Walk or mountain bike to the historic Lake Emma Hut (overnight stays are not allowed) and then on to Lake Camp.

The two-room hut at Lake Emma, with its tack shed and verandah, was built between the late 1860s and 1890. It sits by the lake shore and is a lovely spot for a breather or lunch.

During the summer, there is weather-dependent 4WD access to Lake Emma Hut; this makes it easier for picnicking, fishing or those who are less mobile. A boat launching site at the northern end of the lake makes exploring the lake by kayak very easy.

The vehicle gate at Lake Emma is locked for the winter months to protect the track from damage due to the wet conditions. This gate is closed from the first weekend in May to the first weekend in November.

Lake Roundabout

Just before the Lake Emma car park, a short track (60 m, 5 min) provides access to Lake Roundabout. This little gem has lovely views of the surrounding mountains and, at the southern end, heads of Carex secta/pūkio look like trolls standing in the lake.

This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.

Lake Emma and Lake Camp are on Hakatere Potts Road, about 28 km west of Mount Somers. Leave Mount Somers on Ashburton Gorge Road, which becomes Hakatere Potts Road.

Winter season

During the winter season from May to October the 4WD road is closed from the carpark. Walking and biking is still available.