Lake Heron tracks
Located in Hakatere Conservation Park in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
Explore the area around Lake Heron on these tracks - discover kettle holes, and views of the lake and surrounding mountains.360 m | 1.5 km | 2.5 km | 10 km
Other activities
- Four wheel driving
- Horse riding
Dog access
Kettle Hole Walk
Time: 10 min
Distance: 360 m
A short easy walk to a kettle hole - part time wetlands that were formed when huge blocks of ice broke off the retreating glacier, leaving depressions that sometimes fill with water.
The flowering plants that live in kettle holes are mostly very small, rare and have special ways of using the changing water levels to their advantage.
Getting there: The track starts on the access road to Lake Heron car park, off Hakatere Heron Road.
Lake Hill Track
Time: 45 min
Distance: 1.5 km
It's an easy walk up Lake Hill - a great place to appreciate the lake and surrounding mountains and the effects of past glaciers.
Getting there: Start the track from Lake Heron car park, 1.7 km along the lake shore, off Hakatere Heron Road.
Harrisons Bight Track
Time: 1 hr
Distance: 2.5 km
This track is used by 4WD vehicles over summer. It provides access to one of the best fishing areas in mid-Canterbury.
Getting there: Start the track from Lake Heron car park, 1.7 km along the lake shore, off Hakatere Heron Road.
Double Hut Track
Time: 3 hr
Distance: 10 km
An old musterers' hut, Double Hut makes a good base for exploring the area, climbing Mount Taylor or for hunting. The track crossses the Rakaia Valley to the Lake Emily section of Te Araroa.
Getting there: Start the track from Lake Heron car park, 1.7 km along the lake shore, off Hakatere Heron Road.
Four wheel driving
Harrison Bight Track is open to 4WD vehicles over the summer. Find out about opening dates and access permits.
These tracks are accessed from Hakatere Heron Road, about 31 km west of Mount Somers. Leave Mount Somers on Ashburton Gorge Road, then turn right into Hakatere Heron Road (23 km).
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather. Check weather forecasts.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food. Check gear lists.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Share directly or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk. Take a distress beacon.
- Take care of yourself and each other.
Contacts
| Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 3 435 1186 |
| mtcookvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 1 Larch Grove Aoraki/Mount Cook 7999 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |