Lake Hood
Public Health Warning: Potentially Toxic Algae at Lake Hood
LAWA's latest data for Lake Hood shows a Red mode - Unsuitable for swimming* for the lake.
Want to know more about Lake Hood water? Keep an eye on LAWA and ECan’s monitoring page
Spanning over 80 hectares, Lake Hood is a made-made recreational lake which offers user an aquatic playground within a 10 minute drive from Ashburton (Hakatere). The Lake, surrounded by picnic areas and walking trails, allows users the opportunity to swim, kayak and sail. The Lake has a separate designated rowing course and water and jet skiing areas.
Information on lake events and lake closures can be found here: Lake Hood activities and events
There is also staged residential development around the Lake, including sections adjacent to the Lake and larger lifestyle blocks in close walking distance to the Lake. Sections located on the canals also provide residents the opportunity to have a jetty to moor boats and kayaks.
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Lake Hood News
Scientists return to Lake Hood to prepare for full study
Scientists will return to Lake Hood this week to supervise setting up the site of a full scientific study of products designed to control algae.
Health warning issued for Lake Hood
Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has issued a health warning after potentially toxic harmful blue-green algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) were found in Lake Hood.
Lake Hood: Water quality trials prepare for second phase
Six shipping containers that have been helping scientists prepare for an algal-control trial in Lake Hood will be removed on 18 December, as the first phase of work comes to an end.
Lake Hood update: Water quality trials start 18 November
Lake Hood residents will see six shipping containers craned into a canal alongside Huntingdon Avenue on Monday, in preparation for the first stage of water quality trials this summer.
Lake Hood water update: Trial areas to be created
Several controlled areas will be created at Lake Hood for trials of treatment options for the mitigation of cyanobacteria blooms in the future.
Lake Hood water update: Lake bed survey planned 8-9 October
Scientists will be undertaking survey work at Lake Hood next week using LiDAR technology from a drone and gathering bathymetric (underwater terrain) data from a boat.
Health warning lifted for algal bloom in Lake Hood
Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for Lake Hood on 20/03/2025.
Lake access to open, health warning remains
Full vehicle access to the road around Lake Hood will be restored today although a public health warning on the lake remains. People are still urged to adhere to the public health warning and avoid contact recreation with the lake.