Major city · New Zealand
St Arnaud
Give St Arnaud one night as a Nelson Lakes base: walk to Lake Rotoiti in 5 min, do a half-day track, then drive on. No car, no base.
St Arnaud is a small settlement at the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park, on State Highway 63 between Nelson and the West Coast. It exists for the lake, the beech forest tracks and the DOC visitor centre. There is one shop with petrol, a handful of beds and no public transport of its own, so you arrive by car or pre-booked shuttle and leave the same way. One night covers the lake and a short walk; two nights if you want an overnight hut trip into the park.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- NZD
- Best months
- Dec–Mar for walking and the lake; Jul–Sep for Rainbow Ski Field
- avoid Jun–Aug for low-level walking (cold, wet, short days); sandfly season peaks in summer
- Airports
- NSN · BHE
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- New Zealand ↗Visa-waiver visitors need an NZeTA (with the tourism levy) before travel, including many transit passengers; others need a visa. Apply only through Immigration New Zealand or its official app, and check the rules for your passport.
- New Zealand ↗Declare all food, plant and animal products, and used outdoor gear such as hiking boots and tents, on the New Zealand Traveller Declaration; undeclared risk items bring instant fines.
- New Zealand ↗Drive on the left; give way as signed at one-lane bridges; an English-language licence or one with an approved translation or International Driving Permit is required.
- New Zealand ↗Freedom camping is restricted: sleep in a vehicle only where signed as allowed, and in many places only in certified self-contained vehicles.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for St Arnaud111 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance111
- Non-urgent police105
- DOC Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre+64 3 521 1806
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about St Arnaud, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD, NZ$).New Zealand-wide
- SIM or eSIMOne NZ, Spark and 2degrees sell tourist SIMs at Auckland and Christchurch arrivals and in supermarkets; passport not required.New Zealand-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe almost everywhere; follow boil-water notices in small rural schemes.New Zealand-wide
- TippingCafé or restaurant: Nothing expected; 10% for very good service at dinner is a bonus.New Zealand-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.New Zealand-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in every town and at most lookouts; DOC long-drops on tracks.New Zealand-wide
- Emergency numbers111 police, fire, ambulance · 105 Non-urgent police · +64 3 521 1806 DOC Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day morning and Christmas Day by law; small-town shops close by 17:00 and on Sunday afternoons…Shops closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day morning and Christmas Day by law; small-town shops close by 5:00 PM and on Sunday afternoons…New Zealand-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckNSN Nelson Airport (One of the closest airports; about 1.5–2 h by road via Wakefield and SH6 (check).
- Getting aroundThe village is walkable: shops to Lake Rotoiti is about 5 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or café lunch in the villagecheckNZ$8–25 (≈ US$5–15)
- Budget bedBackpacker or lodge dorm bed, a night, per personNZ$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomNZ$190 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomNZ$260 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget NZ$100 (≈ US$60) · Mid NZ$190 (≈ US$120) · High NZ$350 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- NSN Nelson Airport (One of the closest airports; about 1.5–2 h by road via Wakefield and SH6 (check). No public bus to St Arnaud, so pre-book a shuttle or hire a car.) · BHE Blenheim Airport (Woodbourne) (About 1 h 20 min to the Wairau Valley township and roughly 2 h on to St Arnaud via SH63 (check); useful if you come from Picton or the Marlborough wine country.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Feb
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Mar
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jun
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Jul
Care
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Aug
Care
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Sep
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Best: Sep, Dec–Mar. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Avoid: Jun. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jul (0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C) low), wettest Oct (11 rain days), driest Feb (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
St Arnaud: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Feb
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
May
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Jun
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Jul
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
10 rd
Aug
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Sep
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Dec
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The village is walkable: shops to Lake Rotoiti is about 5 minutes on foot. Everything else needs a vehicle. Nelson Lakes Shuttles runs scheduled and on-demand services to Picton, Blenheim, Nelson and track ends, and Rotoiti Water Taxis crosses the lake and hires kayaks. In winter a daily shuttle runs to Rainbow Ski Field from Blenheim, Nelson and Motueka.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Murchison
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive SH63 west, about 40 min
Small town with cafés and the Buller River; a natural lunch stop heading to the West Coast.
