Tarn in Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve

Image: Ruth McKie | Creative Commons

Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve

Located in the West Coast and Canterbury regions

Introduction

Enjoy camping in this scenic reserve, surrounded by beech forest, next to the Lewis River.

Place overview

Activities

  • Camping
  • Hunting
  • Walking and tramping

Find things to do and places to stay Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve

About this place

Nature and conservation

The area provides a range of spectacular mountain scenery, wide valleys, rivers and streams, lakes and tarns, beech forest, and waterfalls. Visitors are able to see and hear a range of native birds including bellbirds and tui. It is also the location of some of  DOC's important work with endangered wildlife such as mohua and kakariki and native plants such as mistletoe.

Conservation history

Marble Hill, between Springs Junction and Maruia Springs, holds a special place in the history of conservation in New Zealand. In 1997 the then Minister of Conservation announced the protection of a large area of beech and podocarp forest containing ecological, wildlife and scenic reserves.

Getting there

Access to the scenic reserve is from SH7 (the Lewis Pass Highway), east of Reefton.

Thieves targeting cars at Lewis Pass

There have been reports of cars being broken into and disabled at track ends especially the start of the St James carpark at the top of Lewis Pass.

  • Don't leave valuables in your vehicle.
  • Consider using more public parking sites – Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre offers secure parking and a drop off service. Book in advance, phone +64 3 315 7082.
  • Report any suspicious activity to the police.

Know before you go

  • Look after the environment - all native plants, wildlife, and antrual features are strictly protected.
  • Take your rubbish away and light fires only in proper fireplaces.
  • It is essential that hunting permits are obtained from the Department of Conservation before any hunting expeditions.
  • Check that dogs are permitted in the areas you intend to visit.

Weather

Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly on the tops. Rain can quickly make even small streams treacherous to cross. Before starting out it is best to check with the Reefton Visitor Centre for the latest weather and track information.

Contacts

Reefton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Phone:   +64 3 732 8391
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   rvcinfo@xtra.co.nz
Address:   67–69 Broadway
Reefton
Postal Address:   PO Box 100
Reefton 7851
Māwhera / Greymouth Office
Phone:   +64 3 768 0427
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   greymouth@doc.govt.nz
Address:   17 High Street
Greymouth 7805
Postal Address:   PO Box 370
Greymouth 7840
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