The Ashburton Lakes district in the Hakatere Conservation area in the south island of New Zealand, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated areas that the south has to offer. Not far from Christchurch, Ashburton or Timaru, the area is a lot more secluded, off the beaten track and an absolute gem of a spot to explore.
Entering this area of the country takes you to a whole new world and not one you just dream up in your head. The vast open valley is surrounded by tall mountain tops and is dotted with sheep and cattle grazing from the few high country stations in the area. Stunning high country lakes are easily accessible and simply put it’s all raw and untouched beauty.
There are no shops, hotels or big tour buses coming in. Although it’s not too far off the highway, the Ashburton Lakes has had very little development. Apart from washrooms and an area for local batches (or cabins) it’s been left in its natural beauty. There’s just enough there to be able to explore the area responsibly and nowhere near feeling like a tourist destination.
Being what most call, off the beaten track, the area sees more locals than it does visitors and it’s not uncommon to have many spots to yourself. It’s possible over time the area will see more people but as long as everyone respects the land I would certainly encourage everyone, especially locals to venture out that way.
I’m very lucky to be able to call the Ashburton Lakes district my backyard. In that I mean I live about 40 minutes away and explore the area often. It’s shocking to me that many kiwis living nearby or from larger areas like Christchurch have never ventured out to see what this high country is all about. The Ashburton lakes were pretty much the first place I went to once moving out to Methven and I can now be considered a regular.
If you love the outdoors, if you love photography, the Ashburton lakes district and Hakatere Conservation were pretty made for you. There is a lot to do and lots of choice. This guide will hopefully show you why it’s easily one of if not, my favourite place in New Zealand.
Where are the Ashburton Lakes?
The Ashburton Lakes are located in the Hakatere Conservation Area in Mid Canterbury. The area lies between two rivers, the Rakaia River and the Rangitata River and the highlight of the area being the many beautiful high country lakes. The biggest being Lake Heron, Lake Clearwater and Lake Camp. Smaller lakes include Lake Emma, Lake Roundabout, Lake Emily and the Maori Lakes.
Accommodation in the area
There aren’t too many places in the area to stay but the ones that are, are beautiful and unique. Here are a few suggestions for your next stay in the area:
Lake Heron Station– spend time in one of the two beautifully restored cottages in the backcountry of New Zealand. This is certainly a spot for outdoors lovers!
Arrowsmith Lodge– enjoy lakefront accommodation on Lake Heron with a mountain backdrop in an old restored shearer’s quarters. If you rather camp, there is a campground near the lodge.
Mt Potts Lodge– Situated under the Potts Range and the Rangitata River, this lodge has a variety of options from a campground, bunks, ensuite rooms and self-contained units.
Lake Clearwater campground- the campground is right near the lake and works on first come first serve and an honesty box. Dogs are not allowed which is strictly enforced.
Lake Camp campground- there is also an area for camping around Lake Camp. There aren’t dedicated spots just whenever you fit in. These spots are unpowered as well.
Red Cottages Staverley– Red Cottages have two beautiful cottages to stay in that look up to the towering Mt Somers. This accommodation is located about 45 minutes before the Ashburton Lakes area.
A few things to note
- the weather is in the area can change very quickly and can be completely opposite to the towns around it like Methven, Ashburton and Mt Somers.
- keep an eye on the weather for still and calm conditions or head out after a snowfall. I can’t even explain how magical it is to see the reflections on the lake or a blanket of snow. It’s definitely a photographers dream!
- there is no cell service in the area except randomly on the top of some mountains. Be sure to tell someone where you’re off whether you’re along or not.
- the area is surrounded by working stations so keep your eye out for farmers moving their stock around.
- once you reach the turn off for Lake Heron, the roads are gravel.
- be sure to clean your boat or water toys before and after entering any of the lakes. This helps to prevent disease and contamination.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Ashburton Lakes
Lake Heron
A favourite of mine, Lake Heron is the largest lake in the area. It was named after a healthy population of white Herons that used to occupy the shores. Unfortunately, the populations have declined but the shores are still popular with a variety of birdlife. Lake Heron is a great place for photography, exploring and fishing.
How to get there
Turn onto Ashburton Gorge Road to Mt Somers from the Inland scenic route 72/Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road. Follow that road until you reach Hakatere Heron Road on your right. There is a farm right on the corner and on the left historic buildings. Turn onto Hakatere Heron Road and it will lead you straight to Lake Heron where this is a small car pack on the right-hand side. This road is all gravel.
