Nelson Lakes National Park protects 102,000 hectares of the northern most Southern Alps. The Park offers a quiet experience of tranquil beech forests, craggy mountains, clear streams, alpine tussock and herb fields, lakes, and tarns. Tramping tracks in the Nelson Lakes are characterized by challenging terrain and spectacular views - many single and multi-day treks are possible. The main lakes of the park are Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa, popular locations for a range of both summer and winter activities. The Park extends from Lake Rotoiti at St Arnaud in the North on Highway 63 to close to Lewis Pass in the South on Highway 7.

The Nelson Lakes National Park is also home to the Lake Rotoiti Nature Recovery Programme. A Mainland Island initiative developed by the Department of Conservation with the help of the local community, the aim of this programme is to restore the original abundance and diversity of native wildlife and vegetation by intensive control of introduced pests. This is making the Mainland Island a superb location for bird watching at close quarters. In 2004 Great Spotted Kiwi became the first species to be reintroduced.

The gateway to the park is St Arnaud Village, resplendent in its winter stillness and summer gown of Kanuka flowers. It is just 1 hours drive from Nelson, Blenheim or Murchison; regular public transport is available. Water taxis operate on both Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa.

The Peaks self catering South Island Accommodation is adjacent to Nelson Lakes National Park and just 10 minutes walk from the Mainland Island.

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