10 October 2026
Showers developing in the morning, possibly heavy inland, turning to rain at night. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.
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1 / 4Nelson Lakes National Park
Black Valley Stream Walk
The Black Valley Walk starts near the Kerr Bay campground and follows the Black Valley Stream through majestic beech forest
Distance
0.8 km
Walking time
30 min
Difficulty
Easiest, Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Access to Rotoiti Lodge affected by works
Access to Rotoiti Lodge affected by works
Weather outlook
Nelson forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 5:00 am
11 October 2026
A few showers clearing to fine in the afternoon. Northerlies, dying out in the afternoon.
12 October 2026
Fine. Light winds.
13 October 2026
A few showers clearing in the afternoon, then partly cloudy. Light winds.
14 October 2026
Rain with heavy falls easing. Northerlies developing for a time.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Black Valley Stream Walk on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Black Valley Stream Walk
The Black Valley Walk begins near the Kerr Bay campground and winds alongside the Black Valley Stream through stunning beech forest. Running parallel to State Highway 63, the walk features three entry/exit points connecting to Rotoiti Street, the village store, and Bridge Street. The Black Valley Stream has carved through glacial rubble deposits, revealing steep stream banks shaped by past glacial activity. Unlike typical river terraces with sorted gravel, sand, and silt layers, these deposits are a mix of rocks and sand of varying sizes. Look out for trees with metal bands, designed to stop possums from climbing and damaging the beech mistletoes growing in the canopy.
Essential information for Black Valley Stream Walk
Be prepared with warm and waterproof clothing. Nelson Lakes National Park is in an alpine area – freezing conditions can occur at any time of year. No rubbish facilities are provided – carry out all your rubbish. Biting sandflies can detract for your experience at the lakes, especially during the summer months – cover up and apply a good quality insect repellant to exposed skin. Wasps are a known hazard and are particularly common from December until April – carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.
Getting there for Black Valley Stream Walk
From SH63 in St Arnaud, turn left onto Kerr Bay Road and follow it down to the lake. There is plenty of parking at the lake edge next to the jetties on either side of the bay. At the eastern end next to the DOC campground, you will see a large information board with a map, and times and distances of the various tracks in the area. Use this location on Google Maps to help find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel
Dog access for Black Valley Stream Walk
No dogs.
Before you walk Black Valley Stream Walk
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.