Loading...
Lake Kaniere
1.3 km
30 minutes
0 metres
If you are looking for a slice of West Coast paradise that doesn’t require a heavy pack or an entire day of trekking, the Canoe Cove Rimu Forest Walk is an absolute must-do. Nestled on the eastern shores of the majestic Lake Kaniere, just a short drive from Hokitika, this trail is a gentle invitation into one of New Zealand’s most spectacular ecosystems. It is the kind of place where the air feels noticeably cooler and cleaner, filtered through layers of ancient moss and the dense canopy of a primeval podocarp forest.
Whether you are a local looking for a peaceful Sunday stroll or a visitor wanting to experience the legendary West Coast bush without the vertical climb, this easy 1.3-kilometre return walk offers an incredible reward for very little effort. It is a sanctuary of green, a place of stillness, and a perfect introduction to the natural heritage of the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve.
The journey begins at a well-marked carpark on Lake Kaniere Road. From the moment you step off the gravel and onto the track, you are enveloped by the forest. The Canoe Cove Rimu Forest Walk is a classic "out and back" trail, meaning you’ll enjoy the scenery from two different perspectives as you head to the water’s edge and back again.
The terrain here is remarkably flat, making it one of the most accessible walks in the region. The path is well-formed and wide enough for families to walk together, which is why it’s a firm favourite for those with young children. As you meander along, the trail feels like a secret hallway through the bush. The ground is often softened by a carpet of fallen needles and leaf litter, and the silence of the forest is only broken by the occasional call of a native bird or the gentle rustle of the wind in the high canopy.
What makes this walk truly special is the scale of the trees. You aren't just walking through a forest; you are walking among giants. The Rimu and Kahikatea trees here are hundreds of years old, their straight, grey trunks disappearing into a ceiling of green far above your head. It feels like a natural cathedral. Because there is zero elevation gain, you can keep your head up and eyes peeled, soaking in the intricate details of the undergrowth—the delicate silver ferns, the thick mosses clinging to damp logs, and the vibrant fungi that pop up after a West Coast rain.
A dedicated carpark for the Canoe Cove Walk is located on Lake Kaniere Road, opposite the junction of Hans Bay Road and Milltown Road. There are no toilet facilities directly at the trailhead, but public toilets are available a short 5-minute drive further along Lake Kaniere Road at the Hans Bay Campground.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Out and back
After about 15 minutes of leisurely walking, the trees begin to thin, and the light changes. You’ll catch glimpses of blue through the foliage before the track opens up onto the stunning Canoe Cove. This sheltered, sandy beach is a hidden gem on the lakefront, providing a tranquil contrast to the dense forest you’ve just traversed.
The standout feature of this walk is undoubtedly the ancient podocarp forest. While much of New Zealand’s lowland forest was cleared in the past, the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve remains a stronghold for these magnificent trees. The Rimu (red pine) with its weeping foliage and the Kahikatea (white pine)—New Zealand’s tallest native tree—are the stars of the show. Finding such a pristine stand of these trees in such an accessible location is a rare treat.
The destination itself, Canoe Cove, is a highlight that many visitors overlook. Unlike the more popular Hans Bay, the cove feels secluded and private. The beach is sandy and the water is famously clear, often reflecting the surrounding mountains like a dark, tea-coloured mirror (a result of the natural tannins from the forest).
For photography enthusiasts, the transition from the deep, moody greens of the forest to the bright, expansive views of the lake offers fantastic opportunities. On a calm day, the reflections of the Southern Alps in the distance, framed by the overhanging lake-edge trees, are simply breathtaking. If you’re feeling brave (and the weather is warm), the cove is an idyllic spot for a refreshing swim. The water is usually calm and shallow near the shore, making it safe for kids to splash around while you relax on the sand.
Finding the trailhead is straightforward, making it a great addition to a West Coast road trip. From Hokitika, follow Stafford Street and then Kaniere Road, which eventually becomes Lake Kaniere Road. The drive takes about 20 to 30 minutes through picturesque rural land and forest.
The dedicated carpark for the Canoe Cove Walk is located on Lake Kaniere Road, almost directly opposite the junction where Hans Bay Road and Milltown Road meet. It is well-signposted, so keep an eye out for the Department of Conservation (DOC) signs.
While there are no toilet facilities at the start of the track, don’t let that catch you out! There are public toilets just a 5-minute drive further along Lake Kaniere Road at the Hans Bay Campground. It’s a good idea to stop there first before heading to the trailhead.
The West Coast is a haven for birdlife, and the Canoe Cove Rimu Forest Walk is no exception. Because the forest is so lush and provides such a rich food source, the bird activity is often high.
The most common companion on your walk will be the Pīwakawaka (Fantail). These friendly little birds are known for following hikers, darting through the air to catch the insects stirred up by your footsteps. You are also very likely to hear the melodic, bell-like notes of the Korimako (Bellbird) and the deep, guttural "whoof-whoof" of the Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) flying overhead.
Tip: For the best birdwatching, try to do the walk in the early morning or late afternoon when the "dawn chorus" or "evening song" is at its peak. Walk quietly, and every now and then, stop still for a minute—you’ll be amazed at how many birds appear once they realize you aren’t a threat.
The Canoe Cove Rimu Forest Walk is a true year-round destination. Because it is a forest walk, it offers great protection from the elements.
Lake Kaniere is more than just a pretty spot; it holds significant cultural and historical value. For the local Māori, Ngāi Tahu, the lake and the surrounding forests were part of important seasonal trails used for gathering food and pounamu (greenstone) from the nearby rivers.
During the colonial era, the area was a hub for the timber industry, with many of the massive trees being felled for construction. Fortunately, the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve was established early on, protecting this specific pocket of forest and allowing it to remain as a window into what the entire region once looked like.
Geologically, the lake was formed by glacial action thousands of years ago. It is one of the deepest lakes in New Zealand, reaching depths of nearly 200 metres. This depth contributes to the lake's intense colour and its ability to stay relatively calm, making it a perfect mirror for the surrounding forest.
Once you’ve finished your stroll and soaked in the serenity, you’ll likely be ready for a coffee or a bite to eat. Since you are so close to Hokitika, you have some fantastic options:
The Canoe Cove Rimu Forest Walk is a gentle, soulful experience that connects you with the very best of the West Coast. It’s a reminder that you don’t always have to climb the highest peak to find the most beautiful views. Whether you have 30 minutes or two hours, this little trail is a gem that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Petroica macrocephala
North Island Tomtits are small, curious birds with a bold black and white plumage (males) and a varied diet of insects, spiders, and fruits.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round