Benmore and Wetlands, Canterbury, New Zealand
BENMORE & WETLANDS
WAITAKI DISTRICT
Location:
Benmore Peninsula and Lake Aviemore Wetlands, Waitaki District
Turn off SH83 to Lake Benmore at Otematata on Loch Laird Rd. Follow signs to the lookout.
Wetland walk starts in the motor camp at Otematata.
Time:
2 hours return.
1 hour up, half hour down. With dog, wife and photos.
The wetlands walk is just a stroll about. 30m maybe.
Difficulty.
Easy.
Dogs:
On leash.
I was looking for a nice easy walk, still with great views and interesting walking after the much longer hike we did up Ben Ohau the previous day (read about that one here).
We spotted this one, and it was perfect. We took the clockwise route, which is a bit steeper on the up, but you get to the high point quicker, and the views are more open and better than if you went the other way. There’s a nice seat to sit at when you reach the summit, 360 degree views, and a great walk back down with views out to the dam and a few interesting sections.
We trundled back to Otematata after that, to do the wetlands walk.
This isn’t a hike, more of a gentle meander about, however, the autumn foliage and colours at this time of year would rival any of the more famous autumn locations.
Some really nice imagery from this spot as well, as the sunset through the yellows and oranges.
Hot day, so out comes the tongue on Charlie.
Clockwise direction give the best views and the most interesting walking.
How cute, right?
Views from the top out towards Omarama, Mt Cook, and Tekapo.
Some of the sections that haven’t been forested add a bit of interest to the walk.
Gosh that’s a handsome dog.
The Benmore Dam.
A little late afternoon light on the hills over Benmore.
Autumn colours and foliage to rival the likes of Arrowtown even.
Autumn Charlie.
The last strip of light before the sun goes behind the hills.