Lake Kaniere short walks

A range of short walks that lead to picnic areas, waterfalls and sandy beaches. The beach at the end of Canoe Cove Walk and Dorothy Falls are spots for swimming. Dorothy Falls is refreshing but a little chilly!

Canoe Cove Walk

Time: 15 min one way
Distance: 650 m

Canoe cove is a small inlet at the head of Lake Kaniere. It is accessed via a track which begins at the carpark opposite the Hans Bay Road/ Milltown Road junction. This walk leads through dense stands of rimu and kahikatea forest to a sheltered sandy beach suitable for picnics and swimming.

Dorothy Falls

Time: 2 min one way

About 3.5 km from Hans Bay along Dorothy Falls Road, a short walk leads to the base of Dorothy Falls - a lovely spot for a refreshing dip.

Kahikatea Forest Walk

Time: 10 min loop walk
Distance: 600 m

From the Sunny Bight picnic area this is an easy 10 minute loop walk. The walk follows Sunny Bight Creek and passes through virgin Kahikatea forest before returning to the picnic area via a boardwalk over a flax swamp.

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.

Check weather conditions for the area before you head out. Kahikatea Walk and Dorothy Falls walks can flood during periods of extended heavy rain.