Lake Kaniere is a popular summer spot for water skiing, swimming, picnicking, fishing and recreational camping. The scenic driving route round lake Kaniere trip featuring Dorothy Falls and walks in Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve.
Kahikatea Forest Walk
Easy
Time: 10 minutes return.
Access: Sunny Bight picnic area.
Features: Best short walk through fine virgin kahikatea forest.
Canoe Cove Rimu Forest Walk
Easy
Time: 15 minutes one way.
Access: Carpark opposite Milltown Rd.
Features: Best short walk through fine rimu forest. Ends at sheltered swimming & picnic beach.
Lake Kaniere Walkway
© Sue Hustwick
MODERATE
Time: 4 hours one way
Access:Carpark just south of southern end of the lake. Follows western shore of lake. Ends at Sunny Bight
at northern end of lake.
Features: Lush forest, great lake and mountain views, bays and beaches.
Dorothy Falls
© Dave Kerr
Easy
Time: 2 minutes.
Access: Carpark beside bridge at Dorothy Falls Rd.on eastern side of lake.
Features: Short path to pool at base of best local falls.
Lake Kaniere Water Race Walk
© Sue Hustwick
EASY / MODERATE
Time: 1 hour return / 3-4 hours one way
Access: Carpark at The Landing at the northern end of Lake Kaniere. Ends at Kennedy Ck near Kaniere Forks
Power Station. A shorter easy section from The Landing to Wards Rd (1 hour return) is most popular.
Features: Follows historic, but still used, Kaniere Forks power station water-race, through virgin and
regrowth forest. Freshwater mussels, cray sh and the odd trout may be spotted.
Mt Tuhua Track
© Juergen Schacke
Hard & steep
Time: 7 hours return.
Access: Signposted on Dorothy Falls Rd just south of Hans Bay.
Features: Best local access to open mountain tops. Panoramic views of Southern Alps, Lake Kaniere,
coastal plains and Hokitika. Must be fit. Boots required.