Image: Shellie Evans | ©
Lake Kaniere.
Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve

Located in the West Coast region

Lake Kaniere is one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand and offers opportunity for a number of water sports. There are also several picnic places, a camping area, and numerous short walks.

From Hokitika head east 19 km along Lake Kaniere Road, 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.

Dogs are not permitted in the reserve as a myriad of bird species make their home in the lush forest.

The Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve is over 7000 ha, including most of the land from the lake to the top of the peaks which surround it.

The lake is surrounded by native bush except for two cleared areas of farmland on the eastern shore. Lake Kaniere is 8 km long, 2 km wide and as deep 195 m in places.

The Kaniere water race was initially built in 1875 to supply water for gold mining claims. It was later used to generate power for gold mines and domestic supply.