You can park there and walk down to the lake or you can continue following the gravel road from the small car park. This will take you to another car park that is the start of the Lake Hill, Double hut and biking tracks. There is also a DOC sign and toilet. Along that gravel road there are also several spots to pull off to the side and park there.
Amenities
Accommodation is available at Lake Herson Sation and Arrowsmith lodge. There is also a basic campground close to the shores of Lake Heron that works on an honesty box system. Toliets can be found at the campground or the far car park on the south shore of Lake Heron.
There are no fuel stations or food amenities. Dogs are not permitted.
What to do
Hiking
There are a few tracks in the area that are well marked, relatively easy and have the option for an overnight stay.
- Lake Hill
An easy 45-minute walk one way starting at the Lake Heron carpark leads to a small hill for a great view over Lake Heron. This is a great spot for photos especially if the wind is still. The path can get boggy in areas, especially in springtime so you’ll likely want to wear boots.
The track starts at the far car park on the south shore of Lake Heron. There is a small bridge to cross over the creek to get to a 4WD track. Follow that track to the sign that points to Lake Hill. You’ll be able to see the track on the hill as well.
- Double Hut
An easy 10 km walk one way, this track is flat moving through tussock land, and the Swin River. The track is open the entire way and can get very hot in the summertime. It takes about 3 hours one way and the hut is a basic hut with 6 bunks.
It’s very possible to bike there instead and link up with other tracks and huts like Manuka Hut. The track starts in the same place as Lake Hill at the far car park on the south end of Lake Heron. Follow the 4WD track along the lake edge. A sign will point in the direction of Double Hut.
On the water
- Boating/watercrafts
Powered boats are not allowed which allows for great opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding without worrying about getting in the way of boats cruising on the water. Dingys are also allowed as long as they do not have a motor.
The best place to start off from is the south end of the lake as there is limited access to the shore in most places from vegetation. Although the shore is rocky, there is space to leave your things and ease into the water.
- Fishing
Fishing is quite popular here with a healthy population of brown and rainbow trout. You may get lucky and catch a Quinnat salmon but their populations are quite small. The fishing season is open from the first Saturday in November to April 30 so essentially closed from May 1 to end of October.
Both spinning and fly fishing is permitted. If you are fishing from boat (nonpowered) you are to be anchored, no trolling allowed. Check out the NZ fishing site to keep up with changes and for limits of fish.
Lake Emily
Lake Emily isn’t a huge lake and is on the way to Manuka hut. The only access is on foot, biking or 4WD. Since it’s not as accessible to get to, Lake Emily isn’t a spot I’d necessarily park up for an afternoon lunch but instead a stop on a walk or bike into the backcountry.
Fishing is permitted but the chance of catching anything is very rare. The shores are also quite swampy making close access difficult.
How to get there
Turn onto Hakatere Heron Road from Ashburton Gorge Road. The Hakatere Heron Road is all gravel. This is signed as the way to Lake Heron. Turn east before crossing Jacobs Stream Bridge at Castleridge Station. Cars can be parked at the gate. The walk-in is 1.4 km
Amenities
The closest accommodation would be near Lake Heron at some of the lodge stays or campground. You can stay in Manuka Hut or further away camping at Lake Camp/Clearwater or a stay in Mt Somers. There are no toilets at Lake Emily.
There are no fuel stations or food amenities. Dogs are not permitted.
What to do
Hiking
- Manuka Hut
Another basic 6 bunk hut, this hut can be accessed via an easy gentle walk. There are also a few ways to get to the hut, the easiest being from small car park just before Castleridge Station, same spot you access Lake Emily. The track is about 2-2.5 hours to the hut and can be very muddy. Mountain biking is permitted but look for the tracks signs for the correct track.
You could also access Manuka hut from the track to Double Hut which is about 5 km and from the Stour River. The track from Stour River to Manuka hut is much longer about 30km so you’d likely be planning for an overnighter.
MAORI LAKES
The Maori Lakes are a cluster of small shallow lakes in the Hakatere. Most are very hard to access as the shores are swampy but they are home to beautiful birdlife.
How to get there
The Maori lakes are located right off the Hakatere Heron Road on the way to Lake Heron. This road is gravel.
Amenities
The closest accommodation would be near Lake Heron at some of the lodge stays or campground. You can stay further away camping at Lake Camp/Clearwater or a stay in Mt Somers. There are no toilets at the Maori Lakes.
There are no fuel stations or food amenities. Dogs are not permitted.
