Waimate & Ashburton Lakes Canterbury Region South Island 2022
Waimate & Ashburton Lakes
Canterbury Region
South Island New Zealand
2022
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Waimate
Motorhome Solar
We have been having trouble with our Solar System, working with Steve and Wayne by phone we were able to isolate the problem. It turns out the German controller is not turning off once the system reaches 100% causing an overload.
Steve runs Motorhome Solar South Island Branch in Waimata (lucky for us) this happened while we were in Oamaru. So we now have two of the Victron controllers working together more efficiently and can now read what's happening with all the solar panels on the one app.
Waimate
NZMCA Park
This is the 3rd year we have visited Waimate, wifi ok.
We have done most of everything in the past years but decided to do one of the walks again and the lagoon track off the state highway.
Waimate
Studholmes Bush
Ngaio Track Via Railway Embankment Track, we did the complete loop last year including the waterfall track and the White Horse Monument.
This year we did the loop without the Monument. I was keen to visit the waterfall again to see if the Kereru that were nesting last year were back but no sign of them.
Graceful waterfall
It is a steep walk up and painfully steep coming down
White Horse Monument
We drove up to see the work done here since our last visit.
New lookout deck
We could see the Wainono lagoon from here
Beach access out at the lagoon
Wainono Lagoon
We only walked halfway and gave up it was horrible with hundreds of bugs flying in our faces, maybe is more pleasant at a different time of year.
Timaru
Caroline Bay
We stop for a night at Caroline Bay free camping to get the chores done before heading to the lakes. If you haven't stayed here it's convenient to everything including the park, just along the road are nesting Penguins.
Ashburton Lakes
Lake Clearwater
It was a good time for us to visit because we walk but don't fish so the camp didn't have any seasonal campers.
It's worth the drive out here on the gravel road it is so beautiful, we were surprised to see all the baches in the little village with no power it is so remote.
No wifi/phone service
ClearWater Village
The camp is in front of the trees
Lake Clearwater Circuit Track
Good easy walk with great views.
There are 2 more walks off this track but too far for us.
Following photos are views along the way
Good loop track
Lake Camp
We went for a short walk around Lake Clearwater village and then across the road to Lake Camp and Lake Emma.
Lake Camp
Lake Camp
Free camping here
Lake Emma
Mt Sunday
We drove to Mt Sunday. I would call it a hill but Mt sounds impressive when we are walking to the summit.
Views along the road
Mt Potts lodge was closed
Impressive view
Out & back easy climb and was about the right size for us
Lake Heron
We moved the Motorhome to Lake Heron and parked it in the Doc car park, No Dogs or Wifi/Phone signal.
Nice view over the lake
Doc walks
The gate was closed to 4x4 still too wet
The end of the road around the lake stops at a private farm
Lake Hill & Harrisons Bight
We walked up lake hill it was easy with good views, then walked the 4x4 track to Harrisons Bight remote and interesting.
Out & Back good hike
Kettle Hole Walk
This is a short stroll from the car park
Stunning to look over Lake Heron today
Kettle Hole
Looking over to the carpark
Lake Heron
Lake Emily
Leaving Lake Heron we stopped to walk to Lake Emily over a private farm there and back muddy but a nice hike.
Lake Emily
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