Ashburton Lakes | Your Ultimate Guide For Exploring New Zealand’s Hidden Gem

New Zealand’s South Island is well-known and loved for its dramatic snow-capped Southern Alps and the countless turquoise lakes scattered throughout the deep valleys. But what many travellers don’t know, is that some of the absolute best lakes and mountain vistas can be found at Ashburton Lakes.

We ventured into Ashburton Lakes merely as a stop before Lake Tekapo but in the end, we stayed for four incredible days. The Ashburton Lakes blew us away from the moment we drove into the Canterbury High Counrty and kept us captivated with plenty of hiking, swimming and simply absorbing the breathtaking landscape.

The Ashburton Lakes is a must-visit destination on your New Zealand South Island road trip, or even as a day trip from Christchurch. We have no doubt you’ll fall in love with the region just as much as we did, especially the views from the top of Mt Guy!

In this post, we’ve provided you with everything you need to know to make the most of your adventure to the Ashburton Lakes, including the best hikes, places to stay and where to watch the sunrise and sunset.

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Essential Things To Know About The Ashburton Lakes, New Zealand

Where Are The Ashburton Lakes?

High up in the Mid-Canterbury High Country, you’ll find the Ashburton Lakes District tucked between the mighty Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers. The Ashburton Lakes make up a majority of the Hakatere Conservation Park, which spans across almost 60,000 Hectares of breathtaking mountains and sprawling lakes.

Click on the image below to view our interactive map of the Ashburton Lakes District and all of the necessary points of interest.

How To Get To The Ashburton Lakes

The Ashburton Lakes District is roughly 2 hours west of Christchurch. Lakes Clearwater, Camp, Emma and Roundabout are located on Hakatere Potts Rd and Lakes Heron, Emily and Maori are found on Hakatere Heron Rd.

Click Here For Directions To The Ashburton Lakes

Note: Google Maps is seriously wrong with its timing from the intersection (named Ashburton Lakes) to Lake Heron, this only takes approximately 30 minutes rather than 1 hr 30 minutes.

There are no tours or public transport options for the Ashburton Lakes, meaning the only way to visit the region is by self-driving. If you’re in search of a hire car, we suggest checking out Europcar who generally have the lowest prices.

Note: Both Hakatere Potts Rd and Hakatere Heron Rd are unsealed but accessible by 2WD. In winter, early spring and late autumn, it’s common for the roads to be icy or covered in snow. Snow chains and experience driving in these conditions are highly advisable during this time.

Best Way To Explore The Ashburton Lakes

The Ashburton Lakes are spread across the Hakatere Conservation Park, requiring a 45-minute (or so) drive between the lakes found on Hakatere Potts Rd and Hakatere Heron Rd. Our top recommendation is to split your time between Lake Heron and Lake Camp/Clearwater, which both provide camping and accommodation options.

Exploring By Bike

Some of the walking trails you’ll find that loop around the lakes or connect one lake to another are also accessible by bike. As they’re quite long and flat, riding a bike would be much more appealing than walking these tracks – especially when there are plenty of other hikes to choose from instead.

Exploring By Foot

The main thing to do in Ashburton Lakes – other than enjoying some lake time – is hiking the surrounding mountains. The hikes in Ashburton Lakes range widely from an easy 45-minute return to a steep and rocky 2.5-hour ascent to the summit of Mt Guy.

No matter your level of hiking, make sure to pack your hiking boots and even your overnight gear if you want to add on a backcountry hut walk.

On The Water

The best way to explore the Ashburton Lakes themselves is by kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding. Powered boats are prohibited on all the lakes except for Lake Camp, which is a favourite among locals for water skiing and wakeboarding in the summer months.

When To Visit The Ashburton Lakes

The Ashburton Lakes can be visited year-round and the best time depends on what you plan to do. If you’re planning to get onto the water, you’ll want to visit in summer as the lake temperatures can be freezing even then! However, this is the busiest time of year – especially during the school holidays.

