Exploring Mount Sunday
Mount Sunday is located approximately 22 kilometres northwest of Lake Clearwater in Ashburton Lakes, on the wide Rangitata River valley. This scenic spot is marked by a clear car park and trail sign, making it easy for visitors to find the starting point of the track.
Scenic Views and Movie Magic
The track to Mount Sunday is about 2 kilometres long. While mostly flat, it features a short, steep climb at the end, ascending the grassy slope to the left of the rock face of Mt Sunday. The summit offers stunning 360-degree views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The top of Mount Sunday is relatively flat, which made it an ideal location for the construction of the Edoras set in the Lord of the Rings films. However, you won't find any remnants of the movie set today.
Natural Features and Wildlife
An additional highlight of the Mount Sunday walk is the picturesque stream that you cross and wind around. Known for its beauty and chilly waters, this stream is regarded as one of New Zealand's highest-quality freshwater streams. It also serves as an important site for wild salmon spawning, adding to the ecological significance of the area.
How to Get There
To reach Mount Sunday, take the Ashburton Gorge Road from Mt Somers into the Ashburton Lakes region. This becomes Hakatere Potts Road as you continue through Lake Clearwater. Mt Sunday is 22 km further down the well-maintained gravel road.
Other attractions around Ashburon Lakes include Lakes Emma, Camp / Otautari, Roundabout and Heron. There is a spacious campsite at Lake Camp.
