| Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand Vacations, Tours and Travel Packages |
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On first seeing Lake Rotoiti in 1860, the explorer Julius von Haast wrote; "It was with the greatest delight that I looked over this beautiful lake; its deep blue waters reflected the high rocky mountain chains on its eastern and southern shores, which, for a considerable height from the water's edge (from which they rise abruptly), are clad with luxuriant primeval forest. The surface of the lake swarmed with birds, giving life to this magnificent scene."
Today the great flocks of native waterfowl have, sadly, disappeared from Lake Rotoiti, decimated by introduced predators such as rats, stoats and cats and, of course, by the encroachment of man. But otherwise, over a hundred years later, the scene has hardly changed. Dense stands of beech and podocarp forest still surround the shores of both Lake Rotoiti and its larger counterpart Lake Rotoroa.
The ancient beech forests still resound to the song of native birds, even if a few species, like the kokako, have since disappeared. Bellbirds, native robins and the ever present fantail are commonly heard or seen along the hiking trail. Higher up in the alpine regions, New Zealand's mountain parrot, the kea, is a frequent sight. Chamois and red deer may also be glimpsed in the park, though because they are hunted they are very shy.
Situated at the northern end of the Southern Alps, the alpine regions of Nelson Lakes are more easily accessible for trampers than in the national parks further south. Without needing special alpine skills, any tramper who is reasonably fit can enjoy the solitude and beauty of these mountains.
Among the shorter walks that start from near park headquarters is the Peninsula Nature Walk (1 1/2 -3 hours return), the Loop Track (1 1/2 -2 hours return) and the Rotoiti Lakehead Track (6 hours return). Detailed information on these and other walks in the vicinity is available from park headquarters.
However, tramping is not the only activity in the park. In winter there is skiing at the Mt Robert and Rainbow ski fields, whereas in summer, anglers come to try their luck fishing for brown trout in the deep, clear waters of the two main lakes. Accommodation and supplies are all available in the small township of St Arnaud, which enjoys an idyllic location right next to the shores of Lake Rotoiti.
The Travers-Sabine Track
A popular, and very beautiful trail through the park is the Travers-Sabine Track. This five day trek starts near park headquarters in St Arnaud, links both main lakes via an alpine pass, and can be turned into a circular route by returning to St Arnaud from Sabine Hut at the head of Lake Rotoroa. It really is a magnificent walk and the authors can thoroughly recommend it.
Moving on
Continue west from St Arnaud first on SH63, then on SH6, which threads its way through the picturesque Buller Gorge to reach the West Coast near Westport. On the way the road passes through the settlements of Murchison and Inangahua Junction, both of which were devastated by major earthquakes in 1929 and 1968 respectively. At Lyell a walkway leads to an interesting pioneer cemetery and some historic gold mines. |
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