Looking across the Swin River to the Taylor Range, Hakatere Conservation Park.
Hakatere Conservation Park covers nearly 60,000 hectares of rugged mountain country, tussocklands, beech forest and sparkling clear rivers and lakes between two mighty rivers the Rakaia and Rangitata.
The Nature Heritage Fund purchase of Hakatere Station in October 2007 adds a further 9,000 hectares to the park, with more additions likely over the next few years as lands are surveyed or progressed through tenure review. The park has the potential to grow to become the largest conservation park in New Zealand.
This remote alpine landscape, with its kettlehole wetlands, tussock grassland, beech forest and lakes and rivers, is home to many rare plants and animals.
The new park offers a vast range of recreational opportunities including boating, swimming, tramping, climbing, skiing, hunting, mountain biking, picnicking, camping, horse riding, and fishing.
There are a number of huts and bivouacs throughout the park, including the new Woolshed Creek Hut on the very popular Mt Somers Track.
Find out how to get to the Park and what you need to do to be well-equipped and prepared for your visit.
Mt Somers in mid-Canterbury features rugged bush, open sub-alpine tussock lands, historic coalmines, impressive volcanic formations and deep canyons.
Mt Hutt Forest Conservation Area protects over 4000 hectares of mountain beech forest in mid-Canterbury. It includes the popular Mt Hutt Skifield within its boundaries.
Hakatere Conservation Park protects nearly 60,000 hectares of land in Ashburton Lakes District, mid-Canterbury, South Island.
Hakatere Conservation Park brochure with map
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Hakatere Conservation Park expands - media release
Decision reached on vehicle access at Lake Heron - media release
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