The high country sees quite a lot of snow during winter, which can make the drive a little more difficult, but the views of the snow-capped mountains reflecting in the strikingly blue lakes are beyond worth it! Plus, this is a much quieter time for the Ashburton Lakes and you may even get a spot on Lake Camp to yourself!

Note: The Ashburton Lakes is notorious for unpredictable weather. It is often completely different in the high country compared to nearby towns. When you’re checking the weather forecast, use Mountain Forecast and search for Mount Arrowsmith. You can change the elevation to ‘Base’ to get a rough idea of the weather at Ashburton Lakes.

Where To Stay In The Ashburton Lakes Area

Camping In Ashburton Lakes

We believe the best way to experience the Ashburton Lakes is by camping on the shores of Lake Camp – for free! If you’re in need of a campervan, Jucy Rentals is a popular option in New Zealand and has very competitive prices.

• Lake Camp Campground – Lake Camp is located beside Lake Clearwater on the Hakatere Potts Rd. Camping here is free and offers some of the best views in the area. You’ll find bins and toilets at the northeast and northwest corners of the lake.
• Lake Clearwater Campground – There is a small campsite on the southern edge of Lake Clearwater, just below the village, and costs $10 NZD per campsite per day. This includes access to toilets, a recreation room and water during the summer season.
• Lake Heron Campground – Lake Heron is the only campground that isn’t directly on the water’s edge. This one is tucked into the trees on the southern tip of the lake and costs $20 per site per night. You’ll find toilets and a few picnic benches here. This is closed for tents and caravans between the 1st of October and 31st of March.

Both Lake Clearwater and Lake Heron campgrounds work on an honesty box system and a first-in first-served basis.

Accommodation In Ashburton Lakes

• Lake Clearwater Bach – There is a cute little village on the banks of Lake Clearwater, but most of the ‘Bachs’ are privately owned. This one, however, is a great little alternative to camping that’s right in the midst of the action and offers 3 bedrooms and a fully-equipped kitchen.
• Lake Heron Station – If you’re looking for the ultimate backcountry retreat, Lake Heron Station has you covered. The station lies on the northwest end of Lake Heron and consists of two cosy self-contained huts and a beautiful cottage.
• Arrowsmith Lodge – Located on the southern edge of Lake Heron, a former shearers’ quarters has been renovated into the beautiful Arrowsmith Lodge. The fully self-contained lodge sleeps up to 10 and offers sensational views across the lake.
• Mt Potts Lodge – Found roughly 20 minutes past Lake Clearwater, Mt Potts Lodge offers a range of accommodation options from campervan sites to en-suite studios. The lodge is just minutes away from the Mt Sunday trailhead.

Accommodation Near Ashburton Lakes

If you’re not camping, accommodation in Ashburton Lakes is slim. Luckily, there are some great options in the nearby towns. These also give you closer access to restaurants and grocery stores – Methven is the closest town with a good range of options.

• Alaska Farm Homestead – Methven
• Stronechrubie Accommodation & Restaurant – Mount Somers
• Pudding Hill Lodge & Chalets – Mount Hutt
• Red Cottages – Staveley
• Holmestead Farm – Methven

How Long Do You Need To Spend In The Ashburton Lakes Area?

You could easily fill a week in the Ashburton Lakes area, exploring all of the walking trails and enjoying some lake time. Or, you can simply visit on a day trip from Christchurch to admire the stunning scenery.

We believe the sweet spot is between 2 – 4 nights. If you don’t plan to do any of the longer hikes in the region, you can easily fit in the lakes and the smaller walks within 3 days. But if you want to include the big hikes as well as some time to enjoy the lakes, then we suggest allowing 4 – 5 days.

