Lake Rotoiti Overlook

The Lake Rotoiti Overlook sits along the Mt Robert Circuit above the western shore of Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park. The track leaves the car park at the end of Mt Robert Road and zigzags up the bare northern face of Pourangahau/Mount Robert. You climb through beech forest, then break out onto open slope where the whole lake opens up below. St Arnaud sits at the far end of the water and the St Arnaud Range fills the skyline across it. Early morning is the ideal time to capture this view. Mist sits on Rotoiti Lake most mornings and the sun comes up from beyond the far range, which gives you an amazing view filled with layers. This hike gives you lots of space to pause and shoot as you climb, since the angle down the lake keeps changing and the framing improves with height. The bare slope means nothing blocks you. Carry on to the Bushline Hut for different views along the southern arm. Above the treeline it is fully exposed with no shade, so keep an eye on the sky and be prepared to turn around if the weather closes in. The park is free to walk and there is no booking for the day loop, though there is a fee if you want to book a bunk at the Bushline Hut. (St Arnaud, Tasman, New Zealand)