Kerr Bay sits on the northern shore of Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park, within easy reach of the small alpine village of St Arnaud. This is the main access point to the lake and one of the park’s most popular spots, due to its wide grass reserve, pebble beach, and spectacular mountain views. Forested mountainsides frame much of the shoreline, and the bay is backed by native beech trees, giving it a peaceful, sheltered feel. From the water’s edge, you’ll look directly south between the towering flanks of Mount Robert, the St Arnaud Range, and the rugged peaks of the Travers Range — a view that can turn mirror-like on still days and is often postcard-perfect.
The beach drops quickly into deep, clear water, making it ideal for swimming and a range of water sports. Two timber jetties stretch into the lake, and between them floats a permanent raft, popular for sunbathing and diving. While large tame eels lurk around the western jetty, they’re friendly and only add to the charm of the place. A public boat ramp makes launching easy, and there’s ample parking around the reserve.
On the eastern side of the bay, you’ll find the Kerr Bay Campsite in Kerr Bay — 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 near several short forest walks, including the Honeydew Walk, a gentle loop through mature beech forest alive with native birds.
It’s also just a few minutes’ walk from the DOC Visitor Centre, which is perched on a rise behind the bay. Inside, you’ll find detailed displays about the area's natural and cultural history, from early Māori settlement to the remarkable story of John Kerr, a Scottish settler for whom the bay is named. Kerr's homestead once stood near the bay, and the location is marked by a remnant piece of wall. It was part of his vast Lake Station holdings in the 1800s.
Kerr Bay is located off SH63 via Kerr Bay Road, a short detour once you arrive in St Arnaud. The village is around 1 hour and 30 minutes by road from either Nelson or Blenheim.
