Lodge $$

(03-521 1869; www.alpinelodge.co.nz; Main Rd, St Arnaud; d $155-210; ) Family owned and a consistent performer, this large lodge complex offers a range of accommodation, the pick of which are the split-level doubles with mezzanine bedroom and spa. If nothing else, go for the inviting in-house restaurant – a snug affair sporting an open fire, mountain views, good food (meals $10 to $32; takeaway pizza $20) and local beer.

Nelson Lakes Motels Motel $$

(03-521 1887; www.nelsonlakes.co.nz; Main Rd, St Arnaud; d $125-140, q $135-180; ) These log cabins and newer board-and-batten units offer all the creature comforts, including kitchenettes and Sky TV. Bigger units have full kitchens and sleep up to six.

8 Information

DOC Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre (03-521 1806; www.doc.govt.nz; View Rd; 8am-4.30pm, to 5pm in summer) The Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre proffers park-wide information (weather, activities) and hut passes, plus displays on park ecology and history.

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