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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -43.48256, 171.20302. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 10 min | 45 min | 1 hr | 3 hr one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Hakatere Conservation Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Explore the area around Lake Heron on these tracks - discover kettle holes, and views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
This DOC directory entry covers Lake Heron tracks in Canterbury, within Hakatere Conservation Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 10 min | 45 min | 1 hr | 3 hr one way
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Kettle Hole Walk
Time: 10 minDistance: 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 minDistance: 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 hrDistance: 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 hrDistance: 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.
Getting there
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).
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
