Visiting Lake Heron, set deep in the South Island’s high country, is memorable no matter the time of year. The lake and its surrounding mountains put on a different show with every season – from sparkling blue skies in summer to snow-covered peaks and icy stillness in winter. What doesn’t change is the feeling you get when you’re there: a quiet sense of space, a touch of wilderness, and plenty of room to explore.

Summer by the lake

When the days are long and warm, Lake Heron comes alive with colour. The Southern Alps rise dramatically in the distance, while the meadows and tussock plains glow green and gold. It’s a beautiful time to simply wander along the lakeshore, soaking up the sunshine and the bird calls that echo across the water.

If you’re feeling active, summer is the season to try a few outdoor adventures. Anglers will find trout and salmon in the lake, and paddling out on a kayak or paddleboard is the perfect way to take in the scenery from the water. On land, there are great short walks. The Kettle Hole Walk takes you to a glacial hollow now dotted with wildflowers, while the Lake Hill Track – an easy 45-minute climb – rewards you with sweeping views across the lake and mountains.

Winter wonderland

By contrast, winter transforms Lake Heron into something completely different. The peaks turn white, the air sharpens, and if conditions are right, the lake itself may freeze over. It’s the kind of setting that snow lovers dream about. Cross-country skiers glide across open meadows, snowshoers trek through quiet forests, and for those chasing real thrills, the nearby Southern Alps offer heli-skiing and snowboarding on some of the best powder around.

But winter isn’t just about adventure. The stillness of the season is equally appealing. Evenings are best spent by the fire in a lakeside lodge with a hot chocolate in hand. And once darkness falls, the clear alpine skies reveal some of the brightest stars in the southern hemisphere – a perfect chance to admire the Milky Way in all its glory.

Stay a little longer

To really experience Lake Heron, it’s worth staying at Lake Heron Station. This working merino farm offers warm hospitality and an authentic slice of high-country life. The station’s accommodation provides everything you need for a relaxing stay, with lake views and cosy comfort at the end of the day. Guests can also take advantage of rowboats, 4WD tracks, and access to fishing, hunting, and scenic flights. It’s the kind of place where you can balance outdoor adventure with simple pleasures like reading by the fire or walking among the tussocks.

Why go?

Lake Heron isn’t the easiest place to stumble across, but that’s part of the magic. Its off-the-beaten-track location means you’re more likely to share the shoreline with a handful of walkers or skiers than crowds of visitors. And whether you arrive in the warmth of summer or the crisp chill of winter, you’ll be treated to landscapes that are both dramatic and soothing.

For anyone wanting a true taste of New Zealand’s high country – wild, peaceful, and endlessly photogenic – Lake Heron is a place to add to the list.  Talk with our team to see how this fits into your itinerary.