St Arnaud Travel Guide

Discover the best cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking trails, accommodation, food, and more in St Arnaud. Read this comprehensive guide before planning your trip.


Introduction to St Arnaud

Nestled in the lush green landscape of Nelson Bays in South Island, New Zealand, St Arnaud is a small alpine village that serves as the gateway to the Nelson Lakes National Park. The picturesque village offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and a rich cultural history. In this guide, we will take a detailed look at the best things to see and do in this beautiful village.

List of Places to Visit in St Arnaud

Here is a list of the best places to visit during your stay in St Arnaud:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Lake Rotoiti: A stunning lake surrounded by the Southern Alps, Lake Rotoiti is known for its rich cultural and historical significance. It is believed that the lake was named after a Māori chief, Rotoiti, who discovered it while searching for a place to bury his father.
  2. Rainbow Ski Area: A popular ski resort located just outside of St Arnaud, the Rainbow Ski Area offers world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
  3. Sheep Dog Trials: An annual event held in St Arnaud, the Sheep Dog Trials offer visitors a glimpse into New Zealand’s rich farming history.

Natural Attractions of St Arnaud: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Nelson Lakes National Park: Home to two stunning lakes, Rotoiti and Rotoroa, the Nelson Lakes National Park offers visitors an opportunity to experience breathtaking alpine scenery, forests, and river valleys.
  2. Mount Robert Circuit Track: A popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of Lake Rotoiti and the surrounding mountains.
  3. Rainbow Valley Conservation Area: A beautiful conservation area featuring stunning natural scenery, hiking trails, and opportunities to view native flora and fauna.

Hiking/Biking Routes of St Arnaud

St Arnaud is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, which makes it an ideal destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in St Arnaud:

  1. Robert Ridge Track: This stunning track offers hikers an opportunity to take in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Rotoiti.
  2. Rainbow Road: One of the most scenic biking routes in the area, Rainbow Road offers bikers a chance to explore the beautiful countryside and enjoy some of the most stunning views in the region.
  3. Mt. Robert Circuit: This is a challenging hike but offers hikers breathtaking views of Lake Rotoiti, Mt. Robert, and the surrounding valleys.

Best Things to Do in St Arnaud: Activities and Tours

St Arnaud offers visitors a wide variety of outdoor activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do during your stay in St Arnaud:

  1. Kayaking on Lake Rotoiti: Explore the stunning lake with a guided kayaking tour and take in the stunning scenery.
  2. Helicopter Tour: Take a scenic helicopter tour over the stunning Nelson Lakes National Park and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
  3. Horseback Riding: Take a guided horseback ride through the beautiful countryside and experience the natural beauty of St Arnaud from a different perspective.

Week-Long Itinerary for St Arnaud

Here is a suggested itinerary for a one-week trip to St Arnaud:

Day Activity
1 Explore St Arnaud Village and visit the Rainbow Ski Area
2 Hike the Mt. Robert Circuit Track
3 Kayaking on Lake Rotoiti
4 Visit the Nelson Lakes National Park
5 Take a helicopter tour over the National Park
6 Horseback riding in the countryside
7 Visit Sheep Dog Trials and enjoy a farm tour

Food and Drink Scene of St Arnaud

Must-Try Dishes

St Arnaud offers visitors a variety of dining options, including cafes, restaurants, and bars. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

  1. Lamb Roast Dinner: A classic New Zealand dish, the lamb roast dinner is one of the most popular dishes served in St Arnaud.
  2. Fish and Chips: Another staple of New Zealand cuisine, the fish and chips in St Arnaud are particularly delicious thanks to the region’s proximity to the coast.
  3. Stone-oven pizza: Many cafes and restaurants in St Arnaud serve stone-oven pizza, which is a must-try for visitors.

Local Beverages

St Arnaud has a strong craft beer scene, and visitors can enjoy a variety of beers from Nelson and the surrounding regions. The area is also known for its wine production, with several vineyards located within a short drive from St Arnaud.

Where to Stay in St Arnaud: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

St Arnaud offers visitors a variety of accommodation options to choose from. Here are some of the best places to stay during your visit:

  1. Alpine Lodge: Located in the heart of St Arnaud, the Alpine Lodge offers visitors comfortable accommodation and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  2. Black Diamond Lodge: This cozy lodge is located just a short distance from the Rainbow Ski Area and offers visitors an authentic New Zealand experience.
  3. Lake Rotoroa Lodge: This stunning lodge on the shores of Lake Rotoroa offers visitors luxury accommodation and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

What to Buy in St Arnaud: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can find plenty of souvenirs and local products to bring home from St Arnaud, including:

  1. Woollen Products: The region is known for its wool production, which means visitors can buy locally-made woollen products like blankets, scarfs, and sweaters.
  2. Artwork: St Arnaud is home to a thriving art scene, and visitors can find a variety of art galleries selling locally-made artwork.
  3. Honey: New Zealand is known for its high-quality honey production, and visitors can buy locally-made honey in St Arnaud.

Local Culture and Customs of St Arnaud

The culture of St Arnaud is heavily influenced by the region’s rural heritage and the Māori culture. Visitors should respect the local culture and customs by learning about them and being respectful towards them. Kiwis are known for their friendliness and welcoming attitude, so visitors shouldn’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with the locals.

Best Time to Visit St Arnaud

The best time to visit St Arnaud is during the summer months between December and February. During this time, the weather is warm, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. The ski season runs from June to October, and visitors can enjoy the region’s stunning winter scenery during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of St Arnaud

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Take advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer
  • Try the locally-made food and drink

Don’t:

  • Litter
  • Damage the environment
  • Disrespect the local culture

Safety and Health

Safety in St Arnaud

St Arnaud is a safe place to visit, with low crime rates and a friendly community. Visitors are advised to follow general safety precautions, such as locking their cars and not leaving valuables unattended.

Health in St Arnaud

St Arnaud has a small medical center that offers basic medical services. Visitors are advised to have travel insurance in case of emergencies, and to bring any necessary medication with them.

Getting to St Arnaud: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near St Arnaud

The closest airport to St Arnaud is Nelson Airport, which is about 1.5 hours away. The airport offers both domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near St Arnaud

Intercity Coachlines serves St Arnaud with regular bus services from Nelson and Christchurch.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or hire a taxi to get to St Arnaud.

How to Get Around in St Arnaud

St Arnaud is a small village and is easily walkable. Visitors can also rent bikes or hire taxis to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from St Arnaud: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

St Arnaud is located in the heart of the Nelson Bays region, making it a perfect base for exploring neighbouring destinations. Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions:

  1. Abel Tasman National Park: One of New Zealand’s most popular national parks, Abel Tasman is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
  2. Golden Bay: A beautiful coastal region with stunning beaches, Golden Bay is a perfect destination for beach lovers.
  3. Hanmer Springs: This beautiful alpine village is known for its hot springs and stunning natural scenery.

Conclusion

St Arnaud is a hidden gem in New Zealand, offering visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and rich cultural history. From its stunning hiking trails to its delicious local cuisine, this village has something for everyone. We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip to St Arnaud, and we wish you a memorable visit!