Into the Wilderness . . . . .

. . . . . of Lake Sumner

What a magic day. Overcast, with occasional drizzle, but fantastic clouds on the mountains, amazing reflections mirrored in the lake and a memorable paddle. So lucky! We paddled from Loch Katrine, through the canal into Lake Sumner, and headed east towards the bottom end, where the Hurunui River continues on it's way out to Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean. I think we must have kayaked about half of the lake, maybe 25 kms in all, reaching east to Cape Buttercup, across to Swell Bay, and west to Home Bay at the head. A day to remember! I've put 2 more images into Extra. 

Lake Sumner is a lake located about 100 kilometres northwest of Christchurch in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island (between the Lewis Pass and Arthur's Pass National Park). This area has fantastic opportunities for hiking, hunting, trout fishing, white water kayaking and mountain biking. However, due to its comparatively remote location and difficult vehicle access, it is very rarely 'busy'. A great destination for 'off the beaten track' fans. We were lucky to have a strong 4WD vehicle, with good ground clearance, and had no problems.
Lake Sumner, known in Maori as Hokakura is located in the Lake Sumner Forest Park, as are other lakes: Loch Katrine and Lake Taylor, and the Hurunui River. The area is characterised by lakes, beech-clad mountains, wide rivers and natural hot springs.