Your Complete Guide To The Ashburton Lakes

Lake Heron

The largest of the seven main lakes that make up the Ashburton Lakes District, Lake Heron is situated 16 km along the Haketere Heron Rd, bordered by dramatic mountains rolling into lush farmland.

Lake Heron wins our number one spot for the breathtaking vistas from the water’s edge and from the top of Lake Hill nearby. But unfortunately, the campground is situated back from the lake with only obscured views of the magnificent landscape.

The best location to enjoy Lake Heron is at the car park off to the right before the campground. You’ll find a toilet here and the trailhead for Lake Hill. This is a great place to spend the day swimming and exploring the short walking trails. And if you can, wait around for sunset as it’s incredible from this viewpoint or from Lake Hill.

Click Here For Directions To Lake Heron

Lake Heron Campground

Lake Heron Campground sits in a little clearing on the southern edge of the lake, flanked by a band of trees and a small creek running along the southeastern side. The campground is equipped with a toilet block, a water tank and a few picnic tables are scattered among the grassy sites. To access the lake, you will need to cross the road and walk through the day-use area.

Camping at Lake Heron Campground is $20 per site, per night and runs off an honesty box system. Between the 1st of April and the 30th of September, camping in tents or caravans is prohibited. We assume this doesn’t count for campervans but there is very little information on the matter.

Walks Near Lake Heron

Lake Hill

For even better views of Lake Heron, take the short 1.5 km trail to the top of Lake Hill. This easy walk takes roughly 30 – 50 minutes return and allows you to get up close to the dramatic Mt Sugarloaf and Harrisons Bight below.

You’ll begin the walk from the Lake Heron Car Park, crossing a small footbridge before trailing alongside the lake for roughly 400 m. After which, you’ll arrive at a trail sign for Lake Hill that leads up the 762 m hill.

Follow the rep-tipped poles that mark the worn grassy route as it winds up the spine of the small hill. It’s an easy climb with only 75 m elevation and once you arrive at the summit you’ll be blown away by the 360-degree vistas over the glacially carved landscape.

At the trig point marking the summit, you’ll also find an information sign that describes what the land once looked like before the glaciers melted millions of years ago. From the point you’ll stand, you would have stood beneath 1 km of ice!

Kettle Hole Walk

Another shorter walk that begins from the same location as Lake Hill is the Kettle Hole walk. This is a short 800 m return trail that offers incredible examples of the glaciation process. You’ll find loads of kettle holes – which are depressions in the earth that were formed by retreating glaciers.

On The Lake

Lake Heron is a fantastic spot to kayak or canoe, with plenty of shoreline to explore. An especially stunning location to paddle to is Harrisons Bight, located between Lake Hill and Mt Sugarloaf. Stand-up paddle boarding is also possible on Lake Heron, but due to its size, it’d be best to wait for a calm day.

Fishing is popular on Lake Heron, where you can try your luck at catching brown and rainbow trout – or the elusive Quinnat salmon. The fishing season is open from the first Saturday in November to 30 April and is accessible for non-powered boats as long as you stay moored. Find out more about the rules and tips for fishing in Lake Heron on the NZ Fishing website.

Maori Lakes

Maori Lakes is a collection of shallow lakes bordered by reeds on the way to Lake Heron. You’ll find a small clearing on the left-hand side of the road with a signpost for the lakes. On a clear and still day, these lakes offer the perfect reflection of the rugged mountains in the distance.

Photographers will love Maori Lakes and the possible reflections. But if it’s an overcast or windy day, these lakes aren’t necessarily worth visiting unless you’re planning to continue to Lake Heron.

Click Here For Directions To Maori Lakes

Lake Emily

Lake Emily can be found tucked into the bare foothills of Emily Hill and bordered by vast farmland. This lake is only accessible by foot and takes roughly 35 minutes one-way along a 2.6 km track.

There is barely enough space for more than two cars before the locked gate that leads to Lake Emily. It may have once been open to the public but even then, it would have only been suitable for a capable 4WD with high clearance.

