The story

Lake Hood and the Ashburton Aquatic Park is an extraordinary community project.

Brought together by the efforts of a group of visionary local people, Lake Hood was initially designed to provide an aquatic recreational resource for the people of mid-Canterbury. After 14 years in planning and development, the park was officially opened 2002, becoming a key asset for the people of the region.

Today, the combined recreational and residential development provides an incredible range of amenities established around the unique aquatic playground – combining affordable lakeside living with an unbeatable lifestyle.

Part of a long-term plan for the community, the park’s governing body, the Ashburton Aquatic Park Charitable Trust continues to contribute to Lake Hood’s recreational resources and the local area.

The next stage of the park’s development – the Lake Hood Extension Project – will add significantly more land to the reserve. In particular, the lake’s area will be doubled, with planned beaches, canals and islands; dedicated water-sports areas; walking and riding trails and public promenades; complimenting parklands and access to the multitude of facilities on your doorstep.

The trustees named the lake after a prominent local businessman – Doug Hood –
in recognition of the community contributions made by Doug during his life in the mid-Canterbury area.