Ashburton Lakes

Hakatere Conservation Park, in Mid Canterbury, is centred around the Ashburton Lakes District and is bordered by the braided rivers of the Rakaia from the north and the Rangitata from the South.

It covers nearly 60,000 hectares of rugged mountain country, tussocklands, beech forest and sparkling clear rivers and lakes between the two rivers. The Ashburton Lakes are an enourmous intermontane wetland system with eleven lakes and numerous small tarns dotting the landscape. The basin is largely unmodified and areas of native scrub/tussock and mountain ranges provide some impressive backdrops for a unique high country experience.

The Department of Conservation administers a large portion of the basin with the remainder made up of six high country stations. Five sports fish species are found here, those being; brown trout, rainbow trout, perch, lake-resident Chinook salmon and brook char.

The Ashburton Lakes (Ōtūwharekai) are one of the few remaining areas of native biodiversity in Mid Canterbury. The area is renowned for its beauty and is of great cultural significance to Ngāi Tahu Whānui. The Lakes provide opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, bird watching, camping and picnicking.

They are truly very special and must be seen to be appreciated.

• Lake Heron

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• Lake Clearwater

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• Lake Camp

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• Lake Emma

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• Lake Emily

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• Māori Lakes

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• Other Lakes

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The diverse range of wetland habitats means this site is nationally important. It's home to more than 30 bird species, as well as many threatened plants and aquatic species such as the wrybill and crested grebe birds, the upland long-jaw galaxiids and tadpole shrimp, and plants like the endangered marsh arrowgrass (Triglochin palustris) and pygmy forget-me-not (Myosotis pygmaea). The Department of Conservation has detailed information about Ōtūwharekai biodiversity, plants and animals.

The wider Ōtūwharekai area is of immense cultural significance to Ngāi Tahu Whānui – not only within their oral history but also because it is an important seasonal mahinga kai area and a major travelling route between the settlements on the eastern coast of Te Waipounamu (the South Island) and those on Te Tai Poutini (the West Coast). The protection and enhancement of Ōtūwharekai is of huge importance to Ngāi Tahu as mana whenua.

The Ōtūwharekai Lakes are precious recreational sites to the many people who visit the area and stay in the campgrounds or baches around the lakes.

Other distinctive features are kettleholes (depressions), found largely in the eastern South Island high country. Kettleholes are a dynamic landscape seasonally flooded, frozen and baked. Plants that survive this environment are highly specialised and often rare. In spring when the water dries out but before the summer sets in they can blossom with thousands of flowers.
Within the park are opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, bird watching, camping and picnicking, hunting, 4WD, hiking, tramping, camping and more.

Fly fishing is the most popular method of fishing the various lakes in the Ashburton Basin. Damselfly, snail, midge and bully imitations work well and in the height of summer cicada hatches can produce great fishing opportunities as cunning trout let their guard down. Spin fishing is popular in Lake Heron for anglers targeting lake-resident salmon with the South Bank providing good fishing. Bright flashy or silver lures are popular with the local salmon and fishermen alike.

Fishing from rowboats or flotation tubes can open up more water to the angler, however be wary of the strong North West wind that can make these lakes dangerous for boats. It is important to note that all lakes (within the Ashburton

Basin), with the exception of Lake Camp, are reserved for non-powered vessels. More information on general boating restrictions can be found in the Environment Canterbury Boating Guide. Please note that some fishing restrictions apply to the use of boats and angling methods so make sure you check your current sport fishing regulations guide supplied with your licence.

Angler Access at...

• Lake Heron

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• Lake Emily

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• Māori Lakes

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• Lake Roundabout

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• Lake Emma

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• Lake Denny

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• Lake Camp

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Fishing information has been sourced from Fish and Game New Zealand. A map of the lakes and further information can be found here.

To fish in the Ashburton Lakes (Lake Camp, Lake Clearwater, Lake Denny, Lake Emma, Lake Emily, Lake Heron, Lake Roundabout, Māori Lakes, and Spider Lakes), you'll need a valid New Zealand freshwater fishing licence, which you can purchase online or at various license agents. 

Where to Buy a License:

• Online

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• In Person

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License Types:

• Whole Season Adult:

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• Whole Season Family: 

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• Whole Season Junior: 

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• Whole Season Child Under 12: 

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• Whole Season Adult Local Area: 

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• Non-Resident Licences: 

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To find out more information about the Hakatere Conservation Park and what attractions you can find...