After moving to Methven, I made it my mission to find some easy walks in Mid Canterbury. No doubt the area is full of awesome day hikes but sometimes it’s nice to take an easier walk and get the amazing views without the huge effort.
This blog post includes a variety of easy walks in Mid Canterbury. Some though the bush, others to stunning alpine lakes. These walks have little elevation, range in distance and some are slightly more challenging than others. The beauty of them though is that you can go as far as you can and if you need, you can always turn back.
These easy walks in mid Canterbury can be done all year round and are great alternatives to some day hikes if there has been a big snowfall. However just be aware in winter the tracks get pretty frosty in the mornings so they can get slippery.
Some of these walks are a little more backcountry than others. The tracks are signed well, some are quite popular or around farms and stations so you’re not at all out of civilization if you need help. Take note though that there is no service on these walks.
Before you head off on the trails, remember:
- Tell someone where you are off to and what time you are expected back
- Make sure you pack snacks and enough water as many trails do not have access to drinking water on the way
- Pack the right gear- even in summer time back a layer
- Always check the weather before you head out!
If you’re new to hiking, check out this beginner guide to hiking so you have the best time!
Easy walks in Mid Canterbury
Rakaia Gorge walkway
10.4 km return | 3-4 hour, part loop
The Rakaia Gorge walkway is a well-formed undulating path through forest and shrub. Being just off the inland scenic route and with great picnic areas and access to the riverbed, it’s a popular spot to stop. The track has a bit of elevation as it moves up and down and along the turquoise waters of the Rakaia River with Mt Hutt in the background.
The entire circuit is just over 10km long with a loop at the far end of the trail. The first lookout is 30 minutes which is a great spot to turn around if you don’t want to do the entire circuit. It does get more challenging past the first lookout as it as it goes down in a small gully and back up again. There is a short hill to get up as well to get to the second lookout. It’s the perfect spot to stop for a lunch break while taking in the beautiful scenery.
The path is well marked the entire way with signage at the junctions of the loop.
How to get there
The trailhead to the Rakaia Gorge walkway is on the north end of the historic bridge at the Rakaia Gorge. There is parking just before the bridge or down at the picnic area which is the turn off just before.
Lake Clearwater circuit
10.3 km return | 3-4 hour loop
A gentle undulating track, the Lake Clearwater circuit is a great easy walk in Mid Canterbury. The views around the lake are beautiful and bird life is plenty with ducks, swans and on the rare occasion herons, both grey and white.
This track is open the entire way and can get very hot in the summertime. In my opinion, it’s best done on a calm day or head out later so you can catch the amazing lake reflections and sunset over Lake Clearwater. There are no powerboats permitted on the lake and being in a vast landscape the walk is very peaceful.
The Lake Clearwater circuit is particularly beautiful in the winter with a dusting of snow on the mountain tops. It really brings the golden tussock mountains to life!
It’s not hard loose site of the track. Most of it is a 4WD track. There are junctions from the circuit that will go to others hikes like Mt Guy or Mystery Lake. The path on the left side (if starting counter clockwise) can get wet and boggy in some sections especially in spring and after a rain. It’s usually not too bad but you may find yourself having to hop around over wood and tussocks.
How to get there
Turn west onto Ashburton Gorge road off Highway 72 and followed the road to Lake Clearwater. Sign is posted and you will have to drive on gravel roads.
Awa Awa Rata Reserve
VARIETY OF DISTANCES | 30 MINS TO 1.5 HRS
The Awa Awa Rata reserve at the foothills of the Pudding hill range is the perfect spot to get out for a bush walk in mid Canterbury. The reserve has a vareity of tracks with different options to make short or longer loops.
There are three main tracks, the Alder, Opuke and the beginning of the harder Scotts Saddle track which can all meet up with the ridgeline to form 30 minute to 1.5 hour circuits. There is some elevation on the tracks as they take you up to the ridgeline and have the most elevation of all the easy walks in Mid Canterbury on this list.
You can however take a short walk on the Te Awa Awa track and around the picnic area in the Rhodedandrons. This takes about 20 minutes. If you are looking to get your heart rate up just a bit more, Alder track going up is the easiest. The Opuke track would be the next steepest climbing for about 160 meters in 40 minutes or so and the Scotts Saddle track is the hardest.
All these tracks can join up with each other. Here are some suggestions:
Alder track- ridge track- Opuke track- 1.5 hours
Opuke track- ridge track- Scotts saddle track- 1.5-2 hours | Opuke track- ridge track- Alder track- 1.5 hours
Alder track- ridge track to Scotts saddle track- 1.5-2 hours
How to get there
Turn on Mt Hutt road off of Highway 72. Follow the road to McClennans bush/Awa Awa Rata Reserve.
