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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -42.84480, 171.13428. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 10.1 km one way
- Walking time
- 4 hr one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- 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
Walk or mountain bike along the western shores of Lake Kaniere through lush lakeside forest, passing many picturesque bays and numerous forest streams.
This DOC directory entry covers Lake Kaniere Walkway 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: 10.1 km one way
- Walking time: 4 hr one way
- DOC grade: Easy
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.
- Lake Kaniere Walkway can't be completed end to end; First published on 6 March 2026. Last reviewed on 10 September 2026.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Starting (or ending) at the road end just past Sunny Bight picnic area, the Lake Kaniere Walkway is a four hour tramp around the western shore of Lake Kaniere. The walkway emerges at the southern end of the lake on the Dorothy Falls Road.
It is a four hour return walk back along the same track.
Highlights of the walk include many picturesque bays, numerous forest streams and lush lakeside forest. A lookout point over the lake is offered part way up Mt Upright/Te Taumata o Uekanaku.
There are numerous places to take a dip. Or when you have finished walking or riding Hans Bay is a popular local swimming spot.
Mountain biking
The Lake Kaniere Walkway provides advanced grade 4 riding with a short section of expert, advanced grade 5 track near the Southern (Dorothy Falls) end.
Riders will encounter a technical and narrow track, rough surfaces with exposed tree roots. The track is steep in places with large drop offs.
Bikes are required to be carried due to a section of stairs in one section.
Getting there
From Hokitika head east 19 km along Lake Kaniere Road, 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
The walk is suitable for people of average fitness and tramping boots are required.
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.
