2025 Braeburn Range Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

In the pristine Nelson Lakes National Park in New Zealand, you'll find the clearest lake in the world - Blue Lake, or Rotomairewhenua in Maori (the Maori people consider it a sacred place, meaning "land of peaceful waters"). In 2011, scientists discovered that the lake's visibility reached 70 to 80 meters, second only to distilled water. The water source of Blue Lake comes from the nearby glacial Lake Constance, which filters suspended particles through underground channels. Both lakes are located next to Mount Franklin in Nelson Lakes National Park, and because they are located at the foot of Mount Franklin, the lake water is cold all year round, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 8 degrees Celsius. To protect the lake from pollution, swimming, bathing, drawing water, or putting any equipment (such as GoPro cameras or mobile phones) in the lake is prohibited. The best time to visit is in summer, from November to April. There are two routes to Blue Lake, the shorter route is to take a boat from Lake Rotoroa Jetty to Sabine Hut, then walk to West Sabine Hut, and then to Blue Lake Hut, where you can stay overnight. The one-way trip takes about 7 to 9 hours. You can also reach the lake by hiking (a six-day, five-night hike, taking three days to reach Blue Lake), enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Travers-Sabine Circuit along the way. In addition, Reid Helicopters offers a special helicopter tour that takes passengers to see the beauty of Blue Lake from the air.

#nationalparks Nestled—oops, perfectly set—in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson Lakes National Park is a dreamscape for hikers. Picture this: glistening alpine lakes, towering mountain peaks, and lush beech forests teeming with birdsong. This is where adventure meets tranquility. At the heart of it all lies Lake Rotoiti, where trails cater to all levels. Beginners will love the Honeydew Walk, an easy loop that reveals a rich tapestry of native flora and fauna. For those craving a challenge, the Routeburn Track delivers breathtaking panoramas, taking you high above the treeline. The real magic? The park’s serenity. Even on its busiest days, you’ll feel a sense of solitude as you wander through its pristine wilderness. Keep an eye out for cheeky kea, the world’s only alpine parrots, and be enchanted by glowworms lighting up the trails at dusk. Whether you’re looking for a soul-soothing escape or a heart-pounding adventure, Nelson Lakes National Park is a haven of natural beauty. Lace up your boots, pack some snacks, and get ready to hike through one of New Zealand’s most stunning treasures. You’ll leave with sore legs, a full heart, and memories that last a lifetime.

It was August when we went there, and the snow had already started to melt a little. Therefore, you don't need to wear crampons on the hiking trails, you only need to wear hiking boots. Nelson Lakes National Park is located in the South Island of New Zealand It is about an hour and a half drive from Nelson town. The traffic routes here are well planned. There are signal signs along the way. Nelson Lake is very spectacular, and looking down from the commanding heights, it feels like a heart shape This snow-viewing trail was recommended by a local friend. You don’t need to apply for a mountain entry permit to go there, but you still need to pay attention to your own safety. Avoid going alone, especially during snowmelt as the trails can be slippery. The sky in New Zealand is particularly clear and clean. The reflection on the surface of Lake Nelson is really beautiful. The white snow covered the trail, and it was particularly soft to step on. Walking on the trail felt like I was on a Discovery Channel show. Recommended for tourists traveling to the South Island of New Zealand. If you want to enjoy the snow, don't miss Nelson Lake. #Snow-watching #Mountain-hiking #100 ways to travel #New Zealand #Nelson

|The top ten stunning lakes in South Island are all so stunning that they make you scream. Lakes are an important part of New Zealand's many types of landscapes: the many lakes of the South Island, each with its own unique look: 1. Blue Lake Nelson National Park Known as the clearest lake in the world, it is so clear that it is breathtaking and is regarded as "sacred water" by the local Maori tribe. 2. Lake BrunnerMoana A holiday destination for Christchurch locals. There are native trees on the lakeside. You can sail in the lake or fish for trout. 3. Lake Matheson West Only 6 km from Fox Glacier, on a clear and cloudless day, the lake will reflect the reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. 4. Lake TekapoTekapo - Rock powder flows into the lake along the glacier, making Lake Tekapo appear rich green. The Ten Starry Sky Reserve and the Ten Good Shepherd Church are pilgrimage sites for every tourist. 5. Lake PukakiTekapo on the way to Mt Cook The lake water here is a complex and varied light blue color. Lake Pukaki is like a sparkling blue gem inlaid in a majestic mountain. 6. Lake Ohau near Tekapo and Pukaki It is one of the three largest lakes in the ancient glacial valley of the Mackenzie Basin in South Island, New Zealand (the other two are Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki). Although the three lakes are very close, they are less famous. In winter, the Aohu Ski Resort is one of the ski resorts loved by locals. 7. Lake Waikatipu Shaped like lightning, it is the third largest lake in New Zealand. The Dart River is located at the northern end of the lake, and the lake water flows in from there; the Kawarau River originates in Queenstown, and the lake water flows out from here. Due to the violent glacial movement, the current Lake Wakatipu was formed. 8. Lake WanakaRippon Winery View In addition, the famous lone tree in the lake is the image of Lake Wanaka. Animals will roost on the tree in the lake overnight and leave when the sun rises. 9. Lake Hawea Wanaka The scenery of lakes and mountains, walking to Isthmus Peak, with Lake Wanaka on the left and Lake Hawea on the right, the stunning beauty cannot be described in words

📍New Zealand, Nelson Lakes National Park Located in the South Island of New Zealand, Nelson Lakes National Park has various trekking courses and lakes with beautiful scenery! As the name suggests, if you walk along the mountain range, you can meet lakes of various sizes. We trekked on a course where we stayed overnight in front of Lake Angelus. It was a trekking course with a higher difficulty level than expected, but when we reached Lake Angelus, all the difficulties and hardships were erased. It was the most precious and beautiful scenery I have ever seen in my life👍 #New Zealand #New Zealand travel #New Zealand South Island #Trekking #Trekking trip

📍New Zealand, Nelson Lakes National Park Located in the South Island of New Zealand, Nelson Lakes National Park has lakes all over the trekking course. In addition to the large lake at the foot of the mountain, there are many beautiful lakes that reflect the sky next to the trekking course along the mountain range! The lake seen from the top of a high mountain offers a different kind of scenery and is very impressive💙 Those who love trekking, you must visit!!! #New Zealand #New Zealand Travel #New Zealand South Island #Hiking #Hiking Trip #Trekking #Trekking Trip #Trekking Course