Things to Do in Nelson Lakes Area

• The Lakes
  Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa are the largest lakes in the area. On Lake Rotoiti you can go waterskiing; there is also a swimming raft and boat jetties. Lake Rotoroa has been declared a wilderness lake. Both lakes are good for fishing and the nearby rivers are said to have some of the best trout fishing in New Zealand.
• Bushwalking and hiking
  There are a number of hiking and walking tracks in the area. Some can test your fitness and in the winter, experience is required - there are good winter climbing routes. Although the terrain can be challenging, the views are spectacular and rewarding. The most popular are the Travers/Sabine Circuit and the trip to Lake Angelus - a beautiful alpine lake. There are single and multi-day treks and a network of DOC huts available. During your walk you will probably get to see, or at least hear, some of the beautiful birds that live in the park - kaka, tomtits, robins and the rifleman - New Zealand's smallest bird - to name a few. The bush line, where the forest gives way to alpine plants, is striking in its straightness. In the summertime, the alpine fields burst with flowers.
• Tours
  There are also historical and eco tours, gold panning, a mountain golf course, guided treks, lake cruises, kayaking and rafting opportunities. A small club skifield is located on Mt Robert, but it is a two-hour drive away.
• Hot pools
  There are several hot pools in the area. Jump on a boat and head to the little island in the middle of Lake Rotoiti. Here you'll find a series of pools with natural hot water pouring into them - the top pool is the hottest and they get progressively cooler with each pool.