Nelson Lakes 16th-20th Aug 2018

For those that have not heard about this trip before it is a stunning trip paddling on both Lake Rotoroa and Lake Rotoiti. At this time of the year the mountains are normally covered with snow and on some trips we have had snow down to lake level, amazing kayaking.

                             

Here is a typical rundown of the trip.

Day 1-We travel South on the 9am morning sailing on the 18th and then drive through to St Arnaud and spend the night at St Arnaud Lodge.
Day 2- We drive to Lake Rotoroa and paddle to the far end and stay in the Sabine Hut. There’s time for a walk in the area up to a beautiful gorge.

                                                              

Day 3- We paddle the opposite side of Lake Rotoroa and then drive back to St Arnaud to spend the night at the lodge and have a hearty meal at the restaurant.
 
Day 4- It’s back on the water this time on Lake Rotoiti and paddle the western shoreline to Coldwater hut with a stop on the way to view Whiskey Falls. Again there is time to go for a wander in the area.
 
Day 5- We have a short paddle back to St Arnaud and then load up to travel back to Picton and get the 6.45pm sailing, arriving Wellington 9.55pm.
 
Paddle distances are no more than 19km each day. The huts have fireplaces and bunks. You need to be self-sufficient with food, cookers, sleeping bags etc. It is a cold time of the year so decent warm paddling gear is essential.  
 
Trip leader – Nick Lowe