Lake Emma
4 km return | 1.5 hours
The track around Lake Emma is a 4WD track and a nice easy one leading to a cool historic hut and tack shed. Built somewhere between 1860 and 1890 it was used way back in the day by musterers. You can’t camp there now but it’s a great day walk for lunch and to watch the swans and ducks.
This isn’t a marked track but if you follow to the 4WD track you cannot go wrong. It is open the entire way and exposed. The track does continue along the far edge of the lake and goes to Lake Camp which is just over 4km. Parts of the track can get muddy as it goes through wetlands. I don’t believe you can make a loop around Lake Emma as it’s quite boggy on the west side.
Dogs ARE permitted at this lake and one of the few places they are allowed!
How to get there
Located on the Ashburton Gorge Road off of Highway 72. A sign for Lake Emma will be on the left.
Lake Ida
8 km return | 2.5-3 hours
In the Lake Coleridge area between Mount Ida and Little Mount Ida is the hidden gem, Lake Ida. A small alpine lake, it used to be really busy place back in the day and a popular spot for ice skating and curling. The chalet still stands today but is no longer used.
Crossing through private land on Glenthorne station the track moves through the tussock hillside of Little Mount Ida. Permission is not required but make sure you stay on the track. It’s realtively flat with little elevation.
There are spots by the chalet and around the lake that are shady. It does get pretty crisp in there in winter as the lake looses light quickly later in the day. When it’s been really cold the lake freezes over but rarely is it safe to walk on. Fishing is also allowed but fly fishing only.
How to get there
From Coleridge Road turn onto Homestead Road then onto Harper road in the Lake Coleridge area. The road is gravel and a sign is posted for the trailhead between Lake Evelyn and Lake Selfe.
Mt Sunday
3 km return | 1.5 hour return
Lord of the rings fan? You have to check out Mt Sunday. The fim location of ‘Edoras’ in Peter Jackson’s world renowned franchise. The set of course is gone but landscape definitely sparks the imagination of what used to be.
The walk to Mt Sunday is flat until you reach the hill. There is a swingbridge to cross over the river and more than likely you’ll be sharing the track with a herd of cows. The walk up Mt Sunday gets you puffing but luckily does not last long at all. There’s plenty of spots at the top for a break and to take in the beautiful views over the Rangitata River and up the Cloudy Peak and Two Thumbs range.
Most of the drive is in on gravel roads with one shallow ford. The ford usually isn’t a problem after being filled in a bit and smaller cars are still able to get through. Take extra care as the the road is pretty uneven in some spots.
How to get there
Turn west onto Ashburton Gorge Road and follow the road past Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater. The road then turns into Hakatere Potts Road and the track will be on the left.
Lake Hill
2 km return | 1.5 hour return
An easy walk at Lake Heron, you can walk up Lake Hill to catch views of the entire lake and the surrounding mountain ranges. This area is always so quiet, peaceful and full of birdlife. A favourite of mine for a Sunday stroll. The lake is stunning when the wind is calm you get those lake reflections!
The track starts from the turn off just before Lake Heron. It follows a 4WD track before gently going upt the hill. Directly across the lake is Arrowsmith station below the Arrowsmith range.
The track is marked and easy to find. Dogs are not permitted in this area.
How to get there:
Head west again on Ashburton Gorge Road and turn right when you see the Lake Heron sign. Follow the road and the Lake will come into sight. Take another right just before the lake and the off-road path will take you to the start of Lake Hill.
Dennistoun Bush Walk
1.8 km return | 1 hour return
Located in Peel Forest the Dennistoun bush walk is a flat walk through the beautiful forest of kahikatea, lowland tōtara and mataī. Some of the trees are more than a few meters wide and one hollow stump is so big that a few people can fit in it! Bird song is plenty and it makes for peaceful and lovely walk.
The track is well walked but can get damp in some areas so you may have to skip around those parts. Nice and sheltered, this is a good track to do when it’s windy or hot out. There are also other tracks in Peel Forest like the Big tree walk and Acland Falls which can all be visited in the same day.
How to get there
The walk is at the end of Blandswood Road in Peel forest. To get there, turn off SH72 (Inland Scenic Route) onto Peel Forest Road and follow this for 13 km. Turn left onto Blandswood Road and follow this for 2 km. The track will be on the left. You can park anywhere off the road.
Too bad dogs aren’t permitted for most of those walks!
I know!! I have found it very hard to find spots were dogs are allowed. I think you could potentially apply for a permit to have a dog at Lake Heron…
Hi Lauren,If the area is a Conservation area,DOC will allow dogs horses ,elephants etc.Usually where there are numbers of walkers(popular tracks Scenic Reserves),DOC get pickey.Check with DOC Geraldine first.Maybe add Lake Catherine,as far again past L. Ida to your list.Very picturesqueak on a calm day.
Cheers,Lew