Visit Saint Arnaud, New Zealand

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Saint Arnaud (previously Rotoiti) is a small alpine village located in the north of New Zealand's South Island, west of the mountains of the Saint Arnaud Range and 90 kilometres southwest of Nelson near the historic Tophouse Settlement. It is situated at the northern end of Lake Rotoiti. St Arnaud has a hotel, motels, backpackers, and rental baches (holiday homes). There are two campgrounds: Kerr Bay has powered and tent sites, flush toilets, cooking shelter with gas and a dump station. In summer (mid December to Easter) the campground offers hot showers, a washing machine and a dryer. Bookings are essential in summer. West Bay has two camping areas, each with tent sites, flush toilets, cold showers and a cooking shelter. West Bay is open mid December to March. and over Easter. Bookings are essential. The western part of the township includes a local Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Centre, with interactive displays and comprehensive information about the wildlife and environmental management of the Nelson Lakes National Park. The Centre has a team of professional staff who can offer detailed advice and guidance about all aspects of the area. A number of local footpaths, tracks and nature trails, suitable for all abilities, are maintained by the Department. Saint Arnaud is a starting point for the strenuous 80 km Travers - Sabine tramping circuit. This follows the valley of the Travers River, ascends over the sub-alpine Travers Saddle, the watershed, and then descends the Sabine River valley and gorge to Lake Rotoroa. From here walkers can complete the circuit back to Saint Arnaud by either crossing a low saddle to the valley of Lake Rotoiti, via the Speargrass Track, or by ascending a higher route via Mount Angelus. Alternatively, they can take a water taxi from the DOC Sabine Hut on Lake Rotoroa up to the northern end of the lake. Water taxis operate on demand at Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa. A shuttle bus runs year-round from St Arnaud to all entry points of the park (on demand). A shop at St Arnaud (open 7 days a week) provides tramping supplies, groceries, petrol, EPIRB (emergency locator beacon) hire, and Wi-Fi. Lake Rotoroa does not have a shop. Fishing guides are available at St Arnaud, Rotoroa and Murchison. In winter, snow sports take place primarily at Rainbow Skifield on the eastern side of the Saint Arnaud Range. Other local recreational activities include fishing, hunting, kayaking, small boat sailing, and gliding. Lake Rotoiti School is the sole school in Saint Arnaud, serving approximately 30 students from Years 1 to 8 (ages 5 to 12). The nearest schools offering secondary education are Tapawera Area School and Murchison Area School, 54 km and 59 km away by road respectively.

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