Lake Coleridge Tourism Group

Media Release
25 October 2012

Lake Coleridge Becoming A Popular Destination For Walkers

A walking brochure is now available for people interested in day trips or short walking holidays in the Lake Coleridge area.

Just an hour from Christchurch, the area has been popular with fishermen and for scenic drives for a long time, but is increasingly becoming a destination for walkers.

The walking brochure has been produced by the Lake Coleridge Tourism Group with the support of Selwyn District Council and the Department of Conservation. It gives people an overview of publicly accessible walks, says Tourism Group Chairperson Lyn Nell.

“Walking is popular among all ages and there are wonderful high country walks here to share with people. The ones we’ve put in the brochure range from easy to very difficult, so something for everyone.

“If you’re interested in a day trip you might like to print the walking guide for Lake Coleridge Village. Bring a picnic and spend a day learning about this pretty village’s pioneer history.

“Another fabulous day trip is the Washpen Falls walk. It has a comprehensive track guide that informs you about the geology, flora and fauna of the canyon you walk through.

“If you like climbing hills, you can discover our beautiful alpine lakes on the walk to Lake Ida, or spectacular views from the top of Peak Hill. You can even walk part of Te Araroa - the national walkway that goes between Cape Reinga and Bluff,” says Lyn.

Department of Conservation Field Supervisor Chris Stewart says some of the walks are continuing to be improved and another one will be opened in the area over the next 12 months.

The new brochure is available at the Methven i-SITE Visitor Centre, in Selwyn District Libraries and at Department of Conservation offices in Selwyn. You can also download a copy from the Lake Coleridge Tourism Group website > Walking & Tramping page (http://www.lakecoleridgenz.info/listing.php?id=110&l=area_walks_with_downloadable_map).

For more information about accommodation and services in the Lake Coleridge area visit www.lakecoleridgenz.info.

Did you know?

• Lake Coleridge was named after nephews of famous English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. They were members of the Canterbury Association involved in surveying the area for European settlement.

• The Power Station at Lake Coleridge is New Zealand’s oldest government-owned hydroelectric station. It opened in 1914 so will be celebrating its Centenary in two years’ time.

View of Lake Coleridge and Rakaia River from Peak Hill

Click for big version.

ENDS

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