Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park in the Tasman district of New Zealand has river valleys, lakes and mountains. The rivers are good for fishing...somewhat. 

The rivers are heavily fished and the fish feel the pressure. They have been caught and released a fair amount so that they become very picky. I would have my flies and nymphs pass directly over the fish or right next to them. Since my presentation was not perfect, they would at most go take a look and then go back to what they were doing. 

But fishing isn't always just about catching fish. The scenery is spectacular. 

I hiked from St. Arnaud along the lake side track. It is part of the five day tramp called the Travers-Sabine. It generally goes up the Travers Valley, up over Travers Pass, and then down the Sabine Valley. It was a three hour tramp to the first Department of Conservation hut, Lakehead Hut, in the Travers Valley. It is possible to take a water taxi up Lake Rotoiti to Coldwater Hut instead of walking for three hours. But if you take the water taxi you miss a peaceful walk through tranquil beech forests and the 40 meter tall Whiskey Falls.