Lake Camp Reflections, Ashburton Lakes

The Ashburton Lakes area comprises of around ten lakes in the Hakatere Conservation Park in mid-Canterbury. The park covers a huge area of tussock covered back country land, rugged mountain landscapes, forests, rivers and of course the beautiful lakes themselves. The area is a favourite spot for walking and tramping, mountain biking, hunting and fishing. The largest of the lakes are Lake Heron and Lake Clearwater. Lake Clearwater is also a tiny village, a collection of around 100 houses, mostly holiday baches. The lakes are very popular with photographers, especially in winter. 

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Lake Camp is one of the smaller lakes, with views to Mount D'Archaic and the twin-peaked Mount Guy. This photo was taken in mid-winter, when the mountains had a good covering of snow. We arrived the night before, to very windy conditions, and a forecast that was not particularly promising. We hopped out of our van before sunrise, pleased to find the wind had completely died away. However, sunrise was disappointing, with thick cloud that blocked any colour. Fortunately, the conditions just got better and better, until the sun and sky broke through the clouds and we were treated to this amazing scene and absolutely perfect reflections. Such a beautiful morning that delivered far more than expected.