Lake Rotoiti (Tasman) Lake

Lake Rotoiti in the Tasman District is a clear alpine lake located within Nelson Lakes National Park on New Zealand’s South Island, near the small settlement of St Arnaud. It is one of the principal lakes in the national park renowned for outdoor activities.

The lake provides access to tramping routes, boating and camping areas, and is a base for multi-day hikes into the surrounding alpine country. Shore facilities are oriented to outdoor recreation rather than large-scale commercial tourism.

The lake occupies a natural glacial-carved basin within the alpine landscape and has been part of the national park since the park’s establishment; park management focuses on conservation and recreational access. There are no large urban developments on its shores.

It sits in the northwestern South Island within Nelson Lakes National Park, close to the St Arnaud settlement and surrounded by mountains and native forest.

• Park access: Located inside Nelson Lakes National Park near the village of St Arnaud, with access points used for hiking and boating in the park.

• Use St Arnaud village as your entry point - the Nelson Lakes DOC visitor centre there is the main source of track information, maps and current weather/track conditions so start your visit from the village car parks.
• Aim for early morning on the lake shore for mirror-like reflections and calmer water if you plan to launch a kayak or take photos; arriving before most day-trippers from Nelson helps avoid crowds.
• Take a boat or paddle out to explore the lake's shoreline and islands rather than just walking the lakeside - the best views of the alps framing Rotoiti come from the water, and small craft let you reach quieter bays and scenic walk start points.