Lake Coleridge
Lake Hydroelectric reservoir in Canterbury, alpine surroundings
West of Christchurch in Canterbury, Lake Coleridge sits beneath high country peaks; anglers, kayakers and hikers visit, and a hydroelectric station uses its waters.
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Lake Coleridge is an alpine lake in the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island, used both for recreation and as part of a hydroelectric scheme. The lake sits in a glacially-influenced high-country basin and is notable for its mountain-fringed setting.
Angling, tramping and day visits are common; the lake’s shoreline and nearby tracks provide outdoor recreation rather than large-scale tourism. Access is via rural roads and farm tracks from the surrounding district.
The lake has been integrated into a hydroelectric development; water from the lake has been used to generate electricity since the early 20th century when the Coleridge power facilities were established.
It is located in inland Canterbury in the South Island high country, west of the main Canterbury plains and within a landscape of mountains, rivers and pastoral farming.
- Hydroelectric use: The Coleridge Power Station has used water from the lake for hydroelectric generation since the early 20th century.
How to Get to Lake Coleridge #
From Christchurch: take State Highway 73 toward Arthur’s Pass, then local roads northwest toward Lake Coleridge; the drive is roughly 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Tips for Visiting Lake Coleridge #
- Take the scenic road along State Highway 73 and leave time for short stops at viewpoints and campground areas.
- Campgrounds near the lake fill in summer - book ahead if planning stays during peak season.
- Check for fishing regulations and permits if angling; the lake has trout and other sport fish.
Best Time to Visit Lake Coleridge #
Best in summer for access, warm weather and full visitor amenities.
Weather & Climate near Lake Coleridge #
Lake Coleridge's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -1°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (952 mm/year).
January
January is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