What to do
Because of the swampy shores, there is limited access to the Maori lakes so there are few things you can do there. The lake right off the road is really the only one you can get to and much of the shore is boggy and surrounded by vegetation.
- Photography
Although there is limited access to the lakes, it is a great spot for photography. The Maori lakes share a backdrop of the Taylor and Palmer Ranges making for a few options for different compositions.
Birdlife is thriving with ducks, swans and the occasional falcon hanging around. If you get lucky you may see Marsh Crake, Australian Bittern, Australian Crested Grebe or Herons. These birds are very rare though.
- Fishing
Fishing is permitted at the Maori Lakes. However since the lakes are so shallow and have limited access, it’s pretty rare to actually catch anything. You’re better off spending time at the bigger lakes in the area. The fishing season is open from the first Saturday in November to April 30 so essentially closed from May 1 to end of October.
Both spinning and fly fishing is permitted. Check out the NZ fishing site to keep up with changes and for limits of fish.
Lake EMMA & Lake Roundabout
Lake Emma and Lake Roundabout are smaller lakes in the area and are accessed the same way. They are both great spots for a picnic, bird spotting, biking or fishing.
How to get there
Turn onto Ashburton Gorge Road to Mt Somers from the Inland scenic route 72/Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road. Continue on that road. Once it turns to gravel it’s called Hakatere Potts Road. The turn off to Lake Emma is on the left. The road to the lakes is a 4WD road and can be quite rutted at time. Take extra caution.
Amenities
The closest accommodation would be camping at Lake Camp/Clearwater or staying in Mt Somers. There are no toilets at either of the lakes and no fuel stations or food amenities. Lake Emma is one of the few places where dogs are permitted. There is a healthy bird population on both lakes, mostly of swans and ducks so take extra care with pups.
What to do
Hiking
- Lake Emma shore walk
The 4WD track just off the shoreline leads to an old musterer’s hut. It’s prohibited to stay overnight but it is a great spot for a break on a day visit or a picnic lunch.
- Lake Emma to Lake Camp
It’s possible to walk from Lake Emma to Lake Camp. The track starts from the hut on the far side of Lake Emma and follows the bottom of Mt Harper. This track can get wet and many prefer to bike instead. It’s 9 km and takes about 3 hours one way walking.
ON the water
- Fishing
Fishing is permitted at both Lake Emma and Lake Roundabout. Lake Emma in particular is good to catch Brown and Rainbow trout. The fishing season is open from the first Saturday in November to April 30 so essentially closed from May 1 to end of October.
Both spinning and fly fishing is permitted. Check out the NZ fishing site to keep up with changes and for limits of fish.
- Boating/watercrafts
Motorized boats are not permitted but you put a canoe, kayak, dingy, paddleboard, anything in there without a motor.
Lake camp
Lake Camp is the only lake that permits motorized boats. Water skiing is very popular on this lake and is a go to for many local’s summer holidays. There is plenty of room to camp along the shores with newly built toliets. The views from Lake Camp are stunning. Autumn and winter bring a whole new sparkle to the area with the changing of leaves and snow-covered mountain tops.
How to get there
Turn onto Ashburton Gorge Road to Mt Somers from the Inland scenic route 72/Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road. Continue on that road and it will lead into Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater. You will pass historic buildings on the left and turn off to Lake Heron. Once past these, the road is gravel.
Amenities
The beautiful thing about Lake camp is freedom camping is allowed. You do not have to book sites, it’s first come first serve. There are newly built toilets by Lake Camp and the closest dump sites can be found here. However, if you weren’t keen to camp you could also stay at Mt Potts Lodge.
There are no fuel stations or food amenities.
What to do
Hiking
There are plenty of tracks in the area that are well marked, and relatively easy, some with the option for an overnight stay.
- Lake Camp to Lake Emma
It’s possible to walk from Lake Emma to Lake Camp. The track starts from the hut on the far side of Lake Emma and follows the bottom of Mt Harper. This track can get wet and many prefer to bike instead. It’s 9km and takes about 3 hours of walking one way.
- Lake Camp shore walk
There is a track that goes all the way around the lake, part of it shared with the road. It is about a 4 km loop.
On the water
- Boating/watercrafts
Lake Camp is the only lake where powered boats are allowed. It’s hugely popular in summertime for water skiers. It’s also a great spot for paddle boarding and kayaking but best stick to the shores when it’s busy.
There is a boat ramp on the far end of the lake. There are rocky shores on either end of the lake which makes it easier to get in and out of a boat or do watersports.
