The small alpine town of St Arnaud is located on the shores of Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park. The crystal-clear Lake Rotoiti is surrounded by towering mountains, beech forests and epic hikes. It is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, kayaking and mountain biking. The picturesque jetty is a beautiful photo location!

Day walks include the Lake Rotoiti loop track, Parachute Rocks and Mt Robert Summit. For more experienced hikers, stay overnight at Angelus Hut or tackle the 7-day Travers-Sabine Circuit.

The DOC campsite alongside Rotoiti is a scenic location to stay, whether you are spending a few days in the area, or need somewhere to park up for the night.

Remember: New Zealand weather can change drastically, particularly in alpine environments. It is recommended to take a sunhat and raincoat, and apply sunscreen, whatever the weather.

Personal tip: I really enjoyed the visitors centre at St Arnaud and learnt so much about the history, flora and fauna around Lake Rotoiti and the surrounding area.

Pronunciation: Rotoiti: ror-tor-ee-tee