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Ashburton
4.5 km
1 hour 30 minutes
62 metres
If you are looking for a slice of the classic New Zealand high country without the leg-burning climbs usually associated with the Southern Alps, the walk from Lake Emily to Manuka Hut is a total winner. Tucked away in the Ashburton Lakes district within the vast Hakatere Conservation Park, this trail is a masterclass in "big sky" scenery. Whether you are a local looking for a weekend leg-stretcher, a family introducing the kids to their first overnight tramp, or a tourist wanting to see the landscape that inspired The Lord of the Rings, this easy-going track delivers in spades.
The journey begins at the edge of Lake Emily, a small but perfectly formed alpine kettle lake. On a calm day, the water acts like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding hills and the wide Canterbury sky. From here, the trail heads out across a landscape that feels ancient and untouched. You aren't climbing jagged peaks here; instead, you are traversing a wide, glacial valley floor covered in a sea of golden tussock.
The terrain is remarkably gentle. For the most part, you are following a well-marked poled track that meanders through the open country. One of the coolest things about this specific walk is that you are actually walking a section of Te Araroa, New Zealand’s legendary 3,000-kilometre trail that stretches from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Even though you might only be out for a few hours, there’s a certain magic in knowing you’re sharing the path with "thru-hikers" on an epic cross-country mission.
The path is mostly flat, making it an excellent choice for a kid-friendly adventure or a relaxed stroll with your four-legged friend (dogs are welcome here, which is a real bonus for a conservation area). There is one small hill to contend with, but don’t let that put you off. As you crest the rise, the landscape opens up even further, offering expansive vistas across the Stour River West Branch and the rugged Clent Hills.
As you get closer to the hut, the trail weaves through patches of hardy matagouri (a native thorny scrub) and follows sections of the Stour River. The sound of the water provides a soothing soundtrack to the vast silence of the high country. Before you know it, the iconic corrugated iron of Manuka Hut appears against the backdrop of the mountains—a welcoming sight for any tramper.
Access to the trail begins from Hakatere Heron Road. 2WD vehicles can park on the verge of the farm track before the gate at Castleridge Station. From this point, it's an additional 2.7 kilometres (approximately 45 minutes walk) along a 4WD track to reach the Lake Emily car park. Be advised that this section of the 4WD track can be very wet, muddy, and deeply grooved, potentially impassable for some 4WD vehicles, and has previously experienced slips and slumps. Experienced 4WD drivers may be able to continue further, significantly shortening the walking time to Lake Emily. Please be considerate of other users and farm vehicles when parking.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Circus approximans
This is New Zealand's largest native bird of prey, commonly seen soaring over open tussock lands.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor notabilis
Intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island. Known for curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
Best time: Year-round
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Out and back
The absolute standout of this walk is the sense of scale. Because the vegetation is low-growing tussock rather than dense forest, your views are never obstructed. You are constantly treated to panoramic views of the Arrowsmith Range, which often keeps its dusting of snow well into the warmer months.
Lake Emily itself is a geological highlight. As a "kettle lake," it was formed by a retreating glacier thousands of years ago, leaving a depression in the earth that filled with water. It’s a peaceful spot for a pre-walk picnic or a bit of birdwatching.
Then there is Manuka Hut. This isn't a modern, flashy Department of Conservation (DOC) hut; it’s a rustic, six-bunk musterer’s hut that harks back to the area’s pastoral history. It’s basic, charming, and full of character. Inside, you’ll find a fireplace and mattresses, offering a genuine "backcountry" experience. Even if you aren't staying the night, it’s the perfect place to stop for a brew and a snack before heading back.
To find the trailhead, you’ll need to head towards Hakatere Heron Road in the Ashburton Lakes area. The access situation is a bit of a "choose your own adventure" based on what you’re driving.
If you have a standard 2WD vehicle, your journey on wheels ends at the gate of Castleridge Station. There is space to park on the verge of the farm track here. From this point, you have an additional 2.7-kilometre walk (roughly 45 minutes) along a 4WD track to reach the actual Lake Emily car park. It’s a flat, easy walk, but do keep an eye out for farm vehicles.
If you have an experienced 4WD driver and a capable vehicle, you can continue past the gate. However, be warned: this track is notorious for being wet, muddy, and deeply grooved. It frequently experiences slips and slumps, so if it looks dodgy, it probably is! Most locals prefer to park at the gate and enjoy the extra time on foot to soak in the scenery.
The Hakatere Conservation Park is a haven for native birdlife. Because the landscape is so open, spotting them is often easier here than in the thick bush.
The Canterbury high country is a land of extremes, and the Lake Emily track changes beautifully with the seasons.
The Hakatere Conservation Park covers nearly 60,000 hectares of rugged mountain country, forest, and sparkling lakes. For the local Māori, this area was historically part of seasonal trails used for gathering food and resources as they travelled between the coast and the mountains.
In more recent colonial history, this land was the heart of massive high-country sheep stations. Manuka Hut itself is a relic of this era, built to house musterers who spent weeks out in the elements managing stock. Walking this trail feels like stepping back into that history—a time of solitude, hard work, and a deep connection to the land.
The geology here is also world-class. The braided rivers and "U-shaped" valleys are textbook examples of a landscape carved by massive glaciers. It’s a place that makes you feel small in the best possible way.
After a few hours in the fresh mountain air, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Depending on which way you are heading home, there are some classic Mid Canterbury spots to refuel:
The Lake Emily to Manuka Hut walk is more than just a trail; it’s an invitation to slow down and breathe in the vastness of the South Island. Whether you stay for an hour or a night, the golden tussocks and big horizons of Hakatere will stay with you long after you’ve cleaned the mud off your boots.
Podiceps cristatus australis
Famous for their elaborate courtship displays and carrying their chicks on their backs, these diving birds have distinctive head plumes.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Tadorna variegata
Large, colourful duck endemic to New Zealand. Males have dark plumage; females have white heads and chestnut bodies.
Best time: Year-round
Larus bulleri
The world's rarest gull species, endemic to New Zealand's braided rivers, often nesting on stony islands.
Best time: Spring-Summer