Lake Misery

Don't let the name fool you — Lake Misery is a serene and stunningly beautiful alpine tarn nestled in the Craigieburn Forest Park, a short detour off the legendary Arthur's Pass route. This small, crystal-clear lake is surrounded by beech forest and offers a peaceful escape from the highway, with the Southern Alps as a dramatic backdrop. The easy walk to the lake is a perfect leg-stretcher for road-trippers, and the water's mirror-like reflections on a calm day are nothing short of magical.

Highlights & What to See

• The Lake Misery Track: A short, well-graded 20-minute walk through mountain beech forest, leading to the lake's edge. Ideal for a quick nature fix.
• Mirror Reflections: On a still day, the lake perfectly reflects the surrounding peaks — a photographer's dream, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Birdlife: Keep an eye out for native birds like the New Zealand robin (toutouwai) and the cheeky kea, especially near the car park.
• Craigieburn Forest Park: The lake is a gateway to this park, which offers excellent short walks, mountain biking trails, and picnic spots amid ancient beech forests.
• Nearby Ski Fields: In winter, the area is a base for club ski fields like Craigieburn Valley and Broken River, popular with advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking uncrowded slopes.

Suggested Time to Spend

Lake Misery is a quick stop — budget 30–45 minutes for the walk and time to soak in the views. It's best slotted into a day's drive between Christchurch and Arthur's Pass (or vice versa). If you're keen to explore more of Craigieburn Forest Park, allow an extra 1–2 hours for a longer walk or picnic.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Arthur's Pass National Park: Just 20 minutes west, with iconic alpine walks like the Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall and Avalanche Peak.
• Castle Hill: Famous for its surreal limestone rock formations, a 10-minute drive east — a must-stop for bouldering and photography.
• Cave Stream Scenic Reserve: A short walk through a limestone cave with a stream running through it (bring a torch and wear sturdy shoes).
• Craigieburn Forest Park: Explore more tracks like the Craigieburn Loop or the hike to the summit of Mount Cheeseman for panoramic views.
• Christchurch: The gateway city to the region, about 1.5 hours east, with its vibrant food scene, botanic gardens, and post-earthquake rebuild.

Please check official sources for current details.