Lake Heron

This is the largest lake in the area. It was named by Thomas Potts, the first run holder of Hakatere Station and one of New Zealand’s earliest conservationists.  Ōtūroto (Lake Heron) is a large, glacial formed, highland lake in the upper Rakaia River catchment, covering 695 hectares in size and measuring 37 m deep at its deepest point.

Potts named the lake after the white heron/kōtuku, which were found around the shores. Unfortunately, only an occasional white heron/ kōtuku now visit the area, but the lake is still home to Australasian crested grebes/pūteketeke, marsh crake/ koitareke and Australasian bittern/matuku. Lake Heron is popular for picnics, walks (both long and short) as well as fishing for brown or rainbow trout and quinnat salmon (also known as chinook, king or spring salmon). 

For more information on fishing at the Ashburton Lakes, click here.

No Dogs allowed on this walk.