The walk into Lake Emily follows the old 4WD track for its entirety. The first section is quite muddy with deep ruts, but afterwards, you’ll wander through farmland until you reach the lake.

Unless you plan to stay at either Double Hut or Manuka Hut – which are accessed via this trail – we don’t recommend taking the effort to visit Lake Emily. While you’ll still have views of distant mountains rising above the plains, the other lakes are better and easier to access.

Click Here For Directions To Lake Emily

Lake Clearwater

Arguably the most popular, Lake Clearwater lies beneath the magnificent Mt Potts and Red Mountain, surrounded by picturesque tussock plains. A small village of holiday houses – aka Bachs – line the lake’s southern banks, with mesmerising vistas of the dramatic mountains filling the northern horizon.

Lake Clearwater is popular among locals during the summer and along with Lake Camp, would be the busiest lakes during these warm months. The allure of Lake Clearwater is its tranquillity and views, and its close proximity to Lake Camp – the only lake in the Ashburton Lakes District that allows powered boats.

While its beauty is undeniable, we’d recommend visiting Lake Clearwater for a picnic or for a walk and camp at Lake Camp instead. But in saying that, you’d definitely want to venture over to Lake Clearwater to watch the sunset from the picnic area as it is one of the best we’ve witnessed!

Click Here For Directions To Lake Clearwater

Lake Clearwater Campground

The Campground at Lake Clearwater is tucked into the trees to the west of the village and main picnic area. The majority of the campground is dedicated to permanent caravans, but a small section is roped off for short-term camping.

Lake Clearwater Campground is $10 per site, per night and runs off an honesty box system. You’ll find rubbish bins and tank water year-round and during the peak season, there is access to a toilet block and a recreation room.

Outside of peak season, the closest toilet is at the far western end of town – approximately a 5-minute walk away. Here, you’ll also find an emergency landline telephone and a defibrillator.

The sites themselves are set on a flat, grassy area surrounded by trees. The trees slightly obstruct your view of the lake and distant mountains, but it is still a nice and peaceful setting.

Walks Near Lake Lake Clearwater

Mt Guy

This one is for the adventurous! Mount Guy was our favourite walk in the Ashburton Lakes District and if you take on the steep ascent, you’ll understand why. Mt Guy is the closest mountain rising from the banks of Lake Clearwater and offers incomparable views of the never-ending line of jagged peaks piercing the horizon.

The 9 km return track demands a good level of fitness and a head for exposed and rocky ascents, but the reward far outweighs the effort. You’ll begin the hike to Mt Guy’s summit from the picnic area on the south side of Lake Clearwater and after rounding the eastern edge of the lake, climb roughly 700 m in elevation to the vast summit.

When we summited Mt Guy, the majority of the ascent was covered in snow – some as deep as our knees! This made it considerably more difficult and crampons or microspikes are necessary to avoid slipping. That said, we completed the hike in roughly 4.5 hours with a moving time of 3 hours.

Lake Clearwater Circuit Track

A more mellow option, if Mt Guy sounds a little too wild, is the Lake Clearwater Circuit Track. The 10.6 km dual-access trail hugs the banks of Lake Clearwater, allowing you to gain new perspectives of your surroundings as you wander with ease around the gently undulating track.

If you have access to a mountain bike, we highly recommend choosing this form of transport rather than walking as the trail can get quite monotonous after 3 hours. That said, it’s definitely a peaceful and scenic option if you’re looking for some exercise.

On The Lake

Lake Clearwater has various easy access points to launch your kayak or canoe. But unfortunately, the wind is notorious for whipping through the valley in the afternoon, so it’s best to jump on the water bright and early to make the most of the generally calm mornings.

Powered boats are prohibited on Lake Clearwater, however, Lake Camp is a short 5-minute walk south and allows access for waterskiing and wakeboarding.

