Lake Ellery Track, Haast

Lake Ellery Track is signposted just inland off the Jacksons Bay Road, turning off after crossing the bridge across the Arawhata River and following an unsealed road for around 3kms.

It is an easy walk through native beech forest following the edge of the Ellery stream.  The stream water seems very slow-moving which helps reflect the bush into the water beneath.  Whenever you pass a shallow rocky section the true flow of the stream is revealed and the stony bottom shimmers seductively in the sunlight.

It is very peaceful and there is an abundance of bird life all competing for their song to be heard.

After around 30minutes the track ends on the edge of Lake Ellery, a large glacier formed lake surrounded by towering mountains and dense native bush.

There is only one other couple on the trail and it is actually nice to have some company and share the beauty and peace of the area.

Lake Ellery track is a short easy walk giving some great variation of stream, native bush, bird life and lake – a smorgasbord of scenery – what more could you ask for…….

Jan and Stephen run Breakers Boutique Accommodation on the Great Coast Road north of Greymouth.  They enjoy getting out and about and exploring the many tracks and trails dotted up and down the West Coast.