Nelson Lakes National Park

2nd June 2014

We took the scenic route to Nelson Lakes National park, which is surrounded by the northern most part of the Southern Alps.  It was great to be in the mountains we were looking at from the beach yesterday, but this time we weren't looking back at the beach, but the endless chain of mountains that continues in to the distance.   We headed up the St Arnaud Range track, a 5 hours hike, zig-zagging steeply uphill for 3000ft,  through the bush and immense beech forest from Lake Rotoiti and popped out at 1660m on the ridge, where we were rewarded with jaw dropping views and a taster of what to expect as we head further south towards the Alps. 

Back to the van before the sun dropped and the chill set in. We quickly found ourselves in sleeping bags at about 6pm with the temperature plummeting, but keeping cosy. As we pulled on extra gloves and layers to go and make tea in the camp kitchen, we were rewarded with an astonishing show from clear night sky - the milkyway shining brightly amongst a star filled sky. 

Quite spectacular.  

Camping beside Lake Rotoiti