Lake Janet & Mount Grey

Lake Janet is a small mountain tarn in a beautiful setting of native and exotic forest high on the side of mount Grey . With spectacular views out over the Canterbury plains and with the piping sounds of native birds it is the perfect place for a picnic. (no fires permitted) There are picnic tables or simply spread a blanket in a grassy area under a tree and soak up the atmosphere.

After or before a relaxing picnic explore the area on one of the various walkways which cater to anything from a quiet ramble to a full day’s hike. For example take an easy walk of one hour’s climb from Lake Janet to the Forest Fire Lookout Station (795m above sea level) and experience the spectacular views of the Waipara Valley region and area’s north , the Canterbury Plains , Christchurch / Banks Peninsula and area’s south.

Take your camera and binoculars if you have them . If you are fit you can continue from here to the summit of Mount Grey , down the other side to the Grey river and from there 6 km back up the road to the Lake Janet car park. Allow a good few hour’s for this walk depending on your level of fitness. You may wish to park in the Grey River picnic area and head off on one of the tracks that lead out of there. ( Dogs and mountain bikes not permitted on walkway tracks)

Remember the weather can change quickly in this part of NZ so when walking or hiking in the hills and bush be prepared.

Please remember to take only memories and photo’s away with you and leave only footprints behind.

This area is subject to closure at times of extreme fire risk so it pays to check conditions.

Access roads to the area while not sealed are suitable for most vehicles.

Directions:

1. From Waipara Sleepers turn left at gate and go south 100m to highway 7, turn left go 200m east over the railway line to highway 1.

2. Turn right onto highway 1 travel south 1.6 km to Georges Road (almost opposite Canterbury House Winery)

3. Turn right into Georges Road cross railway lines ( BE CAREFUL – no warning bells or lights) Travel west 4.3 km past Fiddlers Green Winery to Mt Brown road.

Left into Mt Brown road (unsealed) travel south 1.2 km where it connects with Ram Paddock road (sealed) continue straight on.

5. Continue south along Ram Paddock road a further 4.6 km past Broomfield school to Douglas road on your right.

6. Turn into Douglas road travel west 2.5 km the road becomes Cromptons Bush road (unsealed) a further 12.1 km to Lake Janet.

A 15 to 20 minute trip from Waipara Sleepers

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Looking forward to hearing from you

Fiona and Dean