Off the Beaten Track to... Lake Sumner
Lake Sumner is a lake located about 100 kilometres northwest of Christchurch in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island (between the Lewis Pass and Arthur's Pass National Park). This area has fantastic opportunities for hiking, hunting, trout fishing, white water kayaking and mountain biking. However, due to its comparatively remote location and difficult vehicle access, it is very rarely 'busy'. A great destination for 'off the beaten track' fans.
Lake Sumner, known in Māori as Hokakura is located in the Lake Sumner Forest Park, as are other lakes: Loch Katrine, Lake Sheppard, Lake Taylor and Lake Mason, and the Hurunui River. The area is characterised by these lakes, beech-clad mountains, wide rivers and natural hot springs. It also features:
- Recreational hunting areas
- The Upper Hope Ecological Area, a representative area of vegetation gradients and park fauna
- Lake Marrion (a Faunistic Reserve) and Morris Tarn – picturesque small lakes surrounded by forest
- Hurunui River hot springs and Hope River hot springs.
Hikes in Lake Sumner Forest Park
There are plenty of walking and hiking tracks in the Lake Sumner area. Be sure to plan appropriately and take care crossing rivers, as you will be in remote territory.
- Lake Sumner – Doubtful Valley
- Lake Sumner - Nina Valley
- Lake Sumner - Hurunui
- Lake Sumner - Hope Valley
- St James Walkway
- Arthur's Pass: Harper Pass
Details of all these walks can be found on the Department of Conservation Web site.
Other Things to Do
- One and multi day horse treks can be booked with local operators
- The three-day High Country Hurunui Track is a privately owned track with pack transport available
