With a range of activities to indulge in, including mountain biking or walking on the trails at the Ōtemātātā Wetlands, jetboating, boating and fishing, the fresh Ōtemātātā air will get your heart pumping.

Take the roads less travelled around the back of Lake Aviemore to a camping ground primed for boating with ramps at the ready. From Te Akatarawa Road, after you cross the Aviemore Dam, lies the path to the Deep Stream walkway: a true hidden gem of the Waitaki. Take the track for 20 minutes and be treated to the perfect picnic spot overlooking the lake.

After another stunning vista? The DOC Benmore Peninsula hike is an easy 4km loop circuit that takes around 1hr 30min to complete. Both you and your pooch (on a lead) will be rewarded with breath-taking views of the Waitaki lakes.

As summer winds down and the days shorten, the area transforms with strong autumn colours from golden poplars and willow flanking the edges of the lake.