Nelson-Lakes-Nationalpark
The Nelson Lakes National Park (English Nelson Lakes National Park ) comprises a 1020 km ², largely untouched area in the northernmost part of the Southern Alps ( Southern Alps ) and is located about 120 km southwest of Nelson. The national park was founded in 1956 (several enhancements in later years ) and surrounds the two larger lakes Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa. Center of the park is the mountain village of St Arnaud, located on the northern shore of Lake Rotoiti.
The landscape of the National Park has been strongly shaped by the last ice age. The former glaciation can be clearly seen from the mountains were; she formed the lakes in the park. The peaks of the Southern Alps reach in Nelson Lakes National Park well above 2,000 m. According to the great differences in altitude, there is a wide variety of Lokalklimaten and habitats. Thus one finds in addition to the characteristic gentle valleys with lakes, beech forests, as well as rugged snow-capped mountain peaks. The meadows above the tree line blooms in the austral summer a large diversity of alpine plant species.
The forests in the lower elevations of the park is a habitat for a large variety of birds - among them the green panties, also called Rifleman or Titipounamu, New Zealand's smallest bird species, as well as hawks and owls. The waters of Nelson Lakes are also an ideal habitat for many water birds. Since the original New Zealand fauna has no mammals, provide all occurring in the park mice, deer, dogs, pigs etc. dar. introduced species
As everywhere in the Southern Alps performs its annual rainfall from west to east from clear. In general, the climate is temperate, at lower temperatures in the higher elevations. However, unstable weather conditions occur with abrupt weather changes.
The Nelson Lakes National Park is a popular destination for holidaymakers and day-trippers. In addition to an extensive trail system, from which the nature of the area can be experienced, it also offers visitors opportunities for mountaineering, fishing, water sports and skiing.