Mt Somers & Highcountry
Discover the stunning Mt Somers and Canterbury Highcountry - ecotours, tramping, hiking, bush walking, fishing and Lord of the Rings film locations make this a must-see destination!
The Mt Somers & High Country region is the gateway to an area which is one of the top ecotourism locations in Canterbury. Mountains, lakes, rare and endangered birds, vast landscapes, rainforest, waterfall, mountain streams and braided rivers.
The outdoor activities are just as diverse - tramping & hiking, bush walking, high country garden tours, mountain biking, fishing, windsurfing, historic sites, bird watching, ice skating & curling.
Within a short drive from Mt Somers you will find yourself surrounded by a series of delightful lakes famous for their fishing, unique wildlife, picnic spots and water activities.
Lake Emma and Roundabout, which can only be reached by four-wheel drive, are popular fishing locations, while Lake Camp is popular with boaties, water skiers and fisherman alike.
The biggest of the lakes is Lake Clearwater. Characterised by a small village of holiday homes, the lake is popular for windsurfing, sailing, rowing and fishing. It is also an important wildlife refuge for the rare and endangered Great Crested Grebe.
The Maori Lakes and Lake Heron are also important wildlife refuges and provide good fishing.
Mt Potts Station, past the above mentioned high country lakes, is the location for Edoras, the fortress city of the Rohan people in the The Lord of The Rings. Several operators provide guided 4WD tours to this spectacular area.
Popular more physically demanding activities occur in the Mt Somers Conservation Area. These range from short bush walks to the popular two-days tramps - The Mt Somers Subalpine Walkway and the more demanding round-the-mountain Mt Somers Track.
The event Minerals to Art celebrates the regions renowned diversity of minerals, mining history and local artists.
Staveley and Mt Somers, the two main villages servicing the region (both located on the Inland Scenic Route 72), offer a wide range of accommodation and wining & dining options.
