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Key facts
- Distance
- 2 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 1 hr return
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Lake Brunner area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
The track winds up through forest to reach a waterfall on Carew Creek. Enjoy the view from sitting on immense water-shaped granite boulders.
This DOC directory entry covers Carew Falls Track in West Coast, within Lake Brunner area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 2 km return via same track
- Walking time: 1 hr return
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track starts on Kumara-Inchboooie Road, about 300 m east of Lake Brunner Lodge.
A good track winds up through forest to reach a waterfall on Carew Creek, which descends from Castle Hill, one of the Hohonu Peaks. Immense water-shaped granite boulders make perfect spots for sitting and enjoying a view out over the western end of Lake Brunner from a height of more than 100 m.
Old pipes seen along the track are from a small hydro scheme that once provided power for the Mitchells Hotel (now Lake Brunner Lodge).
Getting there
Starts on Kumara-Inchbonnie Road, on the south end of Lake Brunner. Lake Brunner is inland from Greymouth, between SH 73 and SH 7.
Turn off SH 73 at Kumara into Kumara-Inchbonnie Road (21 km), or at Jacksons into Lake Brunner Road, which leads into Kumara-Inchbonnie Road (18 km).
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