- Fishing
Since powered boats are allowed, fishing isn’t quite as popular on Lake Camp. It can get pretty busy with boats, it’s not a big lake and you’re not allowed to fish from a boat. You must fish from the shore. There are populations of brown and rainbow trout. The fishing season is open from the first Saturday in November to April 30 so essentially closed from May 1 to end of October.
Both spinning and fly fishing is permitted. Check out the NZ fishing site to keep up with changes and for limits of fish.
Lake clearwater
Lake Clearwater is a great lake to kayak, paddleboard and fish. The views of Dogg’s Range are beautiful and a great place for photography especially on a calm day.
How to get there
Turn onto Ashburton Gorge Road to Mt Somers from the Inland scenic route 72/Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road. Continue on that road and it will lead into Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater. You will pass historic buildings on the left and turn off to Lake Heron. Once past these, the road is gravel.
Amenities
There is a campground at Lake Clearwater working on an honesty system. It is $5 a night. You do not have to book sites, it’s first come first serve. There are toilest at the campground and newly built ones by Lake Camp on the way in. The closest dump sites can be found here. However, if you weren’t keen to camp you could also stay at Mt Potts Lodge.
There are no fuel stations or food amenities.
What to do
Hiking
There are plenty of tracks in the area that are well marked, and relatively easy, some with the option for an overnight stay.
- Mt Guy
The first 30 minutes or so of this walk is relatively flat following the shores of Lake Clearwater. It then climbs steeply up a loose rocky face and up to the summit at 1319 meters. The track is 4.3 km, open the entire way and the rocks can be quite slippery so take extra caution.
- Lake Clearwater shore walk
There is a track that goes all along Lake Clearwater. It is undulating and great for both walking or biking. The track is 10km.
- Mystery Lake
There are a few ways to get to Mystery lake. The quickest and most direct route would be from the Potts River carpark. It is a 9.2 km relatively gentle walk through the tussock lands of the Hakatere conservation area to a beautiful sub alpine lake. This track allow mountain bikers and walking time is about 4-4.5 hours one way.
- Boundary Creek hut
This basic 8 bunk hut can be accessed from Buicks River on the way to Lake Heron, Potts River or at various spots from Lake Clearwater. All routes are relatively gentle walks and take between 5 and 6 hours one way. The tracks to this are also mountain biking friendly.
- Potts Hut
This is a basic 10 bunk hut built before 1899! The quickest route is 21 km or about 9 hours from the Potts River car park.
On the water
- Boating/watercrafts
There are no powered boats allowed on Lake Clearwater but many get out in canoes, kayaks and paddleboards! There are limited spots along the shore that are accessible but the easiest spot to start is from the Lake Clearwater campground.
- Fishing
Fishing is permitted on Lake Clearwater and is very popular. Again, if you’re fishing from a boat you must be anchored. There are populations of brown and rainbow trout. The fishing season is open from the first Saturday in November to April 30 so essentially closed from May 1 to end of October.
Both spinning and fly fishing is permitted. Check out the NZ fishing site to keep up with changes and for limits of fish.
other hikes in the area
- Mount Barossa
Located just as you get into the Hakatere Conservation area. The climb is certainly worth the views over the park but you wouldn’t want to go when it’s windy. An elevation gain of just over 820 meters takes about 3.5-4 hour return. Find more info about this hike here!
- Mt Sunday
Take yourself on a journey to Lord of the Rings! Mt Sunday was a filming spot in the second LOTR films. They called this spot Edoras and although the set is no longer there it’s easy to let your mind wander to think of if it was! The walk is flat for the most until the last 10 minutes where you climb up the hill. The top has epic views of the braided rivers nearby. this is a great short walk in the area and very family-friendly.
Biking in the Ashburton Lakes
All the tracks that you can walk you can also bike. Lake Clearwater, Mystery Lake and around Lake Heron is quite popular. I’ve biked around Lake Clearwater but I haven’t done the other tracks. Here are some tracks you can take:
- Stour Bridge car park to Lake Emily- 15 km
- Lake Emma car park to Lake Camp- 9 km
- Lake Clearwater circuit- 10.3 km
- Potts River car park to Mystery Lake- 9.2 km
- Potts River car park to Potts Hut- 23 km
- Te Araroa (Potts River to Buicks Bridge car park)- 21km
- Buicks bridge car park to Boundary creek hut- 13.9km
- Buicks bridge car park to Potts hut- 29.7 km
This area is pristine and really the raw goodness that New Zealand has to offer. Please please please respect the land, the areas and the wildlife. Leave only footprints and enjoy 🙂
Are these dog friendly hikes?