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Key facts
- Distance
- 5.4 km | 12.4 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 3 hr return | 8 hr return
- Track grade
- Advanced; Expert
- 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
Climb to a lookout for spectacular views, or continue to the summit of Mount Te Kinga.
This DOC directory entry covers Mount Te Kinga Track/Ara O Te Kinga 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: 5.4 km | 12.4 km return via same track
- Walking time: 3 hr return | 8 hr return
- DOC grade: Advanced; Expert
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
To lookouts
Time: 3 hr returnDistance: 5.4 kmCategory: Tramping track
The track initially climbs 300 m to two lookouts. The forest contains fine specimens of kahikatea, rimu and matai, and is well populated by a variety of native birds. From the lookouts, there are views out across the lake to Iveagh Bay, the outlet of Crooked River and Moana township.
To Mt Te Kinga
Time: 8 hr returnDistance: 12.4 kmCategory: Route
From the second lookout, the track becomes a route and is a more serious prospect. The forest is as impressive as before, species changing with altitude to kaikawaka, neinei and massive southern rata, succeeded by pink pine as forest thins and gives way to alpine plants. The open tops are reached at about 1000 m, but some climbing is still required to reach the first peak at 1196 m.
From the summit on clear days there are views out to the Paparoa Range and Tasman Sea in one direction, and to Mt Alexander and the main divide in another. Immediately west is the Hohonu Range, while to the north east are Kangaroo and Lady Lakes. Lake Brunner’s only islands, Takataka or Refuge Islands, are prominent to the north with Pah Point immediately beyond them.
For people who want to explore further, there are moderate climbs and descents for nearly a kilometre eastward along the summit ridge to the second peak at 1204 m.
Return is via the same route.
Getting there
The track starts east of Lake Brunner, inland from Greymouth, between SH 73 and SH 7.
Turn off SH 7 near Stillwater onto Arnold Valley Road, and follow this to the township of Moana (22 km). From Moana, continue on Lake Brunner Road to Te Kinga (5 km), then turn into Cashmere Road and follow this to the end (2 km).
Know before you go
This track is steep and slippery in places and even on fine days the tops can become clouded quickly making navigation difficult on the rugged tops.
Wear sturdy footwear (preferably boots), carry warm, waterproof clothing and take enough snacks, drinking water and equipment needed for a full day walk. If venturing along the tops take a map.
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.
