Unique aquatic playground: Lake Hood
A stunning man-made lake, recreational facility and residential community the size of North Hagley Park is the largest man made recreational lake in New Zealand. Imagine your own waterfront property with a private jetty at the bottom of your garden.
Lake Hood is in excess of 90 hectares in area and continuously expanding. The recreational and residential development provides an incredible range of amenities established around the unique aquatic playground – combining affordable lakeside living with unbeatable lifestyle. There are currently 180 homes owned by a genuine cross section of the community, from young families to retirees and thanks to the current extensions there are new premium waterfront sections for sale. The latest extensions will double the size of the lake to rival the entire size of Hagley Park, introducing a further 350 living options and increasing the residential waterfront to more than 7km.
Residents of the stunning homes with lakeside living panorama and manicured canals enjoy the majestic snow-capped Southern Alps, creating a breath-taking backdrop to the lake waters fed by natural spring water bubbling up from the earth and waters flowing from the surrounding alpine environment Lake Hood is situated 6km south east of Ashburton and free for all to enjoy. The lake comprises an eight lane international rowing course, a separate water skiing area, as well as a separate jet skiing area, plus sailing and kayaking, which can be enjoyed on or around the lake simultaneously.
There are now over 200,000 recreational visitors per year. With 155,000 visitors for the six months ended 31 March, 2018, current projections for 2019 exceed 300,000. There are more than 1,800 motorised boats from throughout Canterbury registered to use the lake and boat owners enjoy a number of annual classic boat events and regular multisport events. However, you don’t need to own a boat to enjoy this wonderful playground. There is a huge amount of regular family use of both the park and the lake. Picnic tables are dotted around the park and swimmers enjoy the safe environment for a splash or canoe ride.
Rowing teams of International Excellence use the amazing facility and a world class coach is available. The lake also boasts outstanding international water-skiing achievements plus a wide range of sailing accolades. Ashburton College has an exceptional rowing team and, with the international standard rowing course right on their back door step, students enjoy the great conditions without too much travel.
There is a lakeside restaurant providing an elegant dining facility which is the perfect stop for a quiet wine or coffee, or a meal on our large deck sitting over the lake or inside our cosy warm dining room on cooler days. In the summer you can pull up to our boardwalk and get some refreshments like some takeaway fish n chips or an ice cream, or just drop in for coffee. It has also become a popular destination for functions and weddings. A cycle ride from Lake Hood to Ashburton provides pleasant off-road experience.