Door to door: 1.5–2 h (check)
Drive via Wakefield and SH6, or pre-book Nelson Lakes Shuttles
City food, art and the airport; too far for a casual return trip, better as your next base.
Door to door: About 1 h 20 min to the Wairau Valley township, then onward to Blenheim (check)
Drive SH63 east
Marlborough wine country and the Picton ferry link.
Door to door: About 45 min from the village (check)
Drive to the turn-off 5 min south of the village, then the access road; winter shuttles from Blenheim, Nelson and Motueka
Winter only; the access road is unsealed and can need chains.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Main Road village centre
Shop, café, lodge and motel within a few minutes' walk of the lake turn-off; the only place to be without a car.
Kerr Bay / lakefront
Lakeside stays and a DOC camping ground, 5–10 min walk from the shops (check availability and season); quietest at night.
West Bay
Campground and picnic area on the far side of the lake mouth (check); drive or walk the lakeside track.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- NZ$80–140 (≈ US$50–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- NZ$150–250 (≈ US$90–150) excl. bed
- High
- NZ$300 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or lodge double room1 × 1 night × NZ$190 | NZ$190 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × NZ$190 | NZ$380 |
| DOC campsite, powered or unpowered, per night1 × NZ$25 · check | NZ$25 |
| Shuttle Nelson → St Arnaud, one way2 × NZ$60 · check | NZ$120 |
| Rainbow Ski Field lift pass, one day2 × NZ$65 · check | NZ$130 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | NZ$85 |
| Trip total≈ NZ$465 per person per day, bed included | NZ$930≈ US$550 |
check
2026 estimate in NZ dollars; fuel and park hut fees excluded. Amounts marked check are unconfirmed. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or café lunch in the villagecheck | NZ$8–25 (≈ US$5–15) |
| Petrol, per litrecheck | NZ$2.50–3.00 (≈ US$2) |
| DOC hut or campsite nightcheck | NZ$15–40 (≈ US$9–25) |
| Kayak hire, half daycheck | NZ$50–90 (≈ US$30–55) |
| Glider flight voucher, up to 15 mincheck | NZ$60 (≈ US$40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No public transport from Nelson or Blenheim unless you book a shuttle in advance: turn up and you are stranded.
- The Alpine Store is the only fuel and supplies for a long way; fill up before you arrive.
- Weather in the park turns fast; check the DOC visitor centre forecast and track conditions before any walk.
- Sandflies are heavy near the lake in summer: bring repellent.
- Clean and dry fishing and tramping gear before you arrive to stop didymo spread.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 111
- Non-urgent police
- 105
- DOC Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre
- +64 3 521 1806
Pocket card
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St ArnaudSt Arnaud
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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Ki tēnei wāhi, koaTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance111
- Non-urgent police105
- DOC Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre+64 3 521 1806
Embassy
No embassies in St Arnaud; the nearest consulates are in Auckland and Wellington (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Shuttle Nelson → St Arnaud: about NZ$60 (≈ US$40) one way, 1.5–2 h (check)
- Shuttle Blenheim → St Arnaud: about NZ$50 (≈ US$30) one way, 1 h 20 min to the Wairau Valley township plus onward (check)
- Rainbow Ski Field lift pass: up to NZ$65 (≈ US$40) a day (check)
Say or show
- Kia ora — Thank you
- Kei hea te whare tirotiro? — Where is the visitor centre?
- E hia te utu? — How much is it?
- Kei te tuwhera te ara? — Is the track open?
Fuel and supplies are limited: buy in Nelson, Blenheim or Murchison.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for St Arnaud. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar for walking and the lake; Jul–Sep for Rainbow Ski Field · avoid Jun–Aug for low-level walking (cold, wet, short days); sandfly season peaks in summer · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares