Home»Photo Galleries»New Zealand»New Zealand 2013»Nelson Lakes

The Nelson Lakes were formed during the last Ice Age, when huge glaciers sculpted large troughs that were eventually filled with the waters of Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa. Surrounded by craggy mountains, the lakes are now part of a national park that marks the beginning of the awe-inspiring Southern Alps. The lakes are lined with native honeydew beech forests that feed a variety of tuneful nectar-eating native birds. The honeydew is formed in droplets on the end of a threadlike tube that protrudes from each tree trunk. For many native birds, lizards and insects, the honeydew is a source of high-energy food. The Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project is attempting to create a pest-free refuge in these honeydew beech forests, promoting the recovery and re-introduction of native species. At dusk, sitting at Keer Bay below the Visitor’s Centre, we heard the magical songs of the bellbirds, which helped us to imagine the sounds that permeated New Zealand before most of the forest was felled and introduced species wiped out most of the native populations of birds.

During our stay at Nelson Lakes we took two long day hikes. First, we walked the Mount Robert Circuit, which loops around the northern face of Mt. Robert and has spectacular views over Lake Rotoiti. As part of this hike, we continued along Robert Ridge toward Angelus Hut, branching off to a point above Lake Rotoiti where we enjoyed a long lunch in the afternoon sun while sitting next to a beautiful garden of alpine plants and flowers. On our second hike, we walked the St. Arnaud Range track, which starts by Keer Bay and climbs steadily through beech forest to the ridge line. There we took shelter just below the east side of the ridge from a strong wind and storm that was moving in from the west. Once the wind eased a bit, we enjoyed tremendous views of the surrounding area, including those looking east down the Wairau Valley and south toward Mount Robert and further into the park.