So you want to visit the Hakatere Conservation Park eh? Well you’ve come to the right place. After visiting the Hakatere 3 times in one month, we started to realise this might just be our new favourite park to explore in New Zealand and it was time to share the beauty of the place with everyone! With insane mountain vistas, freshwater and recreational lakes, hiking, biking and the best reflections for photography, this place has something for everyone. Any Lord of The Rings fans here? Mount Sunday was one of the filming locations and subsequently is the main reason people visit the park. It’s hands down one of the best places to visit in the South Island.

Where is the Hakatere Conservation Park?

The Hakatere AKA the Ashburton Lakes are located in the Mid Canterbury region of the South Island only a couple of hours away from Christchurch. It’s a little out of the way if you’re on a road trip working your way down south, but do not leave it off your list…..seriously! The closest towns to the park would be Methven or Mount Somers. Don’t forget to fuel up and pack your car full of groceries at either of these places as there is no food, fuel, reception or any rubbish bins inside the park. Also I better mention the road….a corrugated dirt road the whole way in. Any car/van can make it but keep those windows closed to avoid inhaling dust the whole drive.

The park is home to some seriously impressive mountain views that blow us away every time we come in here. The lakes are also some of our favourites for those ice cold swims as even in summer these lakes are frrrrresh but damn it feels so good! Travellers tend to gravitate towards NZ’s tallest mountain in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the Hakatere gets missed so it’s a great place to visit if you want that mountain fix without the crowds.

Where do I stay in the Hakatere Conservation Park?

There really isn’t much in the way of accommodation inside the park. Unless you’re super lucky and know of someone in one of the houses in the little Lake Clearwater village, your only option is camping in your own rig (self-contained only) or in one of the backcountry huts. To be fair though, some of these campsites are the best in the country so it’s totally worth organising a camping trip and staying the night in here.

You’ve got the option of a couple of paid camps and a couple of free camps.

Free Camps

Lake Camp - Starting with the best (in our opinion anyway). Lake Camp is the our number 1 for the sole reason you can light a fire at your camp site. Is there anything better than a couple of bevvies and a chinwag with mates around a campfire? No, there is not! So rally the troops for a fun filled weekend at Lake Camp and if you’ve got a jetski, kayak or paddle board this lake will be perfect for your morning cruise! Lake camp is free as long as your in a self contained vehicle. There are only drop toilets here with no other facilities. A wee tip with this lake - park on the south side of the lake for epic views of the mountains and insane reflections on a calm day.

Lake Emma - Lake Emma is the first camp you will pass on your left on your way in. Another great freedom camping spot if you’re in a self contained vehicle.

Lake Heron - Lake Heron has a freedom camping spot at the very start of the lake on your right hand side (it’s basically just a car park) with no facilities at all. We only stay here when the campground isn’t open, otherwise you’ll most likely find us at the paid camp or back at Lake Camp.

Paid Camps

Lake Clearwater - Lake Clearwater is one of the two DOC-run campgrounds in the park, with very basic facilities (toilet and running water) and is open from October to April (during NZs summer). The campsite is situated right on the waters edge and is a really special spot to watch the sun go down. $15 per person is the cost to spend a night here and you’ll have access to basic facilities (cold running water and a drop toilet).

Lake Heron - Like Lake Clearwater, Lake Heron is a DOC-run campground and is also only open during the summer months. $15 per person per night with basic facilities.

What do I do in the Hakatere Conservation Park?

There is plenty to do around the Ashburton Lakes. If you’re after a short walk or a big hike, this park has you covered. A great start and what seems like the parks main attraction would be Mount Sunday. One of the locations where Lord of the Rings was filmed and you can totally understand why. The place just has some fantasy feeling to it and you really feel like you could be a part of a scene as you cross the river along the swing bridge. The actual walk itself is super easy and great for the whole family. An easy 90 minute return stroll with minimal elevation, this walk weaves through a valley of tussocklands, flowing rivers and farmland then heads up a reasonably steep incline to the top of Mount Sunday. Up the top you’re rewarded with 360 views of the mountain range and the rangitata river. If you feel like nerding out and dressing up in the Lord of the Rings gear there are actually scenic tours that come through here. If you only have 1 day to visit the park, we’d highly recommend making this one of your stops. Bring a picnic and enjoy the views!

If you’re after a bit more of a challenge there are a couple walks that leave from the Lake Clearwater carpark. The circuit walk of Lake Clearwater is a great one for all fitness levels. A 10km stroll round the whole outside of the lake. This also doubles as a bike track so could be a fun one for the kids!

Mount Guy is another great option and is probably the most popular walk in the park. With the summit sitting at 1319m, you’ll be blown away by the views of Lake Clearwater. At five hours return, it’s a great hike to choose for a sunrise or sunset mission (for all you photographers out there), just don’t forget ya headtorch!

After a full day adventure? Lake Clearwater to the Mystery Lake will take about four hours one way. You could do it all in one day or take in your tent for a camp out! You’ve also got the option of returning the same way or walking out the other end at the Potts River Car Park. Here you’ll find a bunch of other tracks, including part of the Te Araroa tramp, New Zealand’s longest hike, which takes you from the very top of the North Island to the bottom of the South.

A little side note and something I should mention is the weather…When the wind hits inside the valley (and it does often) the park is an unbearable place to be. There is dust everywhere and it’s not how we want people to remember this place. So please, check the weather first!!!

and go and enjoy one of the best places in New Zealand…

Here’s to the Hakatere!!

Toitu Te Whenua // Leave The Land Undisturbed

Another great hike in the area is the Mount Alford track. Check out that hike here.