What is the minimum age to join this trip?

This trip is suitable for participants aged 6 years and older.

Is the trip accessible for people with limited mobility?

While the walk is mostly gentle, uneven natural terrain may present challenges for those with limited mobility.

Are meals included during the day?

A scenic lakeside picnic lunch is included in the itinerary.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

You may spot kiwi, kaka, robins, tomtits, and the rifleman among others, especially in restored forest areas.

Is transportation provided to the start point?

Pick-up from Nelson city accommodations is included for this full-day tour.

What should I bring with me on this trip?

Bring layered clothing, sturdy footwear, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle for a comfortable day.

Nelson Lakes Discovery by Wine Art and Wilderness

Located in New Zealand’s Nelson Lakes National Park, the Nelson Lakes Discovery trip by Wine Art and Wilderness offers an immersive 8-hour journey through one of the South Island’s most striking natural landscapes. This adventure traces the footsteps of Sir Ernest Lord Rutherford—the country’s celebrated Nobel laureate—and the early pioneers whose railways and roads opened access to this rugged alpine region. Beginning with stories from Nelson city, the tour moves along scenic routes to Kawatiri Junction, where the feats of early engineers come alive against a backdrop of soaring mountains and dense native forests.

The centerpiece of the experience is Lake Rotoiti, an expansive alpine lake formed during the Ice Age by glaciers carving deep basins in the Southern Alps’ foothills. Here, the landscape contrasts dramatically: steep, craggy peaks tower overhead while at the lake’s edge, a tranquil beech forest thrives thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Walking along gentle lakeside trails, visitors witness the revival of native flora and fauna supported by pest control and habitat restoration programs.

Wildlife sightings often include the calls of kiwi, kaka, and small bird species such as robins and tomtits, bringing the forest’s regeneration vividly to life. Included in the experience is a carefully prepared lakeside picnic that lets guests fully take in the panoramic views before ascending Mt Robert for sweeping 360-degree mountain vistas.

What sets Wine Art and Wilderness apart is its seamless blending of rich local history, ecological recovery, and unforgettable scenery, creating a holistic encounter with New Zealand’s wilderness and heritage. Suitable for ages 6 to 80, the carefully curated groups ensure personalized attention and a well-paced itinerary, making it a standout choice for travelers seeking a meaningful connection to this special region.

About Wine Art and Wilderness

Wine Art and Wilderness operates guided tours across Nelson/Tasman, Marlborough, Abel Tasman, Kahurangi and Golden Bay, offering a blend of wine, art and nature experiences. The operator curates day tours and multi-activity adventures that bring guests into family-owned and boutique vineyards, vibrant local galleries and nationally significant natural landscapes.

Tours include vineyard tastings and vineyard lunches, opportunities to meet passionate winemakers, gallery and studio visits that showcase local artists, scenic cruises along Abel Tasman’s coastline, guided coastal and forest walks, and kayak options that explore pristine beaches and marine life. Several itineraries highlight regional features such as the Pelorus River, Te Waikoropupū Springs, Lake Rotoiti and the Moutere Hills. The program also visits notable creative hubs and artists’ studios, including stops that reference prominent local practitioners.

Each trip emphasizes storytelling and local knowledge: guides share regional history, winemaking practices and artistic context while navigating natural environments like beech forest, alpine slabs and coastal reserves. Wildlife encounters cited in tour descriptions include dolphins, fur seals and native bird species. Activities range from relaxed tastings to moderate hikes and multi-mode adventures combining boat, kayak and walking segments.

Information about each itinerary — from wine tours in Nelson and Marlborough to Abel Tasman Water & Walk and Alpine Splendour in Kahurangi — is presented so travelers can match interests, activity level and seasonal considerations. The offering appeals to guests seeking immersive regional experiences that combine culture, cuisine and wild landscapes.

Nelson Lakes Discovery by Wine Art and Wilderness

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