Last updated October 2026
Lake Opuha is a man-made reservoir in the Fairlie Basin of South Canterbury, approximately 12 kilometres from Fairlie township. The lake was formed by the Opuha Dam and serves primarily as an irrigation storage facility while also supporting a range of recreational activities.
It offers sheltered waters for swimming, boating, kayaking and water skiing, with fishing opportunities for trout and salmon. The setting provides views toward the Two Thumb Range and contrasts with the larger, colder alpine lakes further west in the Mackenzie Country.
Swimming Facts
Before you swim: Tested weekly Nov–Mar by Environment Canterbury. Stay out for 48 hours after heavy rain. Latest result on LAWA
Today at Lake Opuha
Tuesday 27 OctoberWater quality track record
What the grades mean
Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.
Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine E. coli results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (107 per 100 mL from 75 tests).
Lake Opuha at a Glance
- Location
- 12 km from Fairlie, Fairlie Basin, South Canterbury
- Main swim area
- Bennetts Road Recreation Reserve, toilets, parking, picnic areas
- Second site
- Ewarts Corner Boat Ramp, LAWA monitored
- Entry
- Free
- Activities
- Swimming, boating, kayaking, water skiing, trout and salmon fishing
- Facilities
- Toilets, parking and picnic areas at Bennetts Road; boat ramp at Ewarts Corner
- Water quality
- LAWA monitored during summer, check before swimming
- Manager
- Opuha Water Ltd (irrigation and lake levels)
What Makes It Worth a Visit
Lake Opuha was created by the Opuha Dam, with construction beginning in 1995. The dam suffered a failure during building but was repaired and completed in 1998. It impounds the North and South Opuha Rivers in a sheltered valley at the northern edge of the Mackenzie Country.
The lake covers roughly 700 hectares and is managed by Opuha Water Ltd primarily for irrigation supply. The company also monitors lake levels and provides recreational updates during the summer season.
Unlike the larger glacier-fed lakes to the west, Lake Opuha is a warmer, calmer body of water that supports family-friendly swimming and other water-based recreation in summer. The surrounding landscape offers views of the Two Thumb Range and rolling hills around Fairlie.
Swimming
The main swimming location is the Bennetts Road Recreation Reserve on the north-east shore. This area features calm bays, a grassy foreshore, toilets, parking and picnic facilities, making it popular for family swimming and paddling.
A second monitored swimming site is located at the Ewarts Corner Boat Ramp on the northern end of the lake. Both sites are regularly tested for recreational water quality through the LAWA programme.
Boating and Fishing
The Ewarts Corner Boat Ramp provides public access for boats, water skiers and kayaks. The sheltered waters suit a variety of non-motorised and motorised activities.
Fishing is popular, with brown trout present in good numbers and occasional rainbow trout and salmon. The season generally runs from 1 October to 30 April, with methods including fly, spin and bait. Daily bag limits apply and visitors should check current Fish & Game regulations.
Full fishing guide: Lake Opuha Fishing: Trout and Landlocked Salmon near Fairlie
Walking Track
A walking track follows the lake perimeter from the Bennetts Road reserve. The route offers lake views with the Two Thumb Range as a backdrop and is suitable for an easy out-and-back walk of several kilometres.
Water Quality
Environment Canterbury monitors recreational water quality at both main sites through the LAWA programme. Results are published online and should be checked before swimming. Avoid entering the water for 48–72 hours after heavy rain, and watch for any algae warnings during warm, settled periods in late summer.
Official Sources for Lake Opuha
LAWA — Lake Opuha at Recreation Reserve: current water quality data and monitoring results for the main swim site.
LAWA — Lake Opuha at Ewarts Corner Boat Ramp: current water quality data for the boat ramp site.
Opuha Water — Lake Level and Recreation: lake level updates, recreational conditions and manager information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Opuha?
Approximately 12 km from Fairlie in the Fairlie Basin, South Canterbury. The main access and swim area is the Bennetts Road Recreation Reserve on the north-east shore.
Is Lake Opuha good for swimming?
Yes. The Bennetts Road reserve offers calm, sheltered bays suited to family swimming. Both main sites are LAWA monitored during summer.
Can I launch a boat at Lake Opuha?
Yes. The Ewarts Corner Boat Ramp provides public launch access for boats, water skiers and kayaks.
Is there fishing at Lake Opuha?
Yes. The lake holds brown trout with occasional rainbow trout and salmon. Check current Fish & Game regulations for seasons and bag limits.
Is there a walking track?
Yes. A perimeter track starts from the Bennetts Road reserve and provides lake views with mountain backdrops.
Is the water clean enough to swim in?
Check the latest LAWA results before visiting. Avoid swimming for 48 to 72 hours after heavy rain and heed any algae warnings.
Is entry free?
Yes. Public access areas including the Bennetts Road reserve and Ewarts Corner boat ramp are free to use.
Who manages Lake Opuha?
Opuha Water Ltd manages the dam and lake primarily for irrigation, while also providing recreational information.
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