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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 2 min - 15 min
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. 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
These short forest walks lead to picnic areas, waterfalls and sandy beaches ideal for swimming - plenty to keep kids interested.
This DOC directory entry covers Lake Kaniere short walks in West Coast, within Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 2 min - 15 min
- 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
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
A range of short walks that lead to picnic areas, waterfalls and sandy beaches. The beach at the end of Canoe Cove Walk and Dorothy Falls are spots for swimming. Dorothy Falls is refreshing but a little chilly!
Canoe Cove Walk
Time: 15 min one wayDistance: 650 m
Canoe cove is a small inlet at the head of Lake Kaniere. It is accessed via a track which begins at the carpark opposite the Hans Bay Road/ Milltown Road junction. This walk leads through dense stands of rimu and kahikatea forest to a sheltered sandy beach suitable for picnics and swimming.
Dorothy Falls
Time: 2 min one way
About 3.5 km from Hans Bay along Dorothy Falls Road, a short walk leads to the base of Dorothy Falls - a lovely spot for a refreshing dip.
Kahikatea Forest Walk
Time: 10 min loop walkDistance: 600 m
From the Sunny Bight picnic area this is an easy 10 minute loop walk. The walk follows Sunny Bight Creek and passes through virgin Kahikatea forest before returning to the picnic area via a boardwalk over a flax swamp.
Getting there
From Hokitika head east along Lake Kaniere Road for 19 km. This road meets the lake at 'The Landing'. The road forks at this point, the right road heads to 'Sunny Bight' and the other is Dorothy Falls Road which takes you around the east side of the lake past Hans Bay.
Know before you go
Check weather conditions for the area before you head out. Kahikatea Walk and Dorothy Falls walks can flood during periods of extended heavy rain.
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.