Lake Clearwater has a healthy population of brown and rainbow trout for fishing but again, the wind is often wreaking havoc on the water so it’s best to get in early. The fishing season is open from the first Saturday in November to 30 April and allows non-powered boats on the lake as long as they’re moored. Check out the NZ Fishing website for more information.

Lake Camp

Set beneath the foothills of the Harper Range – a collection of mountains that would inspire artists – Lake Camp sprawls across the glacially carved plains, with pockets of trees that turn a brilliant orange in autumn.

While the views are minutely better at Lake Clearwater and Lake Heron, Lake Camp is our favourite place to camp in Ashburton Lakes for two reasons – it’s free and you can set up right on the pebble-strewn shore. Plus, watching the sunrise from the eastern end of the lake is simply magical.

The only downside to Lake Camp is that it can get very busy during summer with ski boats and campers. If you like to avoid the crowds, we suggest visiting outside of the peak season and preferably outside of school holidays as well.

Another perk of visiting outside of the summer season is that you’ll likely get to witness the rugged mountains draped in snow and the trees changing colour from green to burnt orange.

Click Here For Directions To Lake Camp

Lake Camp Campground

Camping at Lake Camp is free and available for self-contained vehicles only. There are two designated campgrounds at Lake Camp, located at the eastern and western ends of the lake. The eastern campground consists of a toilet block and a bin, with plenty of space between the trees to set up camp.

The western campground is closest to Lake Clearwater and offers a newer toilet block (including a wheelchair-accessible toilet) and rubbish bins. This location is equipped with more grassy areas to set up on and is best for those without a 4WD or AWD.

Walks Near Lake Lake Camp

Lake Camp Circuit

Enjoy a peaceful walk around the banks of Lake Camp, wandering along the pebbled shore or the grassy plains flanking the lake. The Lake Camp circuit is a short 3.5 km loop that will take you no more than an hour to complete. It’s a beautiful way to experience the sunset or sunrise from various vantage points around the lake.

Lake Camp To Lake Emma Hut

Wander beneath the foothills of the majestic Mt Harper on a dual-access trail that links Lake Camp and Lake Emma. The track weaves through tussock plains before entering the wetlands bordering Lake Emma. You’ll follow the trail along the southern edge of the lake to an old musterers hut that was built around the 1860s – 1890s. 

The trail is most suitable for mountain biking as it’s roughly 5 km one-way to the old musterers hut and basically flat the entire way. Once you’re at Lake Emma, you can continue circling the lake anti-clockwise via a 4WD track and make your way to Lake Roundabout before returning to Lake Camp.

On The Lake

Lake Camp is the only lake in the Ashburton Lakes District that allows powered boats. It’s a popular summer destination among locals and during these warm months, you’ll find people waterskiing and wakeboarding across the picturesque high country lake.

For this reason, we recommend picking one of the other lakes for kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding – unless you’re lucky enough to enjoy Lake Camp all to yourself!

Lake Emma

Located to the southeast of Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater, off the Hakatere Potts Rd, you’ll find Lake Emma tucked beneath the northern slopes of Mt Harper. The vast high country lake is surrounded by dense tussock wetlands, with views extending past Lake Camp to the distant northern peaks.

A car park is situated at the gated entry to Lake Emma, but you’ll find no facilities here. During summer, the gate is open and allows access for 4WDs to reach Emma Hut on the far southern shore.

Approximately 200 m southeast on the 4WD track, you’ll find a grassy bank that’s perfect for swimming or launching your kayak or SUPs. While this isn’t our favourite lake by any means, it will most likely be a quieter option during summer. 

Plus, you can while away an afternoon by walking, biking or kayaking over to the historic Emma Hut. Emma Hut is roughly 7.2 km return from the car park along a seasonal 4WD track.

Lake Emma is also popular for fishing, with a non-powered boat launching area 200 m from the car park. Again, you’ll find a healthy number of brown and rainbow trout in the waters that can be caught between the first Saturday of November and the 30th of April.

