Hakatere Conservation Area tracks
Track category
Tramping track
Mountain bike - Easy
Description
Stour River
A car park on Ashburton Gorge Road at the Stour River bridge is at the start of a track up the river to the public conservation land (3 km). The track gives easy access to Lake Emily (15 km) or to Manuka Hut (17 km).
Mt Barrosa access
An easement marked from a small car park on Ashburton Gorge Road about 500 m east of Blowing Point Bridge gives access to the public conservation land after a walk of 780 m.
Lake Emily
There is four-wheel-drive access from Hakatere Heron Road, just south of Castleridge Station, to public conservation land near Lake Emily (3 km). It is not surfaced and is unsuitable for winter use. Vehicles can be parked on the first section of the access road. Note: Do not block access into paddocks or Castle Ridge Station.
Getting there
At Mt Somers village turn off Rakaia Gorge Road (Scenic Highway 72) and follow Ashburton Gorge Road towards Hakatere Corner.
Signs mark public access at Stour River and an easement 500 m east of Blowing Point Bridge. Keep to the marked tracks. Motor vehicles are not permitted.
Alternative access can be gained from Lake Emily, which is off the Hakatere Heron Road.
Activities
Four wheel driving
Mountain biking and cycling
Places to stay
There are no huts in Hakatere Conservation Area, but Manuka Hut in the neighbouring Hakatere Conservation Park can be reached via the Stour River Track.
Plan and prepare
Maps: NZTopo50 - BX19 Hakatere
Guides and commercial tourism providers