Dendrobium cunninghamii orchid on
a tree trunk, Kaniere Walkway 

Starting (or ending) at the road end just past Sunny Bight picnic area, the Lake Kaniere Walkway is a four hour tramp around the western shore of Lake Kaniere. The walkway emerges at the southern end of the lake on the Dorothy Falls Road.

It is a four hour return walk back along the same track.

Highlights of the walk include many picturesque bays, numerous forest streams and lush lakeside forest. A lookout point over the lake is offered part way up Mt Upright/Te Taumata o Uekanaku. 

There are numerous places to take a dip. Or when you have finished walking or riding Hans Bay is a popular local swimming spot.

The Lake Kaniere Walkway provides advanced grade 4 riding with a short section of expert, advanced grade 5 track near the Southern (Dorothy Falls) end.

Riders will encounter a technical and narrow track, rough surfaces with exposed tree roots. The track is steep in places with large drop offs.

Bikes are required to be carried due to a section of stairs in one section.

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.

The walk is suitable for people of average fitness and tramping boots are required.

For track conditions, maps, weather forecasts and more information on the area contact the Hokitika DOC office.