Lake Opuha is a short side trip off State Highway 79 to the northeast of Fairlie on the way from Geraldine. But it feels like the middle of nowhere when you visit, even though farms surround it. Take Mt Michael Rd from State Highway 79, about 10 km before Fairlie. After visiting the lake, you can connect with State Highway via Monument Road, then Seddons Road between Burkes Pass and Fairlie.
A dam created the lake as a reservoir to support surrounding farms. It sits on the east side of the broad valley between the Sherwood and Two Thumb Ranges to the west and the Four Peaks Range to the east. A walking track around the south side of the lake from the dam and a boat ramp are used for recreational purposes.
The surrounding views are fabulous. It was very calm when we took the photos, resulting in some excellent reflections of the surrounding hills, mountains, and sky.
