Lake Heron - Ashburton Lakes District - Hakatere Conservation Park - New Zealand
Lake Heron is the biggest of the many lakes that form O Tu Wharekai, the Ashburton Lakes District. Along its borders are several famous South Island high country sheep stations; the lake itself is an important game and protected waterfowl area, especially for the endangered southern crested grebe, and it hosts a large area of red tussock wetland, a nationally endangered ecosystem. These protected areas of the lake fall within Hakatere Conservation Park. The recreational fishery comprises brown and rainbow trout and landlocked salmon. Ironically, the largest lake is the one where visitors will be undistrubed by motor boats. Indeed power boats are confined to just one, and one of the smallest, of the lakes in this district. Powered and sailing craft are banned to help protect the precious grebe territory. Only boats powered by oar or paddle are allowed. The forests of beech and other alpine species that would have surrounded at least part of this lake have long gone, milled and burned - replaced by introduced European species. But the area's vast tussock landscapes have a striking beauty as the frame of a landscape of blue lakes and high snowy peaks.
Lake Heron - Ashburton Lakes District - Hakatere Conservation Park - New Zealand
Lake Heron is the biggest of the many lakes that form O Tu Wharekai, the Ashburton Lakes District. Along its borders are several famous South Island high country sheep stations; the lake itself is an important game and protected waterfowl area, especially for the endangered southern crested grebe, and it hosts a large area of red tussock wetland, a nationally endangered ecosystem. These protected areas of the lake fall within Hakatere Conservation Park. The recreational fishery comprises brown and rainbow trout and landlocked salmon. Ironically, the largest lake is the one where visitors will be undistrubed by motor boats. Indeed power boats are confined to just one, and one of the smallest, of the lakes in this district. Powered and sailing craft are banned to help protect the precious grebe territory. Only boats powered by oar or paddle are allowed. The forests of beech and other alpine species that would have surrounded at least part of this lake have long gone, milled and burned - replaced by introduced European species. But the area's vast tussock landscapes have a striking beauty as the frame of a landscape of blue lakes and high snowy peaks.