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Key facts
- Distance
- 7.6 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 7 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- 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
This is a steep tramp to the open tussock peak of Mt. Tuhua (1125 m) and is suitable for fit people only.
This DOC directory entry covers Mount Tuhua Track 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: 7.6 km return via same track
- Walking time: 7 hr
- DOC grade: Advanced
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
The track begins at Lake Kaniere, from the southern end of Hans Bay. The signposted entrance is on the southern side of Tuhua Creek Bridge.
This track to the open tussock peak of Mt Tuhua (1,125 m) is steep and is suitable for fit trampers only. The track is marked with orange triangles for its entire length. Check weather and track conditions before setting out.
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
You should take strong comfortable tramping boots, warm clothing, as well as spare clothing and a good water proof raincoat.
Remember to take plenty of water with you and high energy food.
The trip should not be attempted in bad or cloudy weather, as it will become difficult to locate the track markers on the open tussock tops; you will also miss the spectacular panorama of The Southern Alps, Lake Kaniere, Hokitika and the coastal plains.
You will require topographical Map J33 Kaniere.
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.
