Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve
Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve
Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve
4.5
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4.5
203 reviews
Excellent
121
Very good
58
Average
19
Poor
5
Terrible
0
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Jan P
Dunedin, New Zealand14 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We have just returned from a lovely visit to Lake Kaneire and Sunny Bight. We were taken by friends by boat to Kent Beach and wAlked back along the Lake Kaneire walkway. We also walked the Kahikatea Forest Loop Walk before driving round to Hans Bay and onto Dorothy Falls.
Such a beautiful area and so peaceful. Look forward to returning one day.
Such a beautiful area and so peaceful. Look forward to returning one day.
Written 23 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chrismI3414EK
Christchurch, New Zealand152 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
There are numerous lakes on the West Coast. Lake Kaniere is one of the most accessible and stunning. The day we visited was chilly, but sunny without any wind. We have visited the lake before, by car and bicycle and we never fail to marvel at its beauty. Great picnic spot.
Written 2 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kestonr2018
Wellington, New Zealand278 contributions
Oct 2022
Lake Kaniere is very pretty, and our kids discovered, good to jump into off the wharf. Most of the road around the eastern side of the lake is still gravel, but is wide and had a good surface when we visited. Dorothy Falls is also worth a visit, and is one minute from the road. We also enjoyed the trip around the south end of the lake to connect up with the road to Hokitika Gorge.
Written 26 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GreeceHelena
Whanganui, New Zealand371 contributions
Mar 2021 • Solo
The owner of the Backpackers where I was staying in Greymouth recommended a drive out to Lake Kaniere... I was not disappointed. Had my first encounter there with a Weka outside of captivity and fell in love. I've seen no end of them since but still love these opportunists.
Written 22 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken S
Christchurch, New Zealand281 contributions
Jan 2022
Well worth the drive from Hokitika and the lake and surrounding walks are amazing. Once again we went on a hot day and the lake was busy with families and boaties. Great walks through the native forrest and a must visit place.
Written 7 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maree R
Christchurch, New Zealand1,291 contributions
Feb 2023
Another lovely place in this part of the country, we went for a quick swim on a pretty warm day and enjoyed the refreshing water. The bottom of the lake was quite stony and then silty until we were deep enough to swim. There is also a decent looking camp site which would be a nice place to stop for a couple of days.
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lananadu07
Vienne, France458 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
We started the walk starting from Dorothy's falls road. Providing real walking shoes, sticks and clothing for rain is strongly recommended. The trail was very slippery because of the rain the day before. But it was beautiful.
However, we did not go to the end, first because the round trip is 22km and the rangers were in the process of developing the road. Indeed, vegetation has gained ground and it is necessary to prepare the tourist season.
Back in the parking lot we took the car to take the trail at the start of the sunny road. On this side the walk is easier. The terrain is flat but still very muddy in wet weather.
However, we did not go to the end, first because the round trip is 22km and the rangers were in the process of developing the road. Indeed, vegetation has gained ground and it is necessary to prepare the tourist season.
Back in the parking lot we took the car to take the trail at the start of the sunny road. On this side the walk is easier. The terrain is flat but still very muddy in wet weather.
Automatically translated
Written 21 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly H
Christchurch, New Zealand62 contributions
Sept 2020
What a spot! I travelled through here on the way back from the Hokitika Gorge Track. Found Dorothy Falls on the way through (no signage so make sure you have it loaded into Google Maps!) and got glimpses of the lake through the trees until it really opens up at Hans Bay. Make the most of the pullovers on the side of the road as there are a few tracks down to some quiet lakefront beaches. The road is gravel and quite narrow in some parts (would hate to meet a camper van coming the other way) but take your time and it’s worth the effort.
I jumped out of the car and did the Canoe Cove walk (1.4km return) just to the south of Hans Bay and also the Kahikatea Walk at Sunny Bight on the way out. The latter is only a 15min loop track but the kahikatea are magnificent.
I felt like the only person in the world it was so quiet and calm no doubt due to being a week day in early spring. Beautiful spot.
I jumped out of the car and did the Canoe Cove walk (1.4km return) just to the south of Hans Bay and also the Kahikatea Walk at Sunny Bight on the way out. The latter is only a 15min loop track but the kahikatea are magnificent.
I felt like the only person in the world it was so quiet and calm no doubt due to being a week day in early spring. Beautiful spot.
Written 3 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roaming_kiwi58
Christchurch, New Zealand2,804 contributions
Nov 2020
We went for a drive around Lake Kaniere. Much of the road is unsealed. Pleasant scenery, but not up to our expectations. We missed the Dorothy Falls, as the track appears to be unsigned. We did the Canoe Cove Walk, which takes you down to the lake edge. A pity the trees have suffered extensive damage due to a tornado, and nothing is being done to tidy the area up.
We preferred the Hokitika Gorge.
We preferred the Hokitika Gorge.
Written 7 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fizzylicious
Christchurch, New Zealand106 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Exquisite lake easily worth 5 stars. Nature in abundance. However peace and tranquillity is ruined by the hideous roar of jet boats. Even at 9 pm. Please take your boats and go someplace else. I would like to hear the birds.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long a drive from Hokatika? Can l hire a ride from Hokatika?
Written 11 February 2018
Just for your information, when we visited Lake Kaniere in early March the road was closed between the Kaniere settlement and Kokatahi because of damage to bridges. This makes it impossible as a loop drive. However it is still worthwhile to go there directly from Kaniere (for the lake walks) or via Kokatahi for Dorothy Falls - ie. in combination with the Hokitika Gorge Drive.
Written 29 March 2018
Hi there
Hey would it be ok to take dogs (off lead) to this reserve? Is it safe or close to a busy road?
Thanks
Written 4 September 2016
Sorry, just seen your question! Yes, I think you can take your dog, there's a street by, but it's not really busy, just be careful because they drive really fast!
Written 24 September 2016
Hi. How long does it take to drive around Lake Kaniere? Is it ok for hire cars to drive?
Written 6 June 2016
Not sure about the time/distance, however if you are on the West Coast of NZ then the lake is about 19km from Hokitika, Google about the lake on the internet as there is heaps of info.
Really worth the visit and on a god day you can see Mt Cook.
Lake Kaniere Scenic Drive
If walking isn’t your thing the scenic drive around the lake gives easy access to Dorothy Falls. Continue driving through rich dairy country to the stunning Hokitika Gorge with its vivid blue water and then return to Hokitika having enjoyed one of the best scenic loops around.
Written 6 June 2016
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