Lake Emily to Stour Bridge Carpark

Point to point

Highlights & Must-See Features

The Stour Track is a feast for the eyes, but there are a few specific features you should keep your camera ready for:

• Lake Emily: This glacial gem is the star of the show at the start of the hike. Its reflective surface is perfect for photography, especially in the early morning light.
• Rhyolite Rock Formations: As you descend the valley, look up at the cliffs. You’ll see incredible columnar rock formations. These were formed centuries ago as molten lava cooled and cracked into hexagonal pillars. It’s a striking reminder of the region's fiery volcanic past.
• The Tussock Sea: There is something deeply peaceful about the way the wind ripples through the golden tussock grasslands of the Hakatere. It’s the "Big Sky" country of New Zealand.
• Te Araroa Connection: This track is actually a segment of the Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand’s legendary long-distance route that spans the length of the country. Walking this section gives you a small taste of what "thru-hikers" experience on their 3,000km journey.

Getting There

The track is located in the Ashburton District, within the Hakatere Conservation Park. Since it is a point-to-point track, you have two main access points:

• Lake Emily End: Access is via Hakatere Potts Road. If you are in a standard 2WD vehicle, it is best to park on the verge of the farm track just before the Jacobs Stream Bridge at Castleridge Station. If you have a high-clearance 4WD, you can continue another 1.4 km to the designated car park on public conservation land right near the lake.
• Stour Bridge Carpark End: This is located on the Hakatere Genariffe Road. This end features a designated car park and, importantly, toilet facilities—which you’ll likely be very glad to see after five hours on the trail!

Wildlife Spotting

The Hakatere is a haven for native biodiversity, particularly for bird lovers. The track passes through parts of the Ō Tū Wharekai wetland system, which is of national importance.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Australasian crested grebe (pūteketeke) on Lake Emily. These elegant birds with their distinctive head feathers are a rare treat to spot. In the open tussock lands, you are almost certain to see the New Zealand pipit (pīhoihoi) flitting along the ground or the Australasian harrier (kāhu) soaring effortlessly on the thermals above, hunting for prey.

If you’re lucky, you might hear the "chirp-chirp" of the Grey warbler (riroriro) in the scrubbier sections. Down by the river, Black-billed gulls are common during the spring and summer months. Because the landscape is so open, binoculars are a great addition to your pack if you want to get a closer look at these alpine residents.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The best seasons to tackle this walk are Spring, Summer, and Autumn.

• Spring: You’ll see the surrounding peaks heavily capped with snow, providing a stunning white contrast to the golden valleys.
• Summer: The days are long, but be warned—there is very little shade on this track. The Canterbury sun can be brutal, so "slip, slop, slap, and wrap" is the golden rule here.
• Autumn: This is perhaps the most beautiful time, as the air turns crisp and the light takes on a soft, golden hue that makes the tussocks glow.

• Start Early: Aim to be on the track by 9:00 am. This gives you plenty of time to navigate the 15km distance without rushing, allowing for lunch breaks and photo stops.
• Footwear: Do not attempt this in sneakers. Between the rocky riverbed sections and the muddy farm tracks, you need sturdy, waterproof tramping boots with good ankle support.
• Weather: This is an alpine environment. Even if the forecast in Ashburton looks clear, the weather in the Hakatere can change in an instant. Bring a windproof and waterproof jacket, and a warm mid-layer. The nor’west winds can roar through these valleys with incredible force.
• Water: There are no treated water sources along the way. Carry at least 2 litres of water per person.

Local & Regional Context

The Hakatere area is steeped in both Māori and colonial history. For Ngāi Tahu, the Ō Tū Wharekai wetlands were a traditional mahinga kai (food gathering) area, providing a rich source of eels, birds, and plants. The name reflects the deep connection between the people and the sustenance provided by the land.

In more recent centuries, the area became the heart of Canterbury’s high-country farming culture. Walking through Castleridge Station land reminds you of the grit and determination of the early pastoralists who worked this rugged landscape.

Geologically, the area is a masterclass in natural history. From the glacial carving that formed Lake Emily to the volcanic rhyolite that lines the Stour River, every step you take is a step through time. The conservation efforts here are ongoing, aimed at protecting the delicate wetland ecosystems from invasive species and ensuring that the "wild" stays in the high country.

After the Walk

After five hours in the wind and sun, you’ll have worked up a serious appetite. The best place to refuel is the nearby settlement of Mt Somers or the tiny village of Staveley.

• The Staveley Store: This is a local legend and a "must-visit" for anyone tramping in the area. Known for its incredible home-style baking, hearty pies, and great coffee, it’s the perfect place to sit on the deck and recount the day's adventures. Their cakes are famously generous—exactly what you need after a 15km trek!
• Mt Somers Holiday Park & General Store: If you need a quick cold drink or an ice cream immediately after getting back to the car, this is your closest bet.

Whether you're a local looking to rediscover your backyard or a tourist seeking an authentic slice of the South Island, the Lake Emily to Stour Bridge track is a journey that stays with you long after the mud has been washed off your boots.