Flower Brothers Walk

Out and back

Highlights & Must-See Features

While short, the Flower Brothers Walk is packed with features that make it punch well above its weight class.

The Giant Kahikatea The undisputed stars of this walk are the towering kahikatea trees. These are New Zealand's tallest native trees, and seeing them in this swampy, lakeside environment is like looking back in time. These giants can grow up to 60 metres high and live for over 500 years. In many parts of the country, these forests were cleared for dairy farming, so standing beneath these "dinosaur trees" is a rare privilege. Their straight, grey trunks disappear into the canopy, draped in epiphytes and ferns.

The Gowan River Outlet Few walks offer such an easy view of a major river’s birth. The point where Lake Rotoroa spills into the Gowan River is a fantastic spot for a photo. The transition from the still, deep waters of the lake to the moving, conversational flow of the river is a beautiful natural spectacle.

The Memorial History The walk is named in memory of Cyril and Hubert Flower, early settlers whose lives were deeply intertwined with this rugged landscape. Knowing the trail honours those who once worked and lived in this isolated valley adds a layer of human connection to the natural beauty. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of the people who first called this remote part of the Tasman region home.

Getting There

Lake Rotoroa is the slightly more "off-the-beaten-track" sibling to the famous Lake Rotoiti. To get there, you’ll take a scenic drive through the heart of the Tasman District.

• From Murchison: It’s about a 35-minute drive. Head north on State Highway 6, then turn onto Gowan Valley Road. Follow this road all the way to the end, where it terminates at the Lake Rotoroa car park.
• From St Arnaud: If you’re already in the Nelson Lakes area, it’s a roughly 25-minute drive via State Highway 63 and then Gowan Valley Road.

Parking: The car park at the Lake Rotoroa campsite and jetty area can accommodate about 10–15 vehicles. It’s usually less crowded than the St Arnaud side of the park, but during peak summer weekends, it can fill up quickly with boaties and campers. The trailhead is clearly marked to the right of the jetty.

Wildlife Spotting

Because the Flower Brothers Walk sits within the Nelson Lakes National Park, it benefits from extensive predator control and conservation efforts. The forest here is thriving, and the birdsong can be quite loud, especially in the early morning.

• Fantail (Pīwakawaka): These friendly little birds are almost guaranteed to join you. They love the insects stirred up by walkers, so expect them to flit around your head or lead you down the path.
• Bellbird (Korimako) and Tui: You’ll hear their liquid, bell-like notes ringing through the beech trees. Look for them high in the canopy or feeding on nectar-bearing flowers.
• South Island Robin (Toutouwai): These inquisitive, leggy birds are often found on the ground. If you stop and scuff the dirt a little, a Robin might hop over to see what tasty morsels you’ve uncovered.
• Kererū: Keep an ear out for the heavy "whoosh-whoosh" of wings. These large, iridescent wood pigeons are often seen perched precariously on thin branches, gorging on berries.

Pro Tip: If you have binoculars, bring them! The Yellow-crowned Kākāriki (a small green parrot) is occasionally spotted in this area, usually identified by its rapid, high-pitched chatter.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Flower Brothers Walk is a true year-round destination, with each season offering a different "vibe" to the forest.

• Spring: This is when the forest is at its most vocal. The birds are active, and the new growth on the ferns is a vivid, electric green.
• Summer: The deep shade of the kahikatea and beech trees provides a welcome relief from the New Zealand sun. It’s the perfect time for a post-walk dip in the lake or a jump off the jetty.
• Autumn: The air turns crisp, and the lake often becomes glass-calm, creating perfect reflections of the surrounding mountains.
• Winter: Nelson Lakes can get very cold, and you might find frost on the boardwalk sections. The forest feels incredibly still and mystical during the winter months, especially if there’s a dusting of snow on the peaks above.

• Insect Repellent: This is non-negotiable. Lake Rotoroa is famous for its fierce sandflies. If you stop moving for more than ten seconds, they will find you!
• Sturdy Shoes: While the track is easy, it can be damp and muddy after rain. Sneakers are fine, but leave the jandals for the beach.
• Camera: You’ll definitely want a shot of the jetty and the river outlet.

Local & Regional Context

Nelson Lakes National Park marks the northernmost tip of the Southern Alps. The landscape here was carved by massive glaciers during the last Ice Age, which left behind the deep troughs that now hold Lakes Rotoroa and Rotoiti.

For Māori, this area is culturally significant. The lake is part of the traditional trails used by iwi (tribes) travelling between the West Coast and the east for pounamu (greenstone) and food resources. The Māori name for the Gowan River, Te Kauparenui, connects the land to the stories of the ancestors.

The park is also a hub for the "Mainland Island" concept—intensive pest control that allows native species to flourish in a way they can’t in unprotected areas. When you hear the tui singing or see a robin on the track, you’re witnessing the success of decades of hard work by the Department of Conservation and local volunteers.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished your stroll and perhaps spent some time skipping stones on the shore, you might be looking for a place to refuel.

• Alpine Lodge: A fantastic spot for a wood-fired pizza or a hearty meal by the fireplace in winter. It’s a favourite for hikers coming off the Travers-Sabine Circuit.
• Clinkers Cafe: Located at the St Arnaud General Store, this is the place to go for a classic NZ meat pie, a great flat white, or an ice cream to enjoy by the water.

If you’re heading back towards Murchison, stop at one of the local cafes for a "Murchison-sized" slice of cake. The town is known for its friendly, rural hospitality and is the perfect place to chat with locals about the day's adventures.

The Flower Brothers Walk might be short, but it is a concentrated hit of everything that makes New Zealand’s wilderness special. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best experiences aren’t at the end of a ten-hour slog, but just a few steps away from the car.

Petroica australis

Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Males are dark grey-black; females are paler.

Best time: Year-round