Click Here For Directions To Lake Emma

Lake Roundabout

Lake Roundabout is a small picturesque lake located just north of Lake Emma. The eastern bank is filled with a pocket of trees hanging over the water’s edge, offering a beautiful shady spot to enjoy the views of the distant mountain ranges.

You’ll find a car park at the gated entry for Lake Roundabout but again, no facilities. The closest toilets for both Lake Emma and Lake Roundabout are at Lake Camp a few minute’s drive east.

Lake Roundabout is the best choice for stand-up paddleboarding as you’re better protected from the wind and you’re not likely to find too many others enjoying the water. You can also enjoy a short wander around the banks of Lake Roundabout, which are slightly less marshy compared to Lake Emma.

Click Here For Directions To Lake Roundabout

Other Things To Do Near Ashburton Lakes

Visit The Location Of Edoras From The Lord Of The Rings – Mt Sunday

A visit to Ashburton Lakes is not complete if you don’t enter Middle Earth and imagine yourself in the world of Lord of the Rings.

Mt Sunday was used for the set of Edoras, the capital city of Rohan, and you can truly appreciate how they transformed the location for the movie as you wander through the dramatic landscape. But even if you’re not a LOTR fan, it’s well worth the short drive from Lake Clearwater to summit Mt Sunday.

The walk to Mt Sunday is 3.5 km return and takes roughly an hour to complete. You’ll only gain a small 100 m in elevation to reach the summit of Mt Sunday, where you’re afforded breathtaking vistas of the braided rivers threading through the deep valleys below the surrounding monstrous mountains.

Take A Scenic Flight With Lake Heron Air

Experience the dramatic landscape from a bird’s eye view with an intimate scenic flight for 2 – 4 people. A locally owned company, Lake Heron Air offers three scenic flight options that take you over monstrous icefields, Historical Station Peaks and glacially cut valleys, or above the iconic Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Hike To The Summit Of Mt Barrosa

Located 5.7 km east of the intersection for Lake Heron and Lake Clearwater, you’ll find a hiking track leading to the summit of the mighty Mt Barrosa. This is a must-do hike for those wishing to clamber over rugged ridgelines to witness the majestic views of the distant Southern Alps and the contrasting Canterbury Plains.

The Mt Barrosa track is slightly easier than the hike to Mt Guy’s summit, but not by much. It still demands a good level of fitness and some scrambling skills to ascend the 1,364 m peak. You’ll rise 823 m in elevation over the 6.4 km return track, taking roughly 4 – 4.5 hours to do so.

Spend The Night At Woolshed Creek Hut

If you’re keen to spend the night in the backcountry, surrounded by deep valleys, rivers and rambling mountain ranges, we highly recommend hiking to Woolshed Creek Hut. This is an easy overnight hike that’s perfect for beginners or families, but for intermediate and advanced hikers, you can make the trip a little spicier by returning via the Bus Stop and Rhyolite Ridge Tracks.

The Woolshed Creek Hut is a newly renovated DOC hut with bunks, a cosy fireplace and a large dining and kitchen area with preparation benches and picnic tables. The hut sits in a deep valley beside Woolshed Creek, with the mighty Winterslow Range towering above.

You’ll find the trailhead for the Woolshed Creek Hut Track 18 km east of the intersection for Lake Heron and Lake Clearwater.

Final Thoughts

We arrived at the Ashburton Lakes with no idea what to expect, and as it often does, the last-minute adventure paid off. We fell in love with the Ashburton Lakes District the moment we drove up onto the highlands above the Canterbury Plains and we have no doubt that you will too.

Don’t forget to pack all your adventure gear, including water crafts and mountain bikes if you have access to these, and allow enough time to visit each lake. We recommend spending at least 3 – 5 days in the region so you can thoroughly enjoy what this magical destination has to offer.

Happy Adventuring 🙂