Mahināpua Scenic Reserve
Introduction
Canoeist on Lake Mahināpua as seen
through tree ferns
Lake Mahināpua is one of the finest spots around Hokitika for a day out or a quiet afternoon. The scenic reserve was gazetted in 1907 and provides a forested margin around the lake. The lake was once a coastal lagoon, but with the build up of coastal dune systems, became a shallow inland lake.
Features
Black swans, grey and mallard ducks are all common on the lake, while the rare bittern and seasonal white herons can occasionally be seen. Flax and rushes dominate the vegetation on the lake edge providing sheltered sites for swans and the ducks to breed. The shy fern bird can also at times be heard and sometimes seen flitting amongst these swampy areas.
The surrounding bush is a mix of podocarps and hardwood species such as miro, matai, totara, rimu and kahikatea closer to the lake, with sub-canopy species such as kamahi, mahoe and quintinia being common. These tree species provide an important seasonal food supply for some of the birds found here; parakeets, tui, bellbird, pigeon.
Dogs are not permitted in the Mahināpua Scenic Reserve.
Location
Lake Mahināpua is located 10 km south of Hokitika on the West Coast.
Getting there
10 km south of Hokitika on State Highway 6 turn left onto the Lake Mahināpua access road opposite the Lake Mahināpua Hotel, continue 299 metres along this gravel road which opens out to the recreation area.
Access to the Mahināpua Walkway is from a signposted carpark approximately 8 km south of Hokitika on State Highway 6 or from a carpark 14 km south of Hokitika on the eastern side of lake Mahināpua on the Ross-Rimu road from Hokitika. The walk can be done from either direction.
Activities
Boating
Kayaking and canoeing
Mountain biking and cycling
Swimming
The area offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, walking and water based activities.
Boating
Lake Mahināpua is popular with sailors and home to a yacht club.
Kayaking and canoeing
There is a great paddle to be had from the Lake through Mahināpua Creek and down towards the township of Hokitika. The Creek has a very gentle current, and passes through beautiful wetland and forest, white herons are usually seen. This trip is suitable for novice paddlers and people in canadian canoes. Paddlers get out either where the creek crosses the main highway, or further down toward the mouth of the creek, close to the confluence with the Hokitika River.
Mountain biking and cycling
The Lake Mahināpua Walkway can be mountain biked.
Swimming
Lake Mahināpua is popular as a swimming spot. The water in the lake is fed from large wetlands, so is much warmer than water in many other, predominently mountain fed swimming holes. There are two main spots, in front of the picnic area where the jetty is, and Swimmers Beach, which is signposted from the top carpark at the camping ground.