Lake Hill Track
Hakatere Conservation Park
- 1 hr return by the same track
- Easy
A short walk to a modest hill with grand views over Lake Heron.
![](http://tramper.nz/imgcache/22/22199-feature.jpg)
Walking time
|
1 hr |
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Distance
|
2.0km |
Type
|
Return by the same track
|
Grade
|
Easy |
Bookings
|
No bookings — open access
No — open access
|
Starts
|
Lake Heron car park. Turn off the Hakatere Heron Road at the southern end of Lake Heron and follow the access road to the road end car park. |
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Maps
|
NZTopo50-BX19
|
Altitude
|
691m
–
762m
Altitude change 71m
|
Lake Heron occupies a basin that is being infilled steadily by alluvial gravels. The lake is pushed out of shape by a couple of broad river fans spreading from the Cameron River and Swin Stream. Lake Hill is a small glacial mound that offers generous views across the lake, up the Cameron Valley to the impressive Arrowsmith Range.
![](http://tramper.nz/imgcache/22/22196-feature.jpg)
From the Hakatere Heron Road, turn off onto the shingle access road at Lake Heron. Follow the lake edge to the car park (toilets here).
A 4WD track continues on to Harrison's Bight -- this track is open in summer months to vehicles. Follow it on foot over a small stream, to the marked Lake Hill turn off after 10 minutes.
A poled route leads up the gentle tussock slope to the summit trig marker. There are a few patches of matagouri at shin level which may be a problem for small children, but generally the walk is easy and very rewarding.
Watch for black-fronted terns, oystercatchers, Australasian grebes, ducks, swans, and skylarks.
Walking time: 30 minutes each way.