Exploring Kerr Bay in Nelson Lakes
Kerr Bay is located on the northern shore of Lake Rotoiti within Nelson Lakes National Park, near the alpine village of St Arnaud. This bay is a popular destination due to its expansive grass reserve, pebble beach, and stunning mountain vistas. The shoreline is framed by forested mountainsides and backed by native beech trees, creating a calm and sheltered atmosphere. From the water's edge, you can gaze southward between the towering Pourangahau / Mount Robert, the St Arnaud Range, and the rugged Travers Range. On calm days, the view can be mirror-like, for the perfect postcard scene.
Activities and Attractions
The beach at Kerr Bay quickly descends into deep, clear water, making it perfect for swimming and various water sports. Two timber jetties extend into the lake, with a permanent raft floating between them, popular for sunbathing and diving.
Friendly, large eels can be found near the western jetty, adding to the bay's charm. A public boat ramp facilitates easy launching, and ample parking is available around the reserve.
Camping and Walking Trails
On the eastern side of the bay, the Kerr Bay Campsite is one of the best-located DOC campgrounds in the region. Just 500 metres from the St Arnaud village shop, the campsite is nestled beside the lake and near several short forest walks. Among these is the Honeydew Walk, a gentle loop through mature beech forest teeming with native birds.
Cultural and Historical Insights
A short walk from the bay leads to the DOC Visitor Centre, situated on a rise behind the bay. Inside, you can explore detailed displays about the area's natural and cultural history, from early Māori settlement to the story of John Kerr, the Scottish settler after whom the bay is named.
Kerr's homestead, once located near the bay and marked by a remnant wall, was part of his extensive Lake Station holdings in the 1800s.
Getting to Kerr Bay
From Blenheim, follow State Highway 63 along the Wairau Valley southwest to St Arnaud. The drive is 80 minutes and 103 km. From Nelson, the drive is 70 minutes and 81 km, via State Highway 6, to Wai-iti Valley Road, Stock Road, Kerr Hill Road and Tophouse Road.
Nearby, you can discover the Classic Boat Museum in St Arnaud, walk the Brunner Peninsula Nature Trail, visit West Bay and check out the Pourangahau / Mount Robert Viewpoint.
