Lake Mahinapua Scenic Reserve
10kms south of Hokitika, 700m off State Highway 6, through a rainforest canopy, short bush walks, picnicking, passive water for yachting and gentle water recreation. Department of Conservation camp site with toilet and water facilities. Interpretation panels show the significance of the area to local Maori.
- Activities: Picnicking, walks, camping, swimming, boating
- Access: 10km south of Hokitika on SH6. Access road opposite Mahinapua Hotel.
- Location: view map
Lake Mahinapua Scenic Reserve Walks
Bellbird Walk
Easy
Time: 10 minute loop
Access: At southern end of camping area
Features: Pretty sand dune forest & old black sand gold dredge pond
Jum Michel Track
Easy
Time: 20 minutes one way
Access: From lake access road. Ends close to camping area
Features: Tree ferns, kamahi & totara forest on old sand dunes
Mahinapua Walkway
Easy-moderate
Time: 2 hours one way
Access: 8km south of Hokitika on SH6. Or start 3km from Rimu on Rimu-Ross Rd
Features: Follows old logging tramway route through a cross section of West Coast bush history. Best longer walk through natural terrace rimu forest. Also regenerating native forest & pine, eucalypt & monterey cypress plantings. Wetlands & Mahinapua Ck. Detour to lakeside Picnic Point along fine rimu-forest ridge worthwhile (40 minute return trip detour to Picnic Point)
Mananui Bush & Beach Walk
© Daniel Schist
Easy
Time: 20 minutes return.
Access: Carpark 9km south of Hokitika just off SH6.
Features: Intriguing walk through rare remnant of sanddune totara forest. Wonderful lonely driftwood-strewn beach.