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Andrew Crump from London, UK CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Lake Coleridge

Lake

West of Christchurch in Canterbury, Lake Coleridge sits beneath high country peaks; anglers, kayakers and hikers visit, and a hydroelectric station uses its waters.

Lake Coleridge ChristchurchTimaruLyttelton, New ZealandAshburton, New ZealandRangioraLincoln, New ZealandDarfield, New ZealandKaiapoiLake Coleridge

Lake Coleridge essentials

Country: New Zealand
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Dollar ($)
Language: English

Lake Coleridge at a Glance#

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.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Lake Coleridge#

Best in summer for access, warm weather and full visitor amenities.

Summer
Dec-Feb · day 12-24°C, nights 4-12°C
Best for boating, hiking and camping; higher visitor numbers.
Autumn-spring
Mar-May, Sep-Nov · day 6-18°C, variable conditions
Quieter and good for solitude; shoulder seasons can be wet.

Weather & Climate near Lake Coleridge#

Climate

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).

Air Quality: AQI 27 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 9° - 21° 15° 65 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
February - 9° - 21° 15° 46 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
March - 8° - 19° 13° 60 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
April - 5° - 16° 10° 79 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
May - 2° - 12° 5° 82 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
June - -1° - 9° 2° 82 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
July - -1° - 9° 2° 93 mm - - 2.4 m/s - -
August - 0° - 10° 2° 91 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
September - 2° - 12° 5° 81 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
October - 4° - 15° 7° 91 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
November - 6° - 17° 11° 105 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
December - 8° - 19° 13° 77 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

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.