Lake Sumner Area
This area is blessed with mountains, rivers, lakes, hot springs and beech forests. It is a trampers Walhalla. Besides tramping you can hunt, fish and watch birds in this unspoiled area.
Outdoor
Bird Watching
The remoteness and untouched nature around Lake Sumner make it an ideal place to spot birds.
Fishing
If you like to fish in a remote area Lake Sumner is the place to be, the only problem might be that you need to pass a 4WD track.
Hot springs
Along the Maruia River just off the Lewis Pass Highway, you will find Maruia Springs.
Hunting
If having a permit, it is allowed to hunt in New Zealand, it is even encouraged (please look at “Things to Do” “Outdoor” “Hunting”). Around Lake Sumner would be an ideal place to hunt; it is remote and is blessed with many forests, rivers and a lake.
Scenic driving route
Lewis Pass Highway is a nice pass to drive on. It is not as steep and wild as for example Arthur’s Pass, but it is definitely worth to make a drive towards the highest point of the pass; 907 meter.
Tramping
There are many walks in this area. Lots of them go trough forest, others pass sub alpine areas. You can choose of short and long, difficult and easy walks. At a DOC or at a nearby tourist center you will be able to get some information about tramping in Lake Sumner Area.
A famous tramp in this area is St. James Walkway. This is a 5 days during tramp which is rated concerning its difficulty on easy to moderate. You can best walk this tramp from November till April. This track crosses two passes and will guide you through farmland. Another multiple day walk is the Harper Pass Track. This one will bring you through beautiful areas.