By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 10 min - 30 min
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Māhinapua 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 walks pass through dense bush to reach Lake Māhinapua - with a picnic area/campsite at one end, these walks are great for kids.
This DOC directory entry covers Māhinapua short walks in West Coast, within Māhinapua 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: 10 min - 30 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
Jum Michel Track
Time: 20 min one way
This easy flat walk starts from the Lake Māhinapua access road 10 km south of Hokitika, it passes through the dense bush of Lake Māhinapua Scenic Reserve to come out by the camping and recreation area next to the lake. Both ends of the track are signposted.
Bellbird Walk
Time: 10 min loop
This walk starts at the southern end of the camping area. It circles an old gold dredge pond.
Swimmers Beach Walk
Time: 30 min one way
To get to Swimmers Beach, from the northern end of the car park at the camping area, follow the sign posted gravel road through native bush and down to the lake shore.
Mananui Bush
Time: 20 min return
This walk is located 9 km south of Hokitika on the sea side of SH6, it is well signposted. Leading to the sea, this walk passes through a coastal forest remnant and comes out through flax behind the first dune. You return via the same track.
Getting there
10 km south of Hokitika on SH6 turn left onto the Lake Māhinapua access road opposite the Lake Māhinapua Hotel, continue for about 300 m along this gravel road which opens out to the recreation area.
Access to the Mananui Tramline (Māhinapua Walkway) is from a signposted carpark approximately 8 km south of Hokitika on SH6 or from a carpark 14 km south of Hokitika on the eastern side of Lake Māhinapua on the Ross-Rimu road from Hokitika. The walk can be done from either direction.
Know before you go
Check the weather forecast for the area before you head out.
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.
