Loading...
Hokitika
2.5 km
48 minutes
30 metres
If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Hokitika for a brief moment and dive headfirst into the lush, emerald heart of the West Coast, the Jum Michel Track is calling your name. Tucked away within the serene Lake Māhinapua Scenic Reserve, this track is a local favourite for a reason. It offers a bite-sized encounter with ancient New Zealand, making it the perfect "gentle ramble" for anyone from seasoned hikers looking for a recovery walk to families with little explorers in tow.
Located just a short 10-12 kilometre drive south of Hokitika, this 2.5km loop is more than just a walk; it is a sensory immersion into a world of towering giants and melodic birdsong. Because it is largely flat and takes only about 45 minutes to complete, it’s an incredibly accessible way to experience the magic of a Podocarp forest without needing heavy-duty tramping gear or a full day’s commitment.
Stepping onto the Jum Michel Track feels like walking into a natural cathedral. The trail begins at the northern edge of the Lake Māhinapua Reserve car park, and almost immediately, the sounds of the road fade away, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the distant call of a tūī.
The terrain here is fascinating. While the track is generally flat, you’ll notice gentle undulations beneath your feet. These aren't just random bumps; they are the remnants of ancient sand dunes, now buried under centuries of forest detritus and leaf litter. It’s a subtle reminder of how this landscape has shifted and evolved over millennia.
The path itself is a mix of gravel, sturdy boardwalks, and natural bush tracks. This variety gives the walk an authentic "backcountry" feel while remaining easy enough for most fitness levels. However, do keep in mind that this is the West Coast—the land of rain! After a heavy downpour, sections of the track can become a bit wet and boggy. You might find yourself hopping over a few puddles or navigating a muddy patch, so while you don't need mountaineering boots, a pair of sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes you don't mind getting a little dusty (or muddy) is a good idea.
The loop is cleverly designed. After winding through the dense, shadowy forest, the return leg brings you back along one of the Lake Māhinapua access roads. This provides a lovely change of pace, moving from the enclosed embrace of the trees back into the more open spaces of the reserve, allowing you to see the different layers of the ecosystem.
Parking is available at the northern edge of the carpark at the Lake Māhinapua Reserve. To reach the reserve, turn left onto the Lake Māhinapua access road from SH6, opposite the Lake Māhinapua Hotel, and continue for approximately 300 metres along the gravel road to the recreation area.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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
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
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
100m away
A historic West Coast pub and restaurant, established in 1905, offering a warm atmosphere, hearty pub classics, local beers, wines, and famous whitebait fritters. Features a dog-friendly beer garden.
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!
Loop
The undisputed stars of the Jum Michel Track are the trees. You are walking through an old-growth Podocarp forest, a type of temperate rainforest that was once widespread across New Zealand. Look up, and you’ll see the "big three": miro, mataī, and the legendary tōtara. These trees are hundreds of years old, their trunks thick with moss and their canopies reaching high into the sky.
Finding the Jum Michel Track is a breeze. From Hokitika, head south on State Highway 6 for about 10 minutes. You’ll see the historic Lake Māhinapua Hotel on your right—you can’t miss it; it’s a West Coast icon. Directly opposite the hotel, turn left into the Lake Māhinapua access road.
Follow this gravel road for about 300 metres as it winds toward the recreation area. You’ll find plenty of parking at the northern edge of the car park. The track entrance is well-marked, and the reserve itself is a lovely spot for a picnic if you want to hang around after your walk.
The Lake Māhinapua Scenic Reserve is a sanctuary for birdlife. Because the Jum Michel Track passes through such a healthy, diverse forest, your chances of seeing (and hearing) some of New Zealand’s most iconic birds are very high.
The area around Lake Māhinapua is steeped in history. For Māori, the lake and its surrounding forests were a vital source of food (mahinga kai), particularly for eels (tuna) and birds. The name Māhinapua itself carries stories of the ancestors and the spiritual connection to the land.
In the colonial era, the lake served as an important transport link. Before the coastal roads were fully established, paddle steamers would ferry passengers and goods across the lake as part of the journey between Hokitika and Ross. The forest you are walking through today is a precious remnant of the vast wilderness that once dominated the entire West Coast. Its preservation within the Scenic Reserve ensures that the "Wild West Coast" remains a reality for future generations, not just a story in a history book.
No trip to the Jum Michel Track is complete without a visit to the Lake Māhinapua Hotel. Located just 100 metres from the track entrance, this historic pub has been serving weary travellers since 1905. It is the quintessential West Coast experience.
The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with plenty of local memorabilia on the walls. If you’re hungry, their "hearty pub classics" are exactly what you need after a walk. We highly recommend trying their famous whitebait fritters—a true West Coast delicacy.
While dogs aren't allowed on the Jum Michel Track itself (to protect the vulnerable ground-dwelling birds like the weka), the hotel features a dog-friendly beer garden. So, if you have your furry friend waiting in the car, they can join you for a relaxing drink in the sun while you recount the highlights of your rainforest adventure.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
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
Gallirallus australis
Flightless rail known for bold, inquisitive behaviour. Found mainly in the South Island and some offshore islands.
Best time: Year-round
Ardea alba modesta
A large, elegant white heron, highly revered in Māori culture as a symbol of rarity and beauty.
Best time: Seasonal