Discover the Scenic Lake Ōhau Track
Lake Ōhau Track is an inviting eight-kilometre shared cycle and walking path located at the southern end of Lake Ōhau in South Canterbury. This track provides stunning views of Ben Ōhau, a 1,522-metre peak that rises prominently to the north of the lake. The trail stretches between Lake Ōhau Road to the west and Glen Lyon Road to the east, following the lake's edge and providing a picturesque setting for cyclists and walkers.
Start Your Journey at Lake Ōhau Road
At the Lake Ōhau Road entrance, you'll find a spacious car park adjacent to a gravel beach. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views down the lake towards the Hopkins Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Ben Ōhau stands out to the northeast, while the Barrier Range lines the western side of the lake.
Cultural Insights Along the Track
Before entering the track, take a moment to explore the Māori cultural panels. These panels share the creation myth of Lake Ōhau and recount historical events, including the story of the "hole in the middle."
This story highlights the 1848 sale of much of Canterbury and Otago by Ngāi Tahu to the New Zealand government, under the belief that the high country, lakes, and mountains were excluded. Despite this, the government claimed all the land, leading to breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi that were resolved in 1998.
Nearby, a carved pou and another panel reflect the teachings of Ariki Tohukato on peaceful conflict resolution.
Points of Interest Along the Track
As you journey along the track, you'll encounter several notable spots. About three kilometres from Lake Ōhau Road lies Māori Swamp, an ideal location for a picnic. Towards the track's end, you'll reach a weir at the Ōhau River outlet, which plays a crucial role in managing water levels for the Ōhau Canal, part of the Mackenzie Basin's hydroelectric scheme.
Part of Larger Trails
Lake Ōhau Track is also a segment of Te Araroa and the A2O Cycle Trail, which starts in either Aoraki Mt Cook or Tekapo and ends in Ōamaru. This makes it a significant part of New Zealand's extensive trail network.
Getting to Lake Ōhau Track
To access Lake Ōhau Track, take Lake Ōhau Road from State Highway 8 in the Mackenzie Country, between Twizel and Omarama, where you'll find the car park and trailhead.
While in the area, other nearby scenic walks and sights include Temple Viewpoint Track in the Hopkins Valley, the Tarnbrae Track and Lake Middleton. .
