Lake Clearwater to Mystery Lake

Loop

Highlights & Must-See Features

The undisputed star of the show is, of course, Mystery Lake. Tucked away at about 1,000 metres above sea level, it feels like a secret world. The lake is surrounded by steep roche moutonnées—these are "rocky knobs" or outcrops that were smoothed and rounded by passing glaciers thousands of years ago. From a distance, they look like a flock of sleeping sheep, which is exactly how they got their French name.

Another visual feast is the view of the Two Thumb Range and the distant Potts River canyon. The scale of the landscape here is difficult to capture in a photo; the mountains seem to stretch on forever, and the deep incisions of the river canyons add a sense of drama to the skyline.

Keep an eye out for the pockets of Hall's tōtara. In a landscape that is almost entirely devoid of trees, these hardy natives are a surprising and welcome sight. They cling to the rocky areas where they are sheltered from the harshest winds and historic fires, providing a splash of deep green against the tawny gold of the tussock.

Getting There

To reach the trailhead, head toward the Ashburton Lakes via the Ashburton Gorge Road. You will pass through some spectacular scenery before arriving at the Lake Clearwater village.

Parking is conveniently located at the end of Mount Possession Street. The road leading into the village and to the car park is gravel. While it is generally well-maintained and suitable for most standard two-wheel-drive vehicles, it can be washboarded and dusty in the height of summer.

Pro tip: If you are heading in during winter or early spring, the road can be a different beast entirely. Snow and black ice are common in this sub-alpine environment. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before you leave, and it is highly recommended to carry snow chains just in case the Canterbury weather decides to put on a show.

Wildlife Spotting

The Hakatere Conservation Park is a haven for native birdlife, though you often have to look closely to spot them against the camouflage of the tussock.

• New Zealand Pipit (Pihoihoi): You are almost guaranteed to see these energetic little birds. They love the open 4WD tracks and will often fly a few metres ahead of you, landing and wagging their tails before flitting off again.
• Australasian Harrier (Kāhu): Watch the thermals above the ridges. These large birds of prey are common here, effortlessly soaring as they hunt for lizards and small mammals.
• Kea: While more common further into the Alps, these cheeky mountain parrots are occasional visitors to the ridges around Mystery Lake. If you hear a loud, echoing "kee-aa!" from the cliffs, look up!
• Australasian Crested Grebe (Pūteketeke): Keep an eye on the water as you start and finish near Lake Clearwater. These elegant birds with their distinctive head plumes are a local conservation success story.
• Paradise Shelduck (Pūtangitangi): You’ll likely hear their loud, honking calls before you see them. They are common throughout the high country wetlands and lakes.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

This trail is accessible year-round, but each season brings a very different flavour to the experience:

• Spring: The surrounding peaks are usually still heavy with snow, providing a stunning white backdrop to your hike. However, the ground can be boggy as the winter snowmelt fills the gullies.
• Summer: The most popular time to visit. The days are long, but the heat can be intense. There is virtually no shade on this trail, so high-factor sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, and at least 2-3 litres of water are non-negotiable.
• Autumn: Perhaps the best time for photography. The light turns golden, the air is still, and the "nor'west" winds are less frequent.
• Winter: Only for the experienced and well-prepared. The basin can be covered in snow, and temperatures often drop well below freezing. It is a magical, white wonderland, but requires alpine gear and experience.

Best time to start: Aim to be on the trail by 8:00 AM. With a 5.5 to 6-hour walking time, an early start ensures you aren't rushing back in the fading light and allows plenty of time for a long lunch at the lake.

Important Note: Because of the fragile ecosystem and the presence of ground-nesting birds, this trail is not dog-friendly. Additionally, the distance, exposure, and navigation requirements mean it is generally not kid-friendly unless your children are older, experienced hikers.

Local & Regional Context

The Hakatere area is steeped in history. For Māori, this was a seasonal mahinga kai (food gathering) area and a vital part of the inland travel routes between the east and west coasts. The name Hakatere itself refers to the Ashburton River and can be translated as "to make flow" or "to be fast."

In more recent centuries, this became the heart of Canterbury’s high country pastoralism. The very tracks you walk on were forged by the boots of early European musterers and the hooves of thousands of Merino sheep. The ruins of old stone huts scattered throughout the wider Hakatere park serve as reminders of the tough life these early settlers led.

Geologically, you are walking through a landscape shaped by massive glacial action. During the last ice age, a giant glacier flowed through this valley, carving out the lake beds and smoothing the hills. It is a raw, powerful landscape that makes you feel very small—in the best possible way.

After the Walk

After 23 kilometres in the high country, you will have worked up a serious appetite. While Lake Clearwater village itself is quiet, a short drive back toward "civilisation" offers some great options:

• Methven (The Alpine Town): About an hour’s drive away, Methven is the perfect post-hike stop. The Dubliner is a local favourite for a hearty pub meal and a cold pint by the fire. If you’re after something lighter, Brown Sugar Cafe does excellent coffee and massive savoury scones that are perfect for refueling.
• Mt Somers: On your way back, stop at the Mt Somers General Store. It’s a classic country store where you can grab a well-deserved ice cream or a hot pie for the road.

The loop from Lake Clearwater to Mystery Lake is more than just a walk; it is an immersion into the rugged, beautiful soul of the Canterbury high country. It’s a place to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the vastness of the New Zealand wilderness.