If you’re looking for a scenic and relaxing getaway in the Canterbury region of New Zealand, you might want to consider camping at Lake Camp by Lake Clearwater. This area is part of the Hakatere Conservation Park and offers stunning views of the mountains, lakes, and wildlife. In this post, I’ll share with you how I spent a weekend camping at Lake Camp and what you can do to make the most of your trip.
Setting up camp
We arrived at Lake Camp early Friday morning in our campervan. Lake Camp is a recreation reserve that is administered by the Ashburton District Council1. I chose a spot near the lake shore, where I had a beautiful view of the water and the mountains. The weather was windy and rainy, but I didn’t mind. I enjoyed the sound of the waves and the raindrops on my campervan. There are toilets to use around the edge of Lake Camp, and you can freedom camp in this area. There are no dogs aloud at Lake Clearwater and Lake Camp.
Hiking to Balmacaan Saddle
On Saturday, the weather cleared up and the sun came out. We decided to go for a hike to Balmacaan Saddle, which is a high point between Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater. The hike starts from Lake Clearwater village and follows the Balmacaan Stream. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, but it is also steep and rocky in some parts. The hike takes about two hours one way and offers amazing views of the lakes and the mountains.
We started the hike early in the morning and enjoyed the fresh air and the scenery. The stream was clear and sparkling, and I saw some trout swimming in it. The trail was quiet and I only met a few other hikers along the way. I reached the saddle at around 12 p.m. and was rewarded with a panoramic view of the Ashburton Lakes. I could see Lake Camp, Lake Clearwater, Lake Heron, and Lake Emma. I also saw some snow-capped peaks in the distance, such as Mount D’Archiac and Mount Sunday. I took some time to admire the view and have a snack, and then we headed back to my camp.
Other activities and attractions
There are many other things to do and see in the Lake Clearwater / Lake Camp area. Here are some of them:
- Lake Clearwater: This lake is larger and more scenic than Lake Camp, and is also a great spot for fishing, boating, and kayaking. You can also walk around the lake or hike the Lake Clearwater loop track, which takes about three hours and passes through some native bush and wetlands.
- Mount Sunday: This is a small hill that was used as a filming location for the Lord of the Rings movies. It is located about 20 minutes drive from Lake Clearwater, and you can hike to the top of it in about 30 minutes. From there, you can see the Rangitata River and the Southern Alps.
- Hakatere Conservation Park: This is a large area of natural and cultural significance, covering over 60,000 hectares of land. It includes the Ashburton Lakes, the Rangitata River, and the Hakatere Heronry Wildlife Refuge. You can explore the park by car, bike, or foot, and discover its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and history.
Conclusion
What a wonderful weekend camping at Lake Camp by Lake Clearwater. I enjoyed the beauty and tranquility of the lakes, the challenge and reward of the hike, and the variety and richness of the activities and attractions. I highly recommend this destination to anyone who loves nature and adventure. If you’re planning to visit, make sure you check the weather forecast, pack the right gear, and respect the environment. And don’t forget to have fun!