Nelson Lakes

The Nelson Lakes National Park sits in the centre of the South Island at the base of Tasman Bay and the Northern End of the Southern Alps which stretch all the way down the South Island. The 2 main lakes are Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa both of which feed into the mighty Buller River which flows down to Westport on the West Coast and offers excellent white water rafting. The small alpine village of St Arnaud sits on the edge of Lake Rotoiti which is surrounded by gorgeous southern beech forest and mountains making it a picture perfect alpine lake. Here there are many hiking options including multi day options. Both Lakes offer water taxi services to increase the options. 
 
Reccomendations:
 
1 Day. Walk around Lake Rotoiti - 23kms (with a river crossing) or use the water taxi to take you to the end of the Lake and walk back or vice versa. 
2 Days (or more). Choose from various routes and hike to the stunning Blue Lake - claimed to have the clearest water in the world.