About the Lodge

The Lake Rotoiti Outdoor Lodge is situated within Nelson Lakes National Park (an ecologically protected environment) and is within easy walking distance of the village of St Arnaud. St Arnaud village is just over an hours drive from either Nelson or Blenheim. The Lodge is situated on a gentle rise surrounded by native bush. It is in a stunning mountain setting with superb views of Lake Rotoiti.

History of the Lake Rotoiti Outdoor Education Centre

The idea to build a lodge at Rotoiti was first suggested in 1963 by Police Sergeant Noel Oxnam. His enthusiasm and drive for the project led to significant contributions being made to the building of the Lodge by the regional community, the secondary schools and Rotary Clubs of Nelson and Marlborough and the Nelson Lakes National Park Board. The Lodge was officially opened on 24 February 1968.

In 2000, administration of the Rotoiti Lodge was transferred from the Department of Conservation to the Rotoiti Lodge Outdoor Education Trust. The Trust runs outdoor education programmes for trust school groups during school terms. At the time the Lodge was constructed, the Trust schools, which are comprised of secondary schools from the Nelson and Marlborough provinces, provided support and funding. This gave them a preferential booking entitlement to the Lodge during the school terms (approximately 37 weeks per year).

The Lodge Today

There is a full-time Director of the Lodge and two full-time resident instructors. The Director has overall responsibility for the management of the Lodge. He handles bookings, plans programmes, organises maintenance and carries out all the administration. The instructors run the school programmes ensuring the students' safety and enjoyment of their experience on school camp.

The Lodge is available to private groups during weekends and school holidays. It is very popular over the summer break for water activities and tramping. During winter the Lodge can be booked for those wishing to enjoy snow sports at the local ski field (check our links page for details on the Rainbow Ski Area).

Some of the groups that use the Lodge include sports, craft, family and religious groups. The Lodge is a great venue for conferences, reunions, retreats, staff training, birthday celebrations and weddings.