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Established in 1956, covers 101,753 ha of land surrounding lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa, the sources of the Buller River. The original park covered 57,505 ha and was expanded to its present size during the 1980s. The land is broken and mountainous with peaks rising to 2,200 m from dense beech forests.
Skiing (in the Mt Robert area), tramping, hunting and trout fishing are the major recreations of the area. The first European explorer in the region was John Silvanus Cotterell who walked through it in 1842, accompanied by a Maori guide. A more thorough expedition was made in 1846 by Thomas Brunner and his Maori companion, Kehu, and William Fox.
Kiwi Guide comments:
The Nelson area has a micro climate due to the protection given by the surrounding mountains. This is one place in New Zealand that you will experience fantastic weather for most of the year. The warm climate is ideal for the growing of grapes so this has become very popular for vineyards.
This area is ideal for sea kayaking in sheltered picturesque bays or for hiking through native forest or along golden sand beaches. For the less inhibited people there are many clothes optional beaches, ideal for that "all over suntan" don't forget to wear sunscreen!
K.G.
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