Tramper standing on the ridge looking down at cloud in the valley, Lake Angelus track

Explore St Arnaud & Nelson Lakes

Activities

There's plenty do all year round in Nelson Lakes and the surrounding area. Tophouse Inn is less than 10 minutes drive from the village of St Arnaud and the stunningly beautiful Nelson Lakes National Park.

Hike

Take a 20-minute walk through pristine beech forest or challenge yourself with a multi-day wilderness hike.

Fly fishing

Land a wild brown trout in fly fishing paradise! Or hunt red deer, chamois, pigs and feral goats in the National Park.

Canoe, kayak, sail or swim

Make the most of our beautiful lakes. Canoe, kayak, sail or swim at Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa. Water skiing is permitted on Lake Rotoiti only.

Ski or snowboard

Ski or snowboard at one of New Zealand's most beautiful fields. The Rainbow Ski Area is just a 35 minute drive from Tophouse Inn.

Mountain bike

Jump on your bike and explore the mountain bike trails in the region.

Canyoning

Jumping, sliding, swimming, zip-lining and abseiling off waterfalls.

More to do

Learn to glide at the Nelson Lakes Gliding Club. Go para-gliding from Beeby's Knob. Listen to the incredible dawn and dusk native bird choruses at Lake Rotoiti. And hone your photography skills because everywhere around here is simply stunning!

Lake Rotoiti Water Taxis

Your wilderness link

The iconic Lake Rotoiti water taxi service has been operating since 1930. Lake Rotoiti Water Taxis takes pride in providing our passengers with a safe, comofrtable and enjoyable journey. Our purpose built Naiad RIB vessels are coupled with low emission four stroke outboard motors.

We do

Lake tours
Water taxi
Trampers shuttle
Kayak hire
Scheduled summer ferry service

Visit Lake Rotoiti Water Taxis

Snow around Lake Angelus, Nelson Lakes National Park

DoC information centre

Find things to do and places to stay

Nelson Lakes National Park is situated in the north of New Zealand’s South Island. The gateway to the park is St Arnaud, a 1-2 hour drive from Nelson or Blenheim. See DoC for:

Park Information
Visitor brochures
Walking tracks
Nature and conservation
History & culture

Nelson Lakes National Park is situated in the north of New Zealand's South Island. The gateway to the park is St Arnaud, a 1-2 hour drive from Nelson or Blenheim. See DoC for park

Visit DoC Information Centre

Woman with bow and arrow practicing archery

Bullock Road Bows

Your archery adventure begins here

Bullock Road Bows are makers of traditional archery gear.

Ed Shaw is rapidly acquiring an international reputation for his custom made knives and bows. His unique styling and handcrafted detail has proven popular with people looking for a tool built to last, and also with collectors looking to cash in on something special while his bow prices remain very affordable

Bow building courses
Sheath making course
Shop (knives, archery supplies, locally made handcrafts
Guided archery course
Birthday parties, school & corporate groups

Visit Bullock Road Bows

Canyoning Aotearoa

Where nature is your adventure

Camille and Adrien invite you to join them on an unforgettable ride in this outdoor activity they call ‘Canyoning Aotearoa’; jumping, sliding, swimming, zip-lining and abseiling off waterfalls as you take in the magnificent surrounding views – it really does have to be seen to be believed!

Their expertise and experience will keep you safe, confident and build your skills. Canyoning is a challenge, but one that comes with ultimate rewards!

Visit Canyoning Aotearoa