Sun’s out, let’s hit the lakes
On a sweltering Canterbury day you would be hardpressed to find better relief than a dip in a high-country lake.
As the sun comes out and summer ramps up, don’t forget our region is flush with lakes to slip into, ski over, or pull a fish from.
Kicking off The Press’ suggestions is Lake Coleridge, about 90 minutes northwest of Christchurch, renowned for its isolation and rare population of land-locked chinook salmon.
Fishing is a popular pastime at Coleridge, as is boating in general. Both rainbow and brown trout are catchable in the lake, but most people are after salmon.
Harper Campsite sits at the northern end of the lake, equipped with limited toilet facilities and well water. Campers will need to back themselves to catch dinner, or bring in everything they need for their stay.
Down island from Coleridge are Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater, long popular with Canterbury families. The bodies of water make up part of the Ashburton Lakes area, about two hours west of Christchurch city.
Lake Camp is the only lake in the Ashburton Lakes area where power boating is officially allowed, so water skiing and biscuiting tend to dominate. Early morning anglers will be rewarded with calm conditions and brown trout.
Next door, larger Lake Clearwater is reserved for more relaxed water activities and has attracted a dedicated holiday demographic for generations, evident in the 100 or so baches nestled between it and Lake Camp. There is a camping ground with basic facilities at the southern end of the lake.
Winds funnelling off the mountains make it a popular spot for wind-powered activities and a lack of power boats creates a serene environment. A 10-kilometre circuit along the shore offers an ideal track for midholiday exercise or a family stroll.
Lake Heron is up there with the best of lake sanctuaries for both visitors and the local bird population. It sits directly west of Christchurch, a two-hour drive away.
The campground at Arrowsmith Station has been a staple of the Canterbury holiday scene for years. The trout and salmon season kicked off in November and the campground has direct access to the lake, as well as a stream for dips on hot days.
With three designated campgrounds and multiple boat ramps, Lake Opuha is a manmade lake often filled with power boats and water skiers, about two-and-a-half hours from Christchurch. Fishing is possible with three introduced species, but predominant activities are boat-related.
Fair warning – planktonic cyanobacteria can occur in Canterbury lakes. But no warnings are in place for any of the suggested lakes. Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth have standing warnings in place for the toxic algal blooms, as does Lake Rotorua, near Kaikoura. The blooms can hit at any time in slow-moving water, such as lakes, so be aware of any recently issued warnings on the ECan website.
These are, of course, just a taste of what Canterbury has to offer those seeking water and escape. Do some research, pack a tent, pull the cover off the boat or find friends with access to one, and make the most of summer.
Explore
With ever-changing exhibitions and endless artistic curios, the Christchurch Art Gallery should always be on Cantabrians’ to-do list. To help facilitate exploration, the team at the gallery put on free guided tours every Wednesday evening from 7.15pm. Gather at the front desk from 7pm and a guide will take you on an informative trip through the various corners of the gallery, with explanation and anecdote aplenty.