Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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The Lady Lakes

Methven, Canterbury

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

I've done it Done

Save Trail Save

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Grunt Factor: 22

Gnarl Factor: 29

12.0km

Length of run

215m

Total Ascent

215m

Total Descent

700m

Highest point

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Lakeside

Open tussock/grasslands

Run Makeup

50%

45%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +6.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -6.0%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

2:30

Slow

1:45

Moderate

1:15

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

The track starts with a stile, follow the orange track markers through low-growing alpine plants around the base of Little Mt Ida to the hidden alpine Lake Ida. The track goes through a stand of pine trees just before you reach the lake. Note where you exit the trees to find the track home again. The track can be icy and the lake can freeze in winter.

From the lake shore use the small rock dam crossing Lake Ida to continue on to Lake Catherine. The track is marked with orange track markers uses a portion of farm road but is only moderately formed in places and crosses some swampy areas. Watch out for a right turn to a plank over a creek and then an obvious point to crawl through a fence to avoid getting bogged in raupo!

The trail turnaround is at the willow trees you can see ahead so make your own way over with the help of some sheep tracks. Then follow your steps back to the start.

Magnificent mountain setting, alpine plants, crystal clear lakes, classic South Island high country stations. Trout fishing in summer and ice skating in winter.

Transport and parking:

Homestead Rd and Harper Rd are gravel but wide. There is plenty of off road parking at the trail start or 100m further on at Lake Selfe. There's no public transport. In summer the area is popular with fishermen so folk are around but it is always sensible to make sure your vehicle is locked and no valuables are visible.

Distance from Methven:

61 km

Driving time from Methven:

92 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

The track to Lake Ida is easy to follow but it gets a bit more sketchy towards Lake Catherine with some untracked but still poled route.

Cellphone Coverage:

Non-existent.

Suggested Gear List:

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Gaiters.

Availability of Water:

No official water sources but the creeks and lakes are sparkling.

Seasonality Issues:

Typical of high country areas the weather can change fast. There is no cover from wind, rain or sun. Winter will be icy but you could skate on Lake Ida.

Hazards:

There are some boggy bits in places even in summer and if you take the kids with you watch them very carefully around the lake edges.

Trail Legend

Sharon Davis

has completed The Lady Lakes once in the last year.

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