Nelson Lakes National Park is located in the South Island of New Zealand 100km west of Blenheim.

The park was created in 1956 and covers some 1,020 km². It is centered at two large lakes, Rotoiti and Rotoroa. The park includes the surrounding valleys (including Travers, Sabine, and D'Urville, upper reaches of the Matakitaki) and mountain ranges (Saint Arnaud Range, Mount Robert). The park is a popular area for camping, tramping, fishing and the lakes are often used by both Wairau Rowing Club and Central RPC as training venues.

West Bay at Lake Rotoiti is the preferred rowing venue due to accomodation being more readily available near to this venue.

The park is administered by the Department of Conservation who operate a Visitors Centre in Saint Arnaud. They provide up to date and reliable information on all aspects of the National Park.