Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park consists of two small lakes, by NZ standards, and two different mountain ranges.  We arrived at the first lake (Lake Rotorua) late in the day to find that the trails were not being maintained and that while it was a beautiful lake, the sand flies made it less than enjoyable.  So the next morning we were up early and heading to the second lake (Lake Rotoiti), where we found another beautiful lake (pictured) and great trails, so we settled in.   The first day we opted for the view trail which means you are going to CLIMB.  We climbed up 5,500 feet to an amazing 360 degree view of 7 different mountain ranges (pictured).  As we made our way up the final scramble to the ridge line there were gliders which are slung shot off the ground by a huge wench and then find their way into the thermal currents and ride them with as little noise and effort as a bird.  The glider was so close to the ridge line it felt like we could reach out and touch it (pictured).   Well, we are half way through our van time and starting to realize that there is still so much more to see.  So the next stop for us is Kahurangi National Park.