Image: Philippe Gerbeaux | DOC
Lake Māhinapua
Māhinapua short walks

Located in Māhinapua Scenic Reserve in the West Coast region

These short walks pass through dense bush to reach Lake Māhinapua - with a picnic area/campsite at one end, these walks are great for kids.

Jum Michel Track

Time: 20 min one way

This easy flat walk starts from the Lake Māhinapua access road 10 km south of Hokitika, it passes through the dense bush of Lake Māhinapua Scenic Reserve to come out by the camping and recreation area next to the lake. Both ends of the track are signposted.

Bellbird Walk

Time: 10 min loop

This walk starts at the southern end of the camping area. It circles an old gold dredge pond.

Swimmers Beach Walk

Time: 30 min one way

To get to Swimmers Beach, from the northern end of the car park at the camping area, follow the sign posted gravel road through native bush and down to the lake shore.

Mananui Bush

Time: 20 min return

This walk is located 9 km south of Hokitika on the sea side of SH6, it is well signposted. Leading to the sea, this walk passes through a coastal forest remnant and comes out through flax behind the first dune. You return via the same track.

10 km south of Hokitika on SH6 turn left onto the Lake Māhinapua access road opposite the Lake Māhinapua Hotel, continue for about 300 m along this gravel road which opens out to the recreation area.

Access to the Mananui Tramline (Māhinapua Walkway) is from a signposted carpark approximately 8 km south of Hokitika on SH6 or from a carpark 14 km south of Hokitika on the eastern side of Lake Māhinapua on the Ross-Rimu road from Hokitika. The walk can be done